Signalling Systems in Railways

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Visual Display Wall in a TMS system?

To display real-time status of track circuits (correct)

To transmit signals to trains

To isolate and seal tracks for maintenance

To log data for diagnostic purposes

What feature of the Train Controller Terminal allows it to suggest optimized control options to the controller?

Automatic Signaling System (ASS)

Automatic Protection System (APS)

Automatic Warning System (AWS)

Decision Support System (DSS) (correct)

What is the purpose of the Train Describer System (TDS) in a TMS?

To assign train describer tags to trains (correct)

To display real-time track layouts

To log data for diagnostic purposes

To transmit signals to trains

What type of monitor is used in the Train Controller Terminal?

LCD monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Line side Electronics Unit (LEU) in the ETCS Level 1 system?

To interface with the signalling system without affecting normal working and safety Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is displayed on the Train Controller Terminal?

Track layouts and signal aspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) in the Train Controller Terminal?

To process graphical data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'infill balises' in the ETCS Level 1 system?

To provide additional information to the train before reaching the signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Trackside equipment in the ETCS Level 1 system?

To perform train detection and train integrity supervision Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of alarm indications on the Visual Display Wall?

To indicate track circuit failures Signup and view all the answers

How does the train receive the next movement authority in the ETCS Level 1 system?

Through spot transmission of data when the train passes over the balise Signup and view all the answers

Who can access live indications on terminals in a TMS system?

Staff at important junction stations, car sheds, and lobbies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calculating the release speed in the ETCS Level 1 system?

To ensure the train stops before reaching the danger point Signup and view all the answers

What are the two levels of brake commands in the ETCS Level 1 system?

Service brake command and Emergency brake command Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the balise in the ETCS Level 1 system?

To pick up signal aspects from the trackside signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fixing arrangement of the balise on the sleeper?

To not require any drilling to the sleeper Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflicts can the system detect?

Usage of the same platform, same routes, and incompatible routes Signup and view all the answers

What happens in case of conflicts?

A solution is generated which consists in the rescheduling of the involved activities Signup and view all the answers

What type of terminals can be provided in a TMS?

Terminals for Signal Fault Controller, Track Controller, and Traction Power Controller Signup and view all the answers

What can be done on a TMS Terminal for Signal Fault Controller?

Remote monitoring of signalling equipment status Signup and view all the answers

What is displayed on a TMS Maintenance Terminal?

Equipment faults, communication failures, and alarms Signup and view all the answers

What can be done from a TMS Maintenance Terminal?

Configuring other terminals and bypassing any node if required Signup and view all the answers

Why are alarms generated on a TMS Terminal for Track Controller?

For equipment failure specific to Track or Traction Power Signup and view all the answers

What can be inputted on a TMS Terminal for Track Controller?

Remarks/information about unusual occurrences e.g. failures & delays to operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of entering train data in ETCS Level 1?

To prevent stopping a train at a level transition to ATP equipped area Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent of ETCS Level 1 in terms of signalling systems?

TPWS Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Data Logger in ETCS Level 1?

To log diagnostic information for maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Line Side Electronic Unit (LEU) in ETCS Level 1?

To transmit data to the balise Signup and view all the answers

Why is isolation arrangement necessary in ETCS Level 1?

To ensure electrical safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Balise Transmission Module (BTM) in ETCS Level 1?

To transmit data from the balise to the on-board equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Trackside equipment in ETCS Level 1?

To generate movement authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Train Interface Unit (TIU) in ETCS Level 1?

To interface with existing brake control systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Data Logging in ETCS systems?

To diagnose faults and provide maintenance information Signup and view all the answers

Which ETCS level relies on trackside conventional means to determine train position and integrity?

Level 1 and Level 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between ETCS Level 2 and ETCS Level 3?

Determination of train position and integrity Signup and view all the answers

In ETCS Level 0, what is used to command level transitions?

Balises Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the trackside equipment in ETCS Level 0?

To detect and supervise train integrity Signup and view all the answers

In which ETCS level is train-borne equipment used to supervise the maximum speed of the train?

Level 0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the underlying signalling system in ETCS Level 0?

To detect and supervise train integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of ETCS Level 1?

Uses balises/loop/Radio Infill to pass movement authorities to the train Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Event Log in the TDS system?

To log important events for later analysis Signup and view all the answers

What type of alarms are generated by the system when a train is not described?

Traffic related alarms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Decision Support System (DSS)?

To provide decision support for dispatchers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the replay function in the Event Log?

To display dynamic status for infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is displayed on the Event Log replay function?

Dynamic status for infrastructure and train number Signup and view all the answers

What type of conflicts can the Train Distance Graph highlight?

Traffic conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the timetable software allows it to adjust future train trips when modifications are made?

Reforecasting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Event Log and Alarm Management System?

