The ETCS Revolution is driving railway modernisation, enhancing interoperability, safety, and efficiency across diverse rail networks.
As ETCS implementation gains momentum globally, its impact on Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) becomes a critical consideration for train builders, integrators, and operators. This blog explores how ETCS influences TCMS design, functionality, and integration, focusing on key areas that drive the evolution of railway systems.
Global Growth of ERTMS
The adoption of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) worldwide has seen steady growth over the past decade, demonstrating the global push to modernise rail infrastructure and enhance interoperability. Between 2010 and 2023, the total length of ERTMS-equipped tracks expanded from 33,668 km to 104,007 km—a threefold increase over 13 years. This consistent growth reflects the rail industry’s commitment to improving operational efficiency, safety, and cross-border compatibility.
Figure 1: Source: https://www.ertms.net/facts-figures/deployment-statistics/
Interfacing with Signalling Systems
ETCS introduces new requirements for the TCMS to interface seamlessly with signalling and communication systems. This necessitates:
- Robust Gateway Solutions: TCMS must incorporate gateways that translate ETCS data into actionable commands for subsystems like braking and traction.
- Real-Time Data Handling: ETCS integration increases the volume of real-time data, requiring TCMS to have advanced processing capabilities.
Integration and Interoperability
- Standardisation: ETCS mandates a standardised interface between the train and trackside, requiring TCMS to adhere to specific protocols and data formats. This ensures seamless operation across different railway networks equipped with ETCS.
- Data Exchange: TCMS systems need to exchange data with the ETCS on-board unit (OBU) regarding train position, speed, and other relevant parameters. This data exchange is crucial for ETCS to function correctly and provide the necessary information to the driver and the system.
Safety and SIL Requirements
ETCS relies on Safety Integrity Level (SIL) certification to ensure its reliability in critical operations. For TCMS, this means:
- Enhanced Safety Applications: TCMS must adapt to meet higher safety requirements.
- Certification Alignment: The development of TCMS software and hardware must align with SIL standards to ensure compliance.
What are EKE doing about this?
With nearly 40 years of experience as a supplier of TCMS and SIL Safety Applications, EKE-Electronics has a proven track record of meeting the evolving demands of the railway industry. We have a modular approach to product design allowing you to create tailored, cost-effective systems.
In relation to the ETCS revolution, our EKE-Trainnet® Gateways can be used as ETCS-TIU Gateway and supports SIL 2 development, with some key modules already precertified. An EKE-Trainnet® ETCS-TIU Gateway can combine a combination of bus technologies, as your needs require, including WTB, MVB, CAN and Serial Links. These gateways will enable the seamless exchange of data between otherwise incompatible technologies, ensuring that new advancements in ETCS can integrate with legacy rolling stock.
