INNOTRANS: With digital signalling infrastructure moving towards a more centralised architecture, Frauscher Sensortechnik has been developing its IP-based Frauscher Advanced Platform to support a range of train detection and control functionality. The concept combines a centralised interlocking logic with distributed modular object controllers using standard software and interfaces.
FAdP uses SIL 4 certified application units combined with a shared connectivity and power infrastructure, so that turnout, train detection and other object controllers can be deployed, managed and upgraded from a common platform, reducing complexity and life-cycle costs. The platform supports EULYNX Baseline 4.2 interfaces as well as generic and customer-specific protocols.
The FAdP object controller hardware and software have been evolved from the fourth generation of Frauscher’s FAdC axle counter range. The FAdP Point turnout controller, launched at InnoTrans 2024, can control up to 20 point machines through one communication interface, using a mix of standard wiring configurations.
The Wabtec subsidiary told Railway Gazette International that both the FAdP Point turnout controllers and FAdC axle counters had been selected for Väylävirasto’s Digirail project in Finland, where the central interlocking and object controllers were tendered separately. Systems integrator Mipro Oy has been testing the equipment coupled to a Siemens Mobility DS3 cloud interlocking and various types of point machine.
The FAdP IO module offers a SIL 4 compliant object controller for use in a variety of lineside applications. This enables the safe transmission of input and output data, supporting the digitalisation of analogue legacy systems while paving the way for a staged transition to modern digital systems. Each unit can handle eight safe inputs, eight safe outputs as well as four additional non-safety-critical outputs; up to 20 IOUs can be combined into one system with a single connection.
The latest development is FAdP TDS, which will bring train detection onto the FAdP platform. Intended to be SIL4 compliant, this will deliver axle counting without the need for dedicated signalling cables; every wheel sensor will be connected to the Ethernet infrastructure using a single two-wire connection providing both power and communications. At the platform level, FAdP TDS shares the same power, connectivity and security modules with FAdP Point and FAdP IO, saving space in lineside cabinets, cutting energy consumption and reducing the complexity of integration.
Frauscher reports that it is currently testing the chaining of multiple sensors, explaining that it is working towards a long-distance interface extending up to 6 km over a single two-wire connection.
Source: rg
