TCMS: Train Control and Management System
The EKE-Trainnet® Train Control and Management System (TCMS) provides centralised control and monitoring of all key train sub-systems.
By integrating control and management into a single system, EKE-Trainnet® streamlines the Train Communication Network (TCN), enhancing efficiency while reducing development and maintenance costs. Its centralised architecture supports automation and advanced diagnostics, improving reliability and enabling faster response times.
Similar to a Monitoring and Diagnostics System (MDS), TCMS provides comprehensive control and management for railway systems.
Build TCMS from the following systems
EKE-Electronics’ modular approach allows you to combine the following systems into your perfect TCMS. Each system can be built from our range of modules to meet your exact requirements. By simply selecting the interfaces you need, you make sure the system answers all your demands while being cost-efficient. Systems can be easily upgraded with additional modules as needs arise.
Customise Systems with Interchangeable Modules
Each system consists of interchangeable modules, ensuring easy repairs, upgrades and customisation.
Build Your Own Applications
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS is a powerful and highly flexible system built on an open-source Linux platform powered by CODESYS®. It allows you to develop custom applications and integrate third-party hardware and software seamlessly.
EKE-Electronics offers expertise in fully or partially developing software on your behalf. Alternatively, we provide training, tools, and guidance to support your development efforts.
Train Communication Network: The core of TCMS
The core of the EKE-Trainnet® TCMS is the EKE-Trainnet® Train Communication Network (TCN) compliant with IEC 61375 Series. The EKE-Trainnet® TCN is the infrastructure enabling the exchange of information throughout the train. It connects all the train sub-systems together via a common network (or several when requested), enabling centralised control.
It typically includes a Vehicle Bus for intra-vehicle communication and a Train Bus for train-wide information exchange. Standard technologies like WTB (Wire Train Bus) and MVB (Multifunction Vehicle Bus) are commonly used, with other options like CAN and Serial Links also employed for vehicle buses. Ethernet-based technologies, such as the Ethernet Train Backbone (ETB) and Ethernet Consist Network (ECN), are gaining popularity, both in train control and monitoring applications, for their larger bandwidth and flexibility in train-wide networks.
In practice, the TCN consists of train computers, commonly referred to as Gateways, connected to each other as well as to train sub-systems. EKE-Trainnet® TCN Gateways support multiple interface technologies including WTB, MVB, CAN, Serial Links and Ethernet.
Enabling the simultaneous use of multiple bus technologies, the Train Communication Network is ideal for both new train builds and train modernisation and refurbishment projects. This flexibility allows a customised, cost effective system with a single integrated network or multiple independent networks, seamlessly connecting all train subsystems.
The EKE-Trainnet® TCN enables you to create a centralised system with complete control across the entire network, accessible from any location. Unlike traditional systems that rely on a single central computer for applications and event logs, the Train Communication Network distributes key information and instructions across the network. Each car can independently run its own applications, logging faults and alarms, ensuring that in the event of a computer failure, the functionality and logs of other coaches remain intact. This decentralised approach enhances system reliability and minimises downtime.
Examples of Train Communication Network architecture
EKE-Trainnet® solutions are highly versatile, allowing for the implementation of various Train Communication Network (TCN) architectures to meet different operational and technical requirements. Below are examples of possible architectures, illustrating the range of configurations we can provide. These examples do not cover every possibility but demonstrate the flexibility and scalability of our solutions.
Cybersecurity for TCMS Solutions
Effective cybersecurity for TCMS is essential to safeguard critical rail infrastructure and operations from potential cyber threats that could disrupt services or cause accidents. It ensures the protection of sensitive data related to TCMS operations from unauthorised access and breaches.
Cybersecurity for legacy TCMS systems is becoming an increasingly critical concern, as older technologies were not designed with today’s cyber threats in mind. While these systems have provided reliable service, their architecture often lacks the necessary security features to protect against modern risks.
EKE-Electronics offers its TCMS users WTB and MVB traffic monitoring, enabling the capture of all traffic present on the network without affecting the topology, as it functions as a read-only device. It transmits all captured traffic to an external system via Ethernet/UDP, allowing the data to be analysed using a protocol analyser like WireShark.
Our cybersecurity capabilities are designed to detect a wide range of anomalies and threats. We can identify communication disturbances, such as devices that are constantly transmitting or multiple devices replying to a single request. Our system is also capable of detecting illegal MVB devices that may use message data, ensuring that only authorised devices are communicating. Additionally, we can identify invalid data by verifying data items against known allowed ranges, providing an extra layer of security to protect your network.
It is possible to analyse both WTB and MVB simultaneously. In addition, multiple MVBs can be monitored at the same time.
Why Choose EKE-Electronics for your TCMS?
Our TCMS supports SIL 2 development, with some key modules already pre-certified. Its modular design allows you to select only the features you need, creating a cost efficient, flexible and versatile solution with a simplified architecture.
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS enables automation of train sub-systems by collecting, analysing, and processing data in real time. It can issue logical commands and warnings, ensuring seamless communication between sub-systems. Critical information is automatically shared with the train driver, train captain, remote operators, and passengers, enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness.
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS is a versatile train computer which can be used in several applications. EKE-Trainnet® enables these applications to run on the same train computers that are used for Gateway functionalities, providing a more compact and cost-effective solution. Physically separated train computers can also be implemented, sometimes referred to as Vehicle Control Units (VCU).
The outstanding quality and the unique design of EKE-Trainnet® products guarantee unparalleled reliability. EKE-Trainnet® products minimise the need for maintenance while maximising train availability, providing a long-term cost benefit for operators. We provide support for more than 30 years to ensure that our customers are satisfied during the entire lifetime of their project.