To log important events for later analysis and provide alarms Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a train is not described?

A traffic related alarm is generated Signup and view all the answers

How can the timetable graph be edited?

By clicking and dragging operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Decision Support System in case of disruption?

To suggest effect of disruption on train service Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the simulation terminal?

To perform simulation studies and training Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the timetable builder allows it to create a timetable?

Database of infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of advance charting?

To predict train movements in a particular section Signup and view all the answers

What information can be obtained by selecting a particular Train Graph?

Complete train details including crew information and rake details Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Time Table Builder software?

To prepare a timetable based on infrastructure data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the MIS reports in the context of traffic management?

To analyze unusual occurrences and generate reports Signup and view all the answers

What is plotted on the X-axis in the Train Graph feature of the MIS system?

Time Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for operating block instruments in EI stations when the inbuilt block working system is not available?

Station Master Signup and view all the answers

What type of reports are generated by the MIS system for trains running delayed by timetable?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the analytical report on crew link utilization in the MIS system?

To analyze crew resource utilization Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the MIS system allows for the generation of reports on various unusual occurrences?

MIS Reports Signup and view all the answers

Who operates the block instruments in PI/RRI stations?

Station Master Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is provided by the Train Graph feature of the MIS system?

Historical train graphs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conflict detection in TMS?

To detect and resolve conflicts in train schedules Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a conflict is detected in TMS?

The system displays a specific icon on the train graph and generates a solution Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is available on the TMS Terminal for Signal Fault Controller?

Status of signalling equipment at stations and in block sections Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Maintenance Terminal in TMS?

To supervise the network and observe equipment faults Signup and view all the answers

What type of alarms can be acknowledged by the user on the TMS Terminal for Signal Fault Controller?

Signalling equipment failure alarms Signup and view all the answers

What information is available on the TMS Terminal for Track Controller?

Equipment failure alarms specific to track or traction power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the TMS system in terms of conflict resolution?

To detect and resolve conflicts in train schedules Signup and view all the answers

What type of information can be inputted on the TMS Terminal for Track Controller?

Remarks and information about unusual occurrences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Decision Support System (DSS) feature in the Train Controller Terminal?

To identify operational conflicts and suggest optimized control options to the controller Signup and view all the answers

How does the Decision Support System (DSS) feature identify operational conflicts in the TMS system?

By analyzing the track layout and signal aspects in real-time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the Decision Support System (DSS) feature in the TMS system?

Optimized route planning and conflict resolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Event Log and Alarm Management System in the TMS?

To log and manage alarms and events for maintenance and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the timetable software in the TMS system?

To manage and adjust train schedules and routes in real-time Signup and view all the answers

How does the TMS system adjust future train trips when modifications are made to the timetable?

By automatically adjusting the timetable graph Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Train Describer System (TDS) in the TMS?

To associate a train with an alpha-numeric mark called a train describer tag Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the Train Describer System (TDS) in the TMS?

Accurate tracking of trains in sections controlled by TDS Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of brake commands in TCAS?

Emergency, Normal, and Service brake commands Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Driver Machine Interface (DMI) in TCAS?

To display the overall view of the train operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Traffic Management System (TMS)?

To monitor and manage train traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between CTC and TMS?

CTC is a subset of TMS Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Automatic Route Setting (ARS) in TMS?

To avoid repetitive operations by the controller Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT performed by TMS?

Train braking and acceleration control Signup and view all the answers

What type of reports can be generated by TMS?

MIS reports and train graphs Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of TMS?

Train braking and acceleration control Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionality of the Stationary unit of TCAS?

It generates Movement Authority and transmits it to the train via radio. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the on-board computer in TCAS?

It compares the train speed with the permitted speed and commands brake application if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of RFID Tags in TCAS?

To correct the accumulated odometry error. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Stationary unit of TCAS identify TCAS controlled trains?

By the identity of its leading TCAS on-board equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Stationary unit in TCAS?

To generate Movement Authority and transmit it to the train via radio. Signup and view all the answers

What type of track-train communication is provided by TCAS?

Bi-directional track-train communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fixing arrangement of the RFID Tag on the sleeper?

To avoid drilling the sleeper. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary functionality of the DMI of the onboard unit of TCAS?

To provide assistance to Loco Pilots by means of real-time display of the aspect of approaching signal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Indian Railways Automatic Train Protection system?

Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the TCAS system?

To provide train protection by addressing prevention of collisions and control of speed at tracks having speed restrictions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the balises in the ETCS system?

To correct the accumulated odometry error Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system of IRATP?

Detection and Prevention of SPAD, Cab signalling with Display of movement authority, target distance, speed and signal aspect Signup and view all the answers

What are the two levels of brake commands in the ETCS system?

Service brake command and Emergency brake command Signup and view all the answers

What is a Train Collision Avoidance Feature in IRATP?

