Few Questions and Answers are given to cover the objectives or for knowledge

purposes. For any corrections please inform.

S24
Q. What are the features of Intermediate Block Signalling?
Ans: The features of Intermediate Block Signalling are -
(a) IBS is an arrangement made for increasing the section capacity by splitting a long
block section into two portions namely rear and advance section by placement of
IBS near the division point.
(b) The rear section i.e. "station controlled Intermediate Block section” starts from
LSS of the rear station and ends at IBS including a 400 metres block overlap in that
direction.
(c) Advance section i.e. "block controlled Intermediate Block section” starts from
IBS and ends at the home signal of the advance station including block overlap in
that direction.
(d) Track sections both in Rear & Advance sections are monitored either by Axle
Counter or by Track circuit.
(e) Train entry into the rear section is controlled by LSS of the rear station in that
direction.
(f) Train entry into the advance section is controlled by IBS in that direction.
(g) A Signal Post Telephone (SPT) or any approved type communication shall be
provided at the IBS post for communication with the station in the rear.
(h) IBS system needs distant and inner distant signal where applicable for
pre-warning of IBS.
(i) IBS works like Class C station & IB Distant signals are to be provided to match with
the section signalling.
(j) IBS block overlap of 400 m shall be separately monitored.
(k) Where axle counters are provided, resetting arrangements are also to be
provided.
(l) Provision must be there to indicate that a train has passed IBS at “ON”
Position/blank.
(m) The IBS system needs panels with various indications and push buttons at each
block station pertaining to direction of traffic.

Q. Explain IBS in Double Line and Draw its layout.

Ans:
● Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) is an arrangement of signalling on a
single/double line section.
● It is a substitute for class C station.
● It is required for the purpose of splitting a long block section into two portions.
● The section between the LSS of the station and up to the overlap of IBS called
the rear section is monitored by means of an axle counter or continuous
track circuit.
 ● The entry and exit points are provided at the LSS and at the overlap of IB Stop
Signal respectively.
● The LSS governs the entry of the Train into the rear section.
● The entry into the Advance section is governed by the IB Signal which is
interlocked with the block instrument.
● The IB Signal is operated by the Station Master in the rear.
(a) IBS should be interlocked with any of the approved means of block working for
Double line.
(b) IBS shall not be taken off for Train unless line clearance has been obtained from
Block Station in advance.
(c) DLBIs/Block Panel of BPAC etc. pertaining to the monitoring of advance sections
are placed at the rear and advance stations.

Q. Explain IBS in Single Line and Draw its layout.

Ans:

● Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) is an arrangement of signalling on a

single/double line section.
● It is a substitute for class C station.
● It is required for the purpose of splitting a long block section into two portions.
● The section between the LSS of the station and up to the overlap of IBS called
the rear section is monitored by means of an axle counter or continuous
track circuit.
● The entry and exit points are provided at the LSS and at the overlap of IB Stop
Signal respectively.
● The LSS governs the entry of the Train into the rear section.
● The entry into the Advance section is governed by the IB Signal which is
interlocked with the block instrument.
● The IB Signal is operated by the Station Master in the rear.
(a) Provision shall be there, to establish the direction of traffic for IBS in a single line.
(b) First direction of traffic shall be established and then line clearance shall be
obtained from the Block station in advance as per the established direction of traffic.
Only after establishing the direction of traffic the train movement in the station
controlled intermediate block section shall be permitted.
(c) IBS shall not be taken off unless the line clear has been obtained from Block Station
in advance and direction of traffic is established.
(d) IBS should be interlocked with any of the approved means of block working for
Single line.

Q. Write the advantages of IBS.

Ans: The features of IBS are -
1. The headway between two trains is reduced
2. The section capacity is increased.
3. It reduces the cost of expenditure on station building, operating staff etc. by
eliminating these.

Q. Explain the Indications and Push buttons present on the IBS Panel.
Ans: For the operation of IBS a Panel is made up of the following Indications & Push
buttons:
Indications/Buttons Colour Description

IB Signal indication Red & Green Indication on IBS Panel

IB Distant Signal Yellow & Green Indication on IBS Panel

No indication, white light

IB track indication when route set, red when
track drop

LSS Signal indication Red & Green

No indication, white light

LSS track indication when route set, red when
track drop

Axle counter Clear

Green
indication (ACPK)

Axle counter Occupied

Red
indication (ACPK)

During resetting, appears at

Yellow when cooperation
Co-operation Indication extended otherwise no
indication
sending station only when
PB3 pressed at receiving
station
 Appears at the sending
K1 Yellow, otherwise no station when a train passes
indication
IBS at Danger.

