Automatic Train Protection (ATP)

In the light of increased traffic densities and higher degrees of automation an automatic
train protection is of high significance for modern railways. An agreement on the
development of the European Train Control System (ETCS) has been reached between
the Union of European Railways (UIC) and the Union of European Signalling Industries
(UNISIG). The ETCS system is fully specified in a comprehensive set of specifications
which also has been adopted by the European Union.

In this project automatic train protection shall be realised by implementing ETCS Level 1.
This level comprises signalling by wayside signals, intermittent ATP with balises and
wayside track release installations. The features of Level 1 are as follows:

- balises for the information transfer to the train (fixed and variable)

- continuous, safe speed monitoring on the vehicle; in-cab signalling

- detection of track occupation by means of wayside track release installations (in

this case axle counters)

- ensuring the spacing of trains by way of fixed line blocks

- transmission of signal in-fills by way of in-fill balises

The main signals and the advance signals are equipped with variable balises, and in
addition in-fill balises will be placed between the main signals and the advance signals for
signal in-fill. This signal in-fill shall only be done in the respective standard tracks. For
minimisation of the expenditure the opposite tracks need not contain signal in-fill.

The ETCS vehicle equipment has to comprise the following elements:

- 2 x 19“ racks with onboard EVC (European Vital Computer)

- 2 x MMI (Man Machine Interfaces in each cab)

- odometer

- balise antenna

- interface to operating and emergency brakes

- interface to the main traction power switch

- juridical recorder

The vehicle equipment shall not be included in the bidder’s tender but has to appear in
the requirements specification for the vehicle equipment.

Coordination with the superstructure designer is required for the installation of the
automatic train protection. The superstructure design must not influence the function of
the balises.