Head On Collision prevention, Rear End Collision prevention, and Side Collision prevention Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Driver Machine Interface for ETCS?

To be applicable for all the levels of ETCS Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of Track side equipment of IRATP?

RFID Tag and Stationary unit Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ETCS Level 2?

Has regenerative braking as an optional feature Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between ETCS Level 2 and ETCS Level 3?

Level 2 is reserved for future, while Level 3 is currently in use Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of On-board equipment of IRATP?

On Board Computer (OBC), RFID readers, Driver Machine Interface (DMI), and Pulse Generators (Speed Sensors) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the on-board computer in ETCS Level 2?

To compare the train speed with the permitted speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Driver Machine Interface (DMI) in IRATP?

To display warnings and alarms to the driver Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Train Interface Unit (TIU) in IRATP?

To interface with the existing brake control system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Line side signals in ETCS Level 2?

To be suppressed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Braking Distance Calculations for TCAS?

To calculate the braking distance for Advanced Auxiliary Warning System (AAWS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Annexure: 13-A1 in the context of TCAS?

To outline the braking distance calculations for TCAS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Advanced Auxiliary Warning System (AAWS) mentioned in the context of TCAS?

To replace the old generation Auxiliary Warning System (AWS) in suburban sections of Central and Western Railways Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of RDSO specification in the context of TCAS?

It is a reference for those working on Advanced Auxiliary Warning System (AAWS) in suburban sections of Central and Western Railways Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the design and bandwidth planning in the context of TCAS?

To ensure simultaneous data transportation without delay or jitter Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the voice logging facility in the context of TCAS?

To record voice communications for future reference Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Integrated digital voice communication system in the context of TCAS?

To provide voice communication with voice logging facility Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Chapter 13 in the context of TCAS?

It provides information on ATP, ETCS, IRATP (TCAS) & TMS Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ETCS Level 1

Level 1 is a spot transmission system used as an overlay on an underlying signalling system.
Trackside signals are required in Level 1 application.
Track side equipment of Level 1 comprises of:
- Balises
- Line side electronic unit (LEU)
- Communication link (data cable) between the LEU & the balise
On-board equipment of Level 1 comprises of:
- On-board Vital Computer (OBC)
- Data logger for diagnostics
- Driver Machine Interface (DMI)
- Balise Transmission Module (BTM)
- Balise antenna fixed to the under frame
- Speed Sensors (e.g. Pulse Generators, Accelerometers, Radar)
- Train Interface Unit (TIU)
- Interface to existing brake control system
- Power supply arrangement
- Isolation arrangement for isolating the system
The Trackside equipment does not know the train to which it is sending information.
Movement authorities are generated by Trackside equipment and are transmitted to the train via balises.

Balises

Balises pick up signal aspects from the trackside signals via Line side Electronics Unit (LEU) and transmit them to the vehicle as a movement authority along with track description data.
The fixing arrangement of the balise on the sleeper shall be such that it does not require any drilling to the sleeper.
Additional balises ("infill balises") can be placed in rear of signal to transmit infill information, so that the train will receive new information before reaching the signal.

Brake Commands

Level 1 shall have two levels of brake commands:
- Service brake command
- Emergency brake command

Release Speed

A release speed shall be calculated onboard to allow the train to approach the target (i.e. stop signal at ON) with such speed so as to ensure that the train stops before reaching the danger point up-to which train movement is considered safe (i.e., overlap distance beyond the stop signal at ON), based on data received.

TMS Functionalities

Live Indications: Visual display wall, displaying track layouts of stations, auto sections, IBS and interlocked LC Gates of section monitored by TMS, indicating real-time status of track circuited lines, signal aspects, points, LC Gate etc.
Live Indication to Train controller terminals: displaying complete information of yards covered by TMS with details of track circuits, signals, Points, LC gates etc.
Train Describer System (TDS): associates a train with an alpha-numeric mark called a train describer tag, tracking the train in sections controlled by TDS.
Decision Support System (DSS): identifies operational conflicts (like precedence, crossing etc.) in advance and suggests optimized control options to the controller.

ETCS Levels

ETCS has Four Levels:
- Level 0: A level of ATP defined to cover instances when the ATP on-board equipment is operating in an area where the trackside is not fitted with operational ATP equipment.
- Level 1: A level of ATP overlaid onto conventional track side signalling that uses balises/loop/Radio Infill to pass movement authorities to the train whilst relying on conventional means to determine train position and integrity.
- Level 2: A level of ATP that uses radio to pass movement authorities to the train whilst relying on trackside conventional means to determine train position and integrity.
- Level 3: A level of ATP that uses radio to pass movement authorities to the train.Level 3 uses train reported position and integrity to determine if it is safe to issue the movement authority.

