Wheel slide protection system
In the 2/2008 and 4/2008 newsletters, we presented information about the technology and the TÜV certification of the new wheel slide protection device (CDT-731-TG). The first vehicles equipped with this device are now in service.
The SIL3 (EN 61508) wheel slide protection module CDT 731-TG has entered service with the Südostbahn and Transport Public Fribourgeois, as well as in the Bern-Solothurn and the Helsinki regional networks, and has also been used in the BLS Wagen retrofit. Different vehicle and axle configurations were used in each of these cases. Feedback from customers regarding the CDT module has been very positive, thus opening the way for the system to be expanded and for the application for UIC homologation.
This challenge can only be overcome with the support of the railway industry and the operating companies. We wish to express our gratitude in advance to everyone who will be helping us to continue along this path with a consistent and motivated approach.

New release of Symphony® 5.3 on the Selectron website
Release 5.3 of the Symphony® programming tools from Selectron is now available and the tools can be downloaded from our website. The most important key functions are:

• Configurable detection of "Back Jumps" and "Unused Variables".
• Improved integration of "Visual Source Safe" and "Subversion", and better support for ULibs in separate projects.
• Automatic MOS update during the download of a project (external call on WDLD no longer needed).
• Automatic naming of FBD instances in the FBD editor.
• Sorting variables in the header by clicking on Class, Identifier, Type, Initial or Comment

New EMR series monitoring relays from Selectron
EMR series monitoring relays in installation design are the result of a logical further development to the successful EMR series. The new devices in installation design will appeal to customers because of the newly developed housing front panel with optimum use of the frontal dimensions provided by the structural width of 17.5 mm or 35 mm.

Up to 5 controls in combination with LEDs
The recessed dials prevent inadvertent adjustment and phase out the adjustment controls that have been used up to this point. In combination with ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection for the LEDs, this adds up to the greatest possible reliability and easy operation. The terminals offset to the side make it possible to access the terminals on the lower level even when the wires have been connected. The large terminal space and the protective cover make wiring up much more straightforward. All standard monitoring relays have a wideband input (supply voltage).

The following monitoring functions are available:

• 1 or 3-phase voltage monitoring
• Phase sequence and asymmetry monitoring
• Current monitoring
• Temperature monitoring

Example based on type EMR IU11D
This relay can be used for monitoring the direction of rotation or for undervoltage and window monitoring. It is also possible to detect phase failures.

Furthermore, a triggering delay of 0.1 s to 10 s can be set. The device has a changeover contact as an output in order to signal malfunctions or to set direct switching operations. When the relay is picked up, this indicates the voltage and phase sequence are OK. The output relay drops out if there is a fault. The permitted switching thresholds (min. and max.) can be set to between 70% and 120% of the rated voltage or between 80% and 130% of the nominal voltage.
An asymmetrical phase load causes the neutral point to be shifted if there is a neutral conductor breakage in the power cable. The neutral conductor breakage is detected by the set switching threshold. If one of the phase voltages exceeds the set switch-off threshold (min. or max.) then the set delay time starts to count down and the output relay drops out.
The combination of voltage monitoring and direction recognition in one device offers a wide range of possible applications such as in mobile systems for detecting a neutral conductor breakage and for connecting the individual phases correctly.

Retrofit project in Rumania
Selectron has scored its first market successes amongst the eastern European countries that have recently acceded to the European Union. One of these is an interesting retrofit project in Romania, carried out in close cooperation with SC TEHMIN-BRASOV SRL.

SC TEHMIN-BRASOV SRL was involved in the retrofit project on type S700 and S900 rail vehicles. SC TEHMIN-BRASOV SRL functioned as the prime contractor for the entire electrical system in the project, e.g. control electronics, TCMS electronics, wiring diagrams, technical specifications including implementing and installing the switchgear concept and integrating all the systems needed in these vehicles. Based on current information, up to 50 rail vehicles of both types are being converted.

The type S900 vehicle has two axles, while the type S700 has two bogies.

The modernisation involved not only mechanical work but also replacing the old diesel engines and gearboxes, which also meant that a new electrical installation was necessary.

The order placed with SC TEHMIN-BRASOV SRL was to provide support with procuring a control and diagnostic system. The system has been structured so that up to four rail vehicles of the same type can be controlled by a single driver.

