KERNEX MICROSYSTEMS

A Presentation on

Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

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TCAS Project

• TCAS Development project was awarded to 3

Companies, as below:

 Package A- 140 KM awarded to Medha

 Package B- 70 KM awarded to Kernex

 Package C- 40 Km awarded to HBL

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TCAS Project - location map

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Package B (Kernex Scope) - location map

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Main Objectives of TCAS

• Safety
 Prevention of SPAD
 Control of Speed at PSR/TSR
 Facility of SOS
 Prevention of Collision during NI Working
• Operational
 Simple Operation by Loco Pilot
 Continuous Update to ensure no Loss of Line Capacity
• Limited Trackside Equipment

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Major Sub-Units of TCAS
• Station Units located in stations
• Loco Units located in locomotives
• IBS/LC Units located in block sections
• Centralized monitoring system
• Test benches at Loco Sheds

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TCAS Block Diagram

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 TCAS

Architecture & Components

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Typical Deployment Plan
(GPS)

Station TCAS Station TCAS

Loco 1

RFID Loco 2 Loco 3

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Loco TCAS - Schematic

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Loco TCAS major Sub-systems
• Dual Microprocessor based control system, along with dual
redundant radio modems, RF Tag Readers and GPS
Receivers
• Interface to the existing speedometer
• Event Logging sub-system along with blue-tooth data
uploading/down loading facility and redundant GSM I/F.
• Two Loco pilot Operation cum indication panel (LPOCIP) –
for Loco pilot and Asst. Loco pilot
• Braking interface unit (BIU)
• Dual Isolated Power Supply unit

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Loco TCAS Architecture

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 Loco TCAS – Architectural Features
• Two redundant Microcontrollers (MIE 1 & MIE 2) working in “2
out of 2” mode to achieve high level of safety.
• All modules are connected through redundant CANBUS.
• Two redundant Microcontrollers (MIE 3 & MIE 4) as
communication processors.
• Two redundant Microcontrollers for peripheral interface.
• Separate Event logger for major events logging and storing for
90 days.
• Two UHF full-duplex Radio Communication Equipment with
hot standby and associated antennae:
 Frequency for Transmission by Loco : 441.8 MHz
 Frequency for Reception by Loco : 466.8 MHz
 Transmission by Loco for emergency (SOS) Communication
: 466.8MHz

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 Loco TCAS – Architectural Features ( Contd..)
• Dual Redundant GPS units are interfaced with Loco TCAS to get
synchronization for TDMA as well as to act as standby when
speedometer fails.
• Radio Antennae & GPS receiver antennae are permanently fixed
on the rooftop of the locomotive and connected to the Loco Unit
through RF cables.
• Dual Redundant RF-ID readers for finding Track Identification
Number (TIN) and Absolute location.
• Dual Redundant GSM/GPRS modems for health check and
transfer of failures to CMS.
• Bluetooth device for data up-loading and down loading.
• USB port for Event down loading.
• Loco Unit interfaced externally with Braking Interface Unit (BIU).
• Multi level Braking system, with the help of a proportional valve.

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 Loco Pilot Operation cum Indication Panel
• Two LP-OCIPs (Operation cum Indication Panel) provided for
Loco pilot and Asst. pilot interaction with TCAS.

• Functions performed:
1. Speed indication in analog and digital forms
2. Display of immediate signal aspect
3. Target distance and movement authority in meters
4. Generation of SOS
5. Selection of Leading/ Non leading of loco
6. Light engine/ Formation selection
7. Display of system health

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Loco Pilot Operation cum Indication Panel

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 Breaking Interface Unit (BIU )

• Based on Proportionate Valve – Brake pipe pressure will be

proportional to the input voltage
• Separate Light engine brake
• Separate Dedicated valve for emergency brake
• Does not interfere with the brake action of the Loco Pilot
• No continuous leakage of air after achieving the required
pressure.

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RF Tag placement in Station

To be provided by Ajaiah

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 Station TCAS major Sub-systems

• Dual Microprocessor based control system, along with dual

redundant radio modems and GPS Receivers
• Event Logging System along with blue-tooth data uploading
/down loading facility and redundant GSM Interface and OFC
Interface.
• Station Master operation cum indication panel
• Station yard layout and status panel (21”)
• Dual Redundant Power Supply unit
• Battery and Battery charger
• 30 meter Tower for radio modem.

