Hence the implementation of the train telemetry system consists of the head of train telemetry (HOTT) device that is situated at the front, and the end of train telemetry (EOTT) device at the end. Together, their main function is to control the brake system of the train. The brake system of the train is a pressured pipeline that runs along the length of the train. By releasing the pressure, the brakes are disabled, and the train is allowed to move forward.
he HOTT and EOTT are in constant communication, monitoring, and logging data throughout the journey.
When the pressurized brake line is cut-off somewhere in between, resulting in the rear carriages not able to brake, the momentum may push the weight of the rear carriages into the front carriages, resulting in derailment.
In the case where there’s a breakage in the brake pipe pressure, the EOTT can intervene to release the brake pipe pressure from the rear to activate the brakes on the rear carriages, and safely halt the train to a standstill.
Challenges
Deploying any type of electronic equipment on railway vehicles is never an easy task due to its environmental conditions, electrical power delivery difficulties, and the deployed device may need to operate independently with extreme reliability.
Solution
The customer chose to deploy a Neousys POC VTC series along with a patented supercapacitor power backup module, the PB-9250J-SA to act as the computer for the EOTT device. The POC VTC series are EN 50155 certified for railway rolling stock deployment. The certification also guarantees shock and vibration operability, while incorporated with Neousys DNA, the system can operate in -40°C to 70°C operating temperatures.
The system also accepts wide-range voltage input of 8 to 35V, and when coupled with the standalone power backup module, it solves the unstable power delivery on trains by offering up to 9250 watt-second of energy to sustain operations.
Role of Neousys Platform
The Neousys POC VTC system acts as the EOTT device that is in constant communication with HOTT device to monitor and log data throughout the journey. One of the more important functions is POC VTC system’s ability to ensure the brake system operates properly in case the brake line malfunctions. It can decompress the brake line (to activate the brakes of each carriage) from the rear of the train when needed.
Coupled with the SuperCAP PB-9250J-SA standalone power backup module, the POC VTC system can operate continuously while disregarding the train’s disruptive power supply. Whether it is sudden electrical cut-off or voltage deviations traveling through different regions, PB-9250J-SA can supply up to 9250Ws of energy to protect the POC system from the unstable electricity supply. Neousys POC VTC systems come with multiple mini PCIe and M.2 expansions to support up to WiFi 6 and 5G new radio communication capabilities; their EN certifications (EN 50155/ 55032/ 55024) make them the ideal compact embedded platform choice for railway or in-vehicle deployments.
Benefits of Neousys Rugged Embedded Computers
Neousys Ultra-compact rugged embedded computers offer the following advantages:
Environmental
- Rugged construction to withstand volatile environmental conditions
- True -25°C up to 70°C wide-temperature operations
- Optional external fan kit
- Operating MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration certified
- Ultra-compact systems to fit into tight spaces
Connectivity/ expandability
- PoE+ connectivity for GigE cameras
- USB3.1 Gen1/ Gen2 connectivity for USB cameras
- Connection ports with screw-lock for rugged connectivity
- WiFi 6/ WiFi 5/ 5G/ 4G wireless communication, expansion via mini-PCIe module
Electrical
- Patented stand-alone SuperCAP UPS to counteract unforeseen power interruptions
- Wide-range DC input
Expansion
- mini-PCIe expansion
- M.2 E key expansion for Google TPU or Movidius VPU module
- M.2 M key expansion for NVMe/ SATA signal SSD
- Ignition control
- MezIO digital input/ output, COM, Ethernet, USB
Some features may be model-specific, please refer to the Neousys website for details.