Event Log and Alarm Management System

All important events (commands, indications, errors, system information) are logged in a database for later printing and analysis
The replay function shows an history of events, displaying dynamic status for infrastructure, train number, and alarm list
Traffic-related alarms include:
- Train not described
- Unscheduled train stoppage
- Routes not released after passage of train
- Failure of signalling gear
Network-related alarms include:
- Failure of network communication
- Inability to access nodes
- Defective terminals
- Hardware and software failures

Decision Support System (DSS)

Based on constraints and logic provided by railways, the system gives optimized decisions to admit or dispatch trains at entry/exit points
In case of disruption, the system suggests the effect of disruption on train service and provides solutions for running, diversion, cancellation, or regulation of train services
The system can show schedule time and actual time in the same graph with different colors
The system can show mainline trains, suburban trains, goods trains, and special trains in different colors
On clicking/selecting a particular train graph, it gives complete information about train details, including train number, crew information, and rake details
Advance charting: the system can prepare a train graph showing predictive movements of available trains in a particular section in different colors
It is possible to edit the timetable graphically from the train graph display by drag and drop operations
The timetable software automatically performs reforecasting of future train trips when modifications are made by the operator or due to traffic perturbations
The train distance graph highlights traffic conflicts and assists the regulator in identifying and implementing solutions to resolve conflict situations

Simulation Studies on Simulation Terminal

A separate terminal is provided for simulation studies and training purposes
The replay of log, time table editing, and editing of train graph are provided on this terminal

Time Table Builder and Editing

Time table builder, an offline software, prepares a time table based on infrastructure data, such as signal distances, permitted train speeds, signal interlocking, and track circuit lengths
The time table can be modified/edited offline and loaded on the TDS system

Block Working Operation

Block operation for EI stations is done through the CTC controller from OCC
Suitable failsafe provision of inbuilt block operation system in EI is needed for this
For PI/RRI stations, operation of block instruments/block panel may be required to be done by SM at the station

Management Information System (MIS)

MIS reports include:
- Various train control charts
- Punctuality reports
- Actual rake link report
- Rake composition report
- Rake maintenance/overhauling reports
- Analytical reports of unusual occurrences, such as signal failures, OHE breakdown, rake failure, etc.
Train graph is available on specified terminals, showing historical train graph for analysis
System detects conflicts like:
- Usage of the same platform
- Usage of the same routes
- Usage of incompatible routes
- Usage of the same section and same directions
- Usage of the same section and opposite directions
In case of conflicts, TMS displays a specific icon on the train graph and generates a solution for rescheduling involved activities

TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System)

Three levels of brake commands in TCAS: Normal brake command, Service brake command, and Emergency brake command
Simulated Braking Distance Calculations for service and emergency brakes are provided in Annexure: 13-A1

Driver Machine Interface (DMI) of TCAS

A typical overall view of DMI is shown, with features such as:
- Real-time display of the aspect of approaching signal
- Assistance to Loco Pilots by means of real-time display

Traffic Management System (TMS)

TMS carries out the following functions:
- Centralized Operation of Signalling Systems
- Centralized Real-time Monitoring of Train Traffic
- Interfacing and real-time data sharing with COA, Crew management system, PA system at station, ATP, etc.
- Automatic route setting (ARS), Long route setting, and Route stacking command
- Generation of various MIS reports, train graphs, and detection and management of alarms and logs

TCAS Features

Based on inputs received from Signalling interlocking, the Stationary unit of TCAS generates Movement Authority which is transmitted to the train via radio
TCAS provides bi-directional track-train communication
Train movements are supervised continually by the Stationary unit in its territory
The Stationary unit knows each TCAS controlled train individually by the identity of its leading TCAS on-board equipment
Movement authority is transmitted to the vehicle continuously via UHF/GSMR/LTE radio together with speed information and track description data

Safety Concerns

Two major areas of safety concern are:
- LC gate Accidents
- Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD)
TCAS is intended to provide train protection by addressing:
- Prevention of collisions
- Control of speed at tracks having speed restrictions

ATP (Automatic Train Protection) Features of IRATP

Detection and Prevention of SPAD
Cab signalling with Display of movement authority, target distance, speed, and signal aspect
Continuous train control
Protection for speed restriction
Detection of roll back
Blowing horn while approaching Level Crossing Gate

Train Collision Avoidance Features

Head-On Collision prevention
Rear End Collision prevention
Side Collision prevention

Track-side Equipment of IRATP

RFID Tag
Stationary unit
Radio

On-board Equipment of IRATP

On-Board Computer (OBC)
RFID readers
Driver Machine Interface (DMI)
Loco Radio Unit
Pulse Generators (Speed Sensors)
Train Interface Unit (TIU)
Interface to existing brake control system
Power supply arrangement
Isolation arrangement

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Description

This quiz covers the technical aspects of railway signalling systems, including trackside signals, Line Side Electronics Units, and movement authority transmission. It also touches on the integration of signalling systems with other rail systems.