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Station TCAS Architecture

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Station TCAS Architectural Features
• Two Microcontrollers (MIE 1 & MIE 2) working in “2 out of 2”
mode to achieve safety of desired functionality.
• All modules are connected through redundant CANBUS.
• Two redundant Microcontroller (MIE 3 & MIE 4) working on
for radio communication and display.
• Event logger for major event logging and storage for 30 days
• Two UHF full-duplex Radio Communication Equipment with
hot standby and associated antennae
 Frequency of Transmission by Station : 466.8 MHz
 Frequency of Reception by Station: 441.8 MHz
• Two GPS units are interfaced with Station TCAS
• Radio Antennae & GPS receiver antennae are permanently
fixed on the preinstalled 30 mtr towers.
• Two GSM/GPRS modems for transfer of failures to CMS.

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Station TCAS Architectural Features ( Contd..)
• Station-OCIP (Operation cum Indication Panel) provided for
station master.

• Existing fail safe signal, point status relay interface contact

input reading.

• 21’’ LCD monitor for yard display.

• Bluetooth device for data Transfer.

• Battery with battery charger cum power supply to provide

up to 24 hrs.

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 IBS/LC TCAS
• Intermittent block Station/ Level crossing gate TCAS is similar
to Station TCAS Unit, but with less no. of Inputs / outputs.

• No user interface

• Acts like a base station

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 Centralized Management System
Railnet
GSM
Network
Loco 1
Web
Reports

Loco 2 Loco 3 Central

Management
System
Web
Reports
LAN Network

Station A Station B Station C Station N

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Station/IBS/LC TCAS - Schematic

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Trackside RFID Tags
• RFID Tags Provided at
 Start/End of TCAS Territory
 One Kilometer on Straight Track
 At Turnouts to detect diversions and Infringements
 Block Entry – foot of Last Stop Signal
 Station Entry – at the end of the Block Overlap at the
Station
 Foot of Signal

• Each Location with Pair of Tags for Redundancy

• Rigid Fixture with Clamps on Sleepers

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 TCAS

System Functions

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ATP Functions
•In-Cab Signaling
•Detection and Prevention of SPAD
•Display of Distance of Signal and Movement
Authority
•Loop Line Speed Control
•Speed Control at PSR/TSR

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Collision Prevention Scenarios
• Prevention of Head-On Collision
• Prevention of Rear-End Collision
• Prevention of Collision due to Unusual Stoppage in
Block Section
• Detection of Train Parting with External Input
• Manual SOS Generation Feature in Station TCAS
• Manual SOS Generation Feature in Loco TCAS
• Detection of Roll back

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Supporting Functions
• Full Duplex Radio Communication
• Location with RFID and Existing Tachometer
• Automatic and Manual Brake Test
• No Database in Locomotive TCAS Unit
• Automatic Train Length Measurement Feature
• Station to Station Communication for Additional
Layer Block Protection

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Modes of Operations
• Normal Mode
• Controlled Mode (when any vital system fails)
• Restricted Mode (15 Kmph operation)
• Staff Responsible mode (Manual mode)
• Coupled / banking operation
• Trip and Post Trip Modes
• On-Sight Mode
• Reverse Mode (to move in reverse direction)
• Shunting mode

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Features of TCAS
• Full Duplex Radio Communication
• Location determination with RFID and existing Tachometer
• Automatic and Manual Brake Test
• No Database in Locomotive TCAS Unit ; hence operation,
handling of yard layout changes will be easy.
• Automatic Train Length Measurement Feature
• Station to Station Communication for Block Protection (as
additional layer)
• Time synchronization of complete network through GPS

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Features of TCAS ( Contd..)
• Handling of New Train Formation
• RFID based Track Id & Location Determination
• Multi Level Braking Interface
• Provision of Controlled Mode (Manual mode) Operation
• TDMA based Communication protocol
• Startup/Online Diagnostics
• Event Logging
• Central Monitoring through GSM / GPRS network for
maintenance
• Data up-loading & down loading through ‘Bluetooth’.

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Environmental Specifications
• Operating Temperature: -10 to +70 deg. C
• Relative Humidity : 95% (non-condensing)
• Vibration : 3 g for Loco; 2 g for Station & LC
• Mechanical Shock : 20 g peak for 11 msec. (non-operating)
• Bump : 40 g peak in packed conditions
• MTBF (Planned)
 - Loco unit: 20,000 hrs
 - Station Unit: 60,000 hrs

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Present Status
• Installed Station TCAS in Nawandgi and Kurukunta stations
• Installed Loco TCAS in one electric and one diesel loco
• KMIL participated in several field trials to study / verify
• Radio communication
• RFID readers and tags
• Inter-operability with other vendors equipment between
stations Tandur, Mantatti, Nawandgi and Kurukunta.
• Various control logics including SPAD
• Prototype testing completed. (Same was used for site trials
since Jan 14.)
• Independent Safety assessor (ISA) clearance for Hardware
design completed.

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 Present Status ( Contd..)

