Signalling systems and technology for railways

• Describe the interrelation between traffic management systems, signal equipment, interlocking systems and on-board train protection systems.
• Clarify the safety principles in railway operations
• Clarify the safety principles in signalling systems
• Explain the principles behind Train Detection (Track Clear Detection) and how it is used in signalling systems.
• Describe the purpose and functionality of an interlocking system for a station.
• Apply design rules for signalling, interlocking and train protection systems.
• Analyse requirements and design accordingly infrastructure elements for railway signalling and interlocking in specific contexts (i.e. railway station or open line).
• Explain ERTMS and illustrate the differences from previous signalling systems.
• Describe the principles of GSM-R (GSM-Railways) communication technology.
• Analyse requirements for GSM-R based radio coverage, for stations or open lines, and design the necessary GSM-radio elements.
• Describe the principles of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, assessing differences and similarities with other systems (i.e. ERTMS).

The course introduces the theoretical background and history of railway signalling systems. The theoretical part of the course introduces the signal equipment, interlocking systems and their instrumental relation to traffic control. Different types of signalling systems will be introduced, including The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). During the course and correlated with the theoretical presentations, focus will be put on the design and evaluation of signalling systems through periodic required exercises. The course will include guest-lecturers from operators and industry. A field trip (to study infrastructure elements and traffic control) could be integrated in the plan, but can not be guaranteed a priori, since it depends on external stakeholders possibilities.

11404/62276/62622

Lectures and mandatory exercises.