The ElectroLogIXS hardware is
manufactured by Alstom (formally GE)
and is a vital logic controller (VLC), using
internet protocol (IP) communications
and advanced diagnostics via a scalable
remote condition monitoring system and
a common hardware platform for both
trackside and control parts of the system.
Its chassis-to-chassis communication uses
RP2009 (SIL4) protocol with no safety
reliance on the network. The equipment’s
product acceptance has been developed
to cover both ‘interlocking’ and ‘level
crossing controller’ applications, both of
which have been used on the Shepperton
branch commissioning.
Compliance with EN 50128 is considered
a step change improvement in safety
when compared to SSI data software,
with the automation of the design process
along with the production of the ladder
logic. This enables far more testing to
be carried out automatically, delivering
consistency and reliability in results. High
levels of automated testing will save time
to commission projects, while reducing the
dependency on scarce testing resources
required and the associated risks.
The interlocking is provided in three
sizes, with either a one, four or nine slot
capacity. New input/output cards have
been designed for the UK that are ‘hot
swappable’, with personality modules
provided to ensure their correct location
in the chassis.
The hardware is designed to work
reliably between -40°C and +70°C. Its
power supply requirements are only 70W,
with an internal 5V supply derived from a12V external feed. The processor is a two-
out-of-two arrangement that can handle
10,000 vital equations extremely reliably.
Up to 32 interlockings can be multi-
dropped together if required, making it
truly scalable.
With the new Atkins system, all
trackside equipment is contained in a
smaller number of location cubicles with
no equipment buildings required, thus
saving both cost, access and space.
The actual ElectroLogIXS interlocking is
contained on a very small circuit board
within one equipment location housing- a relay interlocking to deliver the same
functionality would have required a room
the size of a garage.
It can be very costly and time consuming
to erect bases for lineside buildings, which
may also require several line blockages to
install. Once in place, power is required
for lighting and heating, and the buildings
create a maintenance liability for the
life of the signalling project. Atkins has
now eliminated all this risk, with all the
signalling equipment located in low-cost,
smaller lineside equipment cubicles.
The lineside digital communications
network consists of Layer 2 network
switches (housed within each signalling
location case), while the control centre
network uses Layer 3 switches (housed
within each cubicle). The Network Rail
Fixed Telecom Network (FTN) is used to
‘bridge the gap’ between the lineside
and control centre elements of the
network.
A 24-fibre optic cable to NR/PS/
TEL00014 between FTN access nodes
forms a sub access layer to the telecoms
network. This is supplemented with a two-
fibre pre-terminated cable to connect the
lineside equipment.Atkins Signalling Method
A significant change in approach to
the design of a scheme has been the
introduction of the Atkins Signalling
Method (ASM). This is intended to
maximise overall efficiency across the
design (including interdisciplinary design
interfaces), procurement, installation,
testing and commissioning.
Deviations from the ASM are prohibited
without the formal agreement of the
ElectroLogIXS Technical Authority Group,
to avoid changes that appear to give6666 FE ATURE