Selectron will be taking part in the suissetraffic show in Berne from 11 to 14. November 2009, displaying new technologies and new equipment relating to the following topics:

• High-performance vehicle control and monitoring units / vehicle controllers 
• Integration of train control and monitoring systems and communication networks via WTB, CAN-Powerline and Ethernet
• Comprehensive wheel slide protection system with control unit, rotary encoder and wheel slide protection valve

Visite us in Hall 210, Stand B100-23.

High-performance vehicle control and monitoring unit with various interfaces available soon
Selectron is presenting a new, flexible vehicle control and monitoring unit (CPU 831-TG) which offers very high performance and a wide variety of networking options. The applications include rail vehicles such as regional railcars, locomotives, passenger rolling stock, trams, metros, construction vehicles, etc. The module is also designed for controlling very complex, multi-unit rail vehicle units as well as high-speed trains.

The control system can be used in both centralized and distributed system concepts. A wide variety of signal conditioning modules such as digital inputs/outputs, pulse-width processing, relays, counters, 24/36 VDC and 72/110 VDC signal voltages can be connected via a central expansion bus (C-bus). With central expansion, it is possible to operate up to 384 I/O points. In a distributed system, up to 12,288 I/O points (32x384) can be managed within a CAN network.

Another high-performance communication expansion bus enables items such as CAN communication modules with various protocols such as CANopen, J1939 and more to be connected.
The vehicle controller itself is equipped with Ethernet, 2xCAN, RS 422/485/232 as well as SD memory card, which means it can also be used as a "stand alone" head station. The generous memory expansion enables applications as a diagnostic unit as well. As you would expect, the new controller can be operated using the established, convenient and efficient Symphony® programming, configuration and diagnostic tool from Selectron.

Ethernet in rail vehicle control and monitoring systems
Balanced network technology matching the requirements in rail vehicles is becoming more and more important for vehicle manufacturers nowadays, including for retrofitting. The requirements for comfort, safety, availability, diagnosis, communication, efficiency and expanded functions are growing continuously.

Users such as vehicle operators, passengers, vehicle manufacturers, public authorities, legal institutions demand new functions. Vehicle manufacturers are being forced to take account of this. New network technology is called for to function as a high-performance data backbone. The essential factor is to integrate existing technologies into the new approach. High data speeds, high data availability, different standards, network technologies introduced into existing fleets, compatibility, complexity, cost pressure, etc. are just some of the key words that can lead to the widest range of network topologies and solutions in rail vehicles.

Train control and monitoring systems are currently undergoing a quantum leap into new technologies. Selectron, as an independent specialist in control and monitoring systems, is taking due account of this. Alongside WTB, MVB or CAN, it is Ethernet that is going to be used more and more in the future. The technology used is rationally optimized to suit the user's application profile. As a result, Selectron offers Ethernet switches, routers/firewall, WTB/CAN gateways, MVB/CAN gateways and CAN-Powerline. Data speeds in the kbit/s to gigabit/s ranges can be achieved. The wide selection of devices that can be networked together includes existing network technologies in rail vehicles as well as the latest technologies.


New wheel slide protection system now available
Modular system including mutually matched computer, rotary encoder and valve. The major functions are:

• Wheel slide protection for vehicles with speed up to 200 km/h
• Can be used both in new vehicles and for retrofitting
•  Control of up to 6 wheel slide protection valves
• Encoder wire break monitoring
• Standstill signal acquisition for the doors
• Autoactivation in overrun condition
• Modular for different wheel slide protection configurations

The open and closed-loop control of valves has been developed acc. to SIL 2 (EN 50128, EN 50129 or IEC 61508). Continuous activation of outputs is monitored. In addition, the power supply and the heartbeats of the rotary encoders are monitored.

Together with the CPU and the corresponding application software, this makes it possible to implement a wheel slide protection computer acc. to UIC 541-05*).

*) In preparation

Train control and monitoring equipment for contact wire systems (IFO)

Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH is building a small batch of vehicles, type 57.44 (IFO, contact wire maintenance vehicles) for a European operator as part of an option order.
The IFO vehicles will form part of a vehicle and machinery pool following their entry into service, and will represent a new sub-series 711.2.

The vehicles were designed and built entirely under the responsibility of Robel. Robel was responsible for the entire mechanical and electrical configuration of the project, e.g. drive, frame, bodies, brakes, control electronics, train control and monitoring electronics, wiring diagrams, technical specification including implementation, installation and integration of all the systems required for these vehicles.

Vehicle data
The vehicle is equipped with two independent diesel engines, each developing 480 kW. The transmission system required for traction and operating modes is configured as a hydrodynamic and hydrostatic converter system (hydrodynamic for mainline operation and hydrostatic for working mode).
The vehicle is designed as a four-axle vehicle with two bogies and has a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

Bodies and equipment
Two aerial working platforms with mutually independent swivelling operation are available for work on the contact wire and for maintenance work. These are operated and controlled using stationary radio remote control units.
The brake system is a Knorr brake system with brake blending computer that enables the modern vehicle to be braked whilst optimising the wear. In addition, a wheel slide protection and skid control system from Knorr (MGS 2) is used.

Control electronics / train control and monitoring electronics
All specified systems are controlled and monitored via the high-performance, CAN-based train control and monitoring system.
The following functions are implemented in the vehicle.

• 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, fill levels, fault diagnosis, battery voltage and many more besides.
• Diagnosis for the diesel engine and other vehicle systems
• Control and diagnosis of the diesel engines
• Control and monitoring of the torque converter transmission

The train control and monitoring system (TCMS) electronics are based on the tried-and-tested components of the MAS®-73x-Tx product family from Selectron Systems AG.
The modules of the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) electronics are distributed amongst the switch cabinets of the driver cabs, driver control panels and working platforms.
The network is based on the CANopen master/slave principle for registering all I/O signals as well as for connecting third-party CANopen devices.
The diesel engines are connected, controlled and monitored by means of separate CAN interfaces with standardised J1939 protocol.

Installation of Selectron control engineering

Experience
At present, one vehicle is already going through the registration process.
The vehicles will be handed over to the customer during 2009 - 2011.

The Selectron team has set the course for the future By purchasing about 26 % of the share capital (see newsletter 2 dated 26.08.09), our workforce has set the course for a promising and successful future, at the same time as demonstrating their commitment to and their confidence in the company. About 80 highly qualified professionals in the areas of R&D, engineering, customer care, marketing, logistics, administration and quality management at the headquarters of the company in Lyss in the Bernese Lakeland are dedicated to shaping the future of the company. We promote the technical and personal development of our workforce through offering coaching as well as permanent continuing education and development possibilities. We take a positive view towards proactive, in-house career steps and we are prepared to share the possible associated risks with our workforce. We employ target-driven management and we practise an open information policy, a culture of respect in meetings as well as promoting regular feedback. It goes without saying that we foster equality of opportunity and diversity in our team. We are creating new jobs on a continuous basis as part of a technically challenging and dynamic international marketplace in which systematic thinking, creativity and self-responsibility are highly prized. To ensure that we continue to sponsor the development of young people, we offer two apprenticeships as electronics technicians every year (in a training cooperation with another company based in Lyss) as well as a pre-apprenticeship position as a logistical assistant. For further information about jobs and careers at Selectron, please contact our Ms. Marianne Wüthrich, our human resources representative, at our stand at the suissetraffic show on 14 November. You can contact us without obligation at stand no. B100-23, hall 210.