• System documents under review by ISA.

• Soil test for Tower erection completed.
• Approval for Tower locations in stations and LCs from SCR
obtained.
• Tower design with CPRI approval completed.
• Relay room wiring in Station- approval from SCR obtained.
• Unit level manufacturing in progress.
• Software documents under review by ISA.
• Software Functional logics developed and tested during site
trials.

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 TCAS

Scenarios

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Detection & Prevention of SPAD
• Approaching Signal Aspect is Transmitted by Station TCAS to
Loco TCAS
• Loco TCAS Displays Signal Aspect on LP-OCIP
• In case Driver fails to apply brakes to reduce the speed/stop
the train, TCAS Applies brakes to stop the train.
• On Change of Signal Aspect to green, brakes will be released

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In Cab Signaling
• Station TCAS gets inputs from Signaling and transmits the
same to the approaching Loco TCAS
• The Signal Aspect of the next approaching signal is displayed
on the LP-OCIP
• Movement authority is also displayed along with the signal
aspect on the LP-OCIP
• On Crossing the Signal, Next Signal Aspect and Movement
authority is automatically updated on the LP-OCIP

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Display of Signal & Movement Authority

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Loop Line Speed Control
• Station TCAS gets inputs from Signaling and transmits the
route Information to the approaching Loco TCAS
• In case the route is set to Loop Line and the Loco Pilot does
not apply brakes to achieve speed limit, Loco TCAS applies
brakes to regulate to the Loop Line speed Limit
• If Loco Pilot applies brakes, then Loco TCAS will not apply
brakes as speed is monitored dynamically

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Prevention of Head-On Collision
• Two trains approach each other in Block section on the same
Track is sensed.
• Station TCAS Transmits the HOC Condition to both Locos
• Both Locos individually deduce HOC Condition based on
Emergency Broadcast
• Brakes are applied to both the Locos and brought to a stop

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Prevention of Rear-End Collision
• Two trains approach each other in Block section on the same
Track is sensed.
• Station TCAS Transmits the REC Condition to both Locos
• Both Locos individually deduce REC Condition based on
Emergency Broadcast
• Brakes are applied to the Rear Loco and brought to a stop

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Unusual Stoppage in Block Section
• One Train Stopped in Block Section either due to Derailment
or for any other Reason is sensed by Station TCAS
• Station TCAS Transmits the Unusual Condition to the other
Loco entering the Block Section
• Unusual Stoppage Emergency Broadcast also is sensed by the
approaching Loco
• Brakes are applied to the Approaching Loco and regulates to
15 Km/h
• In case there is no obstruction, Loco Pilot can increase the
speed after crossing the stopped Train

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Manual SOS from Station
• There is a provision on SM OCIP for generating emergency
condition
• SM can Press the Manual SOS buttons
• All trains within the range of 3000m applies EB and stops
• Loco Pilots of the trains can press the Manual Override and
pilot the train at 15 Km/h
• On Cancellation of Manual SOS in the Source Loco, Speed
restriction is removed

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Manual SOS from Loco
• There is a provision on LP OCIP for generating emergency
condition
• Loco Pilot can Press the Manual SOS buttons
• All trains within the range of 3000m applies EB and stops
• Loco Pilots of other the trains can press the Manual Override
and pilot the train at 15 Km/h
• On Cancellation of Manual SOS in the Source Loco, Speed
restriction is removed

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Prevention of Collision due to Train Parting

• Using External Sensor for Train Parting, Loco TCAS detects

train parting condition
• Train Parting Message is sent to the Station TCAS as well as
transmitted in the Emergency Communication Slots
• Any Loco TCAS approaching the Parted Loco TCAS applies
brakes to regulate the speed to 15 km/h
• Driver can look out for infringement and can go at full speed
on crossing the Parted Train

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Train Length Calculation

• Loco Unit Stores its position and speed in FIFO

• Station TCAS transmits the Start marker time stamp T1 to Loco
TCAS (in millisecond accuracy)
• Station TCAS transmits the End marker time stamp T2 to the
Loco TCAS (in millisecond accuracy)
• Based on the start and end time and the speed at which Loco
is traveling, Loco TCAS calculates the Train Length

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Train Length Calculation
Event “Start“ Event “End“

Train Length

Event “Start“
Event “End“

Frame #n Frame #n+1 Frame #n+2 Frame #n+3 Frame #n+4

t (Start) t (END)
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Auto Brake Test & Manual Brake Test