The following functions are to be provided:

• Speed monitoring of the diesel engines
• Monitoring of the vehicle direction switching
•  Monitoring of lights and sanding
• Recording of speed information
• Recording, monitoring and displaying various parameters for the train driver, e.g. diesel engine rpm, speed reduction at the gearbox output, battery voltage and many more besides
• Diagnosis for the diesel engine and other vehicle systems;
  

The train control and monitoring system (TCMS) is chiefly based on components from the MAS-T line from Selectron Systems AG. The MMIs were supplied by another company.

The subassemblies of the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) are distributed amongst the switch cabinet in the cab and the driver's desks in the particular cabs (MMIs).
The network is based on the master/slave principle with a control unit type CPU 727-T, digital inputs/outputs (type DIT 701-T, DOT 701-T) and analog inputs (type AIT 701-T).
Another control unit (type CPU 723-T) provides the J1939 protocol that is used for controlling and monitoring the diesel engines and has been standardised for this application. There is one HMI per cab as an interface with the train driver.

At present, two vehicles are connected together by the CAN Powerline train bus coupler.

The HMIs handle the system diagnosis for the entire train unit.

The tachometer is connected via RS485/RS232 for connecting and diagnosing the speed information.

At present, two S700 and fourteen S900 rail vehicles have been converted and delivered to the SNTFC CFR Calatori SA (Rumanian National Railways) for testing.

The CAP 1131 software tool from the Symphony® family for programming the CPUs is a tried-and-tested utility and can be used very straightforwardly for programming the entire application.

The train bus is based on the CANopen protocol.

It is not just Selectron-specific function units that have been implemented; even the third-party devices such as HMIs could be integrated into the CANopen network very easily using a special function block. A function block was available for integrating the diesel engines via the J1939 network protocol. This made the programming and commissioning very quick and efficient.

Train bus communication with CAN-Powerline represents a very good alternative to the WTB.

The operating company reports that its experience gained from operations to date has been entirely positive.

The Application Engineering team – Your contacts for handling your projects

Tiberio Ferrari, Stefan Stähli, Tomislav Radjenovic, Omar Berri, Thomas Jakob, Alexandre Léchenne (team leader)

You decide which services you want to have from the Application Engineering team: Consulting, system design, drawing up technical specifications, software design, system integration, development of software libraries and/or the application software, documentation or complete project management right through to commissioning. We offer you solutions that are precisely tailored to your requirements, from train control and monitoring modules and (sub-)project handling through to engineering for complete and comprehensive TCMS solutions.

All of our specialists are university graduates in electrical engineering, IT and/or communication technology and can serve you in German, French, English, Italian and Spanish. Specific technical expertise, product knowledge and a blend of practical engineering gained over many years with knowledge of the latest technological trends (Ethernet, wireless LAN, Bluetooth) are characteristic features of the team. The team member who joined us most recently is Tomislav Radjenovic. He came to us from Berne Technical University in February 2009 and is currently learning the ropes.

15 Selectron employees, some with their partners, took part in the Selectron winter weekend on 14 and 15 February. After arriving in Hasliberg on Saturday morning, we loaded our bags onto our shoulders and took the gondola lift to the "Käserstatt" mountain station. Then, we skied down to the Hasliberg Ski Club's chalet on the Balisalp.
Regrettably, the weather was not very good on Saturday. It was foggy and snowing, although this didn't stop anyone from enjoying "free-riding" in the freshly fallen and wonderful powder snow.
In the afternoon, we settled down in the snow bar at the "Käserstatt" mountain station on the way back to the chalet, to indulge in some après ski refreshments. The dinner that evening was a fondue. Lubricated by the beer we had brought along, the evening saw the party of snow enthusiasts in very good humour.
After a Sunday breakfast with Hasliberger (a mountain cheese made in the Berne Canton and matured for at least 2 years), we soon hit the pistes again. This time, the sun was shining brightly from a deep azure sky and the conditions were absolutely perfect (almost like heli-skiing in Canada!). In the afternoon, we got together to put our feet up and soak up some rays on the terrace in front of the ski chalet before setting off for home as the evening fell.
Despite the disappointing weather on the Saturday, it was a great ski weekend with a relaxed atmosphere and the best snow conditions.

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