• When Loco reaches a speed of more than 50 Km/h and is

accelerating, Loco TCAS applies NB through Braking Interface
Unit (BIU)
• Speed is reduced by 20 Km/h
• Based on the time taken, Deceleration constant (DC) of the
train is calculated and stored for any future brake application.
• Default DC is taken as 0.2 m/s2
• Calculated DC is extrapolated for application of FSB and EB
• Manual Brake Test is applied in Loco sheds to test the
functioning of BIU

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 TCAS

Architectural Features and

Safety Certification

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TCAS Architectural Features
• Two redundant Microprocessors/controllers (MIE 1 & MIE 2)
working in “2 out of 2” mode to achieve safety of desired
functionality
• Two redundant Microprocessor/controller (MIE 3 & MIE 4)
working on for radio communication and display.
• Two full-duplex Radio Modems with hot standby and
associated antennae
• One GPS unit is interfaced with Loco TCAS to get time
synchronization for TDMA as well as to act as standby when
speedometer fails.
• Radio Antennae & GPS receiver antennae are permanently
fixed on the rooftop of the locomotive and connected to the
Loco TCAS through RF cables.

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TCAS Architectural Features Contd..

• Interfaced with two RF-ID readers for finding Track ID.

• Interfaced with two GSM/GPRS modems for transfer of
failures to CMS.
• Interfaced with two LP-OCIP’s (Operation cum Indication
Panel) which are mounted on the Driver’s pedestal for easy
access and visibility to the Driver.
• Interfaced with Bluetooth device for data Transfer.
• Loco TCAS interfaced externally with Automatic Braking Unit
(ABU) for Normal Brake, Full Service Brake and Emergency
Brake
• Interfaced with 2 Field Input Modules (FIM) for Inputs.
• Interfaced with 2 Field output Modules (FOM) for outputs.

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TCAS Architectural Features Contd..

• Loco TCAS interfaced with existing odometer’s pulse

generator to compute location data.
• Loco TCAS also interfaces with Inter-Cock Switch (ICS) to
determine coupling / banking mode of train operations
• Logging of eventlogs by eventlog module, which can be
downloaded through Bluetooth.
• 1 Battery with battery charger to provide up to 30 min power
backup.
• 2 Hot Standby redundant power supply modules to provide
power supply to all the modules of Loco TCAS Unit

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Safety Certification
• Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) done by ERTL, Kolkata
• Hardware Design is Verified to provide required Safety
• Software Design is Verified to provide required Safety
• System is Validated Independently to ensure proper
functionality
• Design and Safety Documents are Verified to meet required
Safety Level
• On completion of assessment, Certification is done

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 TCAS

Radio Communication

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Radio Communication
• Full Duplex Communication
• Stationary Units Transmit on Frequency ‘F1’ and Receive on
‘F2’
• Locomotive Units Transmit on Frequency ‘F2’ and Receive on
‘F1’
• In Emergency Situations, Loco Units also transmit in ‘F1’ and
tune back to ‘F2’ for Listen.
• Uses Time Division Multiplexing (TDMA) for Communication

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 Communication Time Frame

Timeslot 1 2 3 7 45 4 55 56 6 6 7 75 7 8 86
Position 6 6 8 2 9 1
Marker
S1 S S S6 S7 S S9
Tx by 1094 Bits
4 5
1094
8
Stationary ( Bits ( 3504 3504 3504 3504

304
304

304
304

304

304

304

496
496
496

496

496
Bits Bits Bits

96

96

96

96
48
96
96

96

48
Repeater/ Repea Bits
(f1) End ter/En
Cabin) d
M M M3 M4 M4 M4 M5 M5 M6 M6 M7 MTP M7 M7
Cabin)
1 5 9 0 4 5 3 4 2 3 1 2 6
2704
Tx by
Bits
304
304

304

304

304

304

304

304

304

304

304
304

304
496

496

304

304
Train
48
96
96

96

96

96

96

48
(f2)
MR3 MR4 ME3 ME4
Tx by Train
( Addl SOS/
304
496
304

496
304

304
496
Emergency
Tx)
(f1)

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 TCAS

Position Determination

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Position Determination
• Loco TCAS is fitted with two RF Readers.
• RF Tags are fitted on the sleeper
• On Crossing RF Tag, Loco TCAS gets Absolute Position
• From tachometer Speed, position is accumulated
• GPS is used as fall back, in case of tachometer failure
• Tag Crossed + distance traveled is Transmitted to Station TCAS
• Station TCAS Calculates position of Train based on Absolute
Position of Tag + Distance Traveled

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THANK YOU
Kernex Microsystems (India) Limited
‘THRUSHNA’, PLOT NO 7, A.P.I.I.C LAYOUTS
HI-TECH CITY, MADHAPUR, HYDERABAD – 500081
Tel: +91-40-23113192-94, Fax: +91-40-23113191;
URL: www.kernex.in

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