Appears at the sending

Yellow, otherwise no station when a train passes
K2
indication LSS and LSS control is still in
reverse position.

Appears at the sending

Yellow, otherwise no station when a train passes
K3
indication IBS and IBS controls are still
in reverse position.

Appears at the sending

K4 Yellow, otherwise no station when IB Signal or
indication
Distant becomes blank

For resetting, pressed at

PB1 Grey sending station, when train
passes IBS at danger

For resetting, pressed at

PB2 Grey sending station, when Axle
counter fails

For resetting, pressed at

PB3 Grey receiving station, pressed for
extending cooperation

Acknowledgment Push for silencing the audible

Black
button buzzer

Control for IB Signal

Increases by 1 when PB1

PB1 COUNTER pressed in cooperation with
PB3 during resetting

Increases by 1 when PB2

PB2 COUNTER pressed in cooperation with
PB3 during resetting

● PB3: Push button pressed at receiving station after receiving the train duly
ensuring that the section is clear and the Block Instrument is normalized for
extending the co-operation to sending station during IBS or axle counter failure
for Resetting.
 ● PB1: Push button pressed at the sending station for resetting the system when
the train has passed IBS at Danger after getting co-operation indication from
Advance Station.
● PB2: Push button pressed at the sending station for resetting a/c failure after
getting cooperation from the advance station. It is not required in the case of
SSDAC.
● Acknowledgment Push button for silencing the audible buzzer.
● Control for IB Signal
● The K1, K2, K3 & K4 visual indications are supported by audible buzzers.
● K1 & K4 audible buzzers are stopped by pressing the Acknowledgement button
● K2 & K3 audible buzzers are stopped by normalizing the LSS & IBS controls.
● All indications are white/yellow.

Q. Write the sequence of operation for regular train movement in IBS.

Ans: The sequence of operation for regular train movement in IBS are as follows:
● Step 1: The LSS of the Station A for down line can be cleared when the Rear
Section is clear. In case of end cabin working, the platform SM’s control is also
required for the clearance of LSS by Switchman.
● Step 2: When the LSS is taken OFF, the train passes the LSS and actuates the LSS
track circuit and replaces the LSS to ON position.
● Step 3: The down IBS is controlled by the cabin of Station A and Line Clear is
obtained from Station B on DLBI.
● Step 4: On obtaining Line Clear, the IBS is cleared by the Station Master.
● Step 5: When the IBS is cleared, the Distant signal also displays a green aspect
automatically.
● Step 6: Then the train passes IBS and actuates the IBS track portion and the IBS
is automatically replaced to ON replacing the Distant signal to normal aspect.
● Step 7: When the train passes the IBS and clears the section up to 400m beyond
IBS, the Rear Section becomes Free once again and is indicated by axle counter
Clear.
● Step 8: Now the LSS of Station A can be cleared for the second train to enter into
the rear Section. Similar arrangements shall be made for up Line also.

Q. What procedures to be adopted by Loco Pilot, if it faces IB signal danger?

Ans: Procedure to be followed by the Loco Pilot to pass IBS at “On” position/blank as
per GR 3.75:
1. When a driver faces IBS at danger (ON) the driver has to stop. The LP has to
speak on Signal Post Telephone (SPT) with the rear SM. When phone
communication is available between IBS and rear station,
a. The loco pilot shall stop his train in rear of the IBS and contact the SM of
the block station in rear on SPT, then pass the defective IBS, if authorized
by SM.
 b. If the SM grants permission to cross IB signals at danger then the LP
should ask for the private number from rear SM. This private number is
issued by receiving SM on Block Telephone, the same will be given to LP to
cross the signal at normal sectional speed.
2. When phone communication is not available between IBS and rear station,
a. The LP has to wait 5 minutes by Day/Night, and crosses IBS at danger
with a speed of 15/8 kmph, 15 kmph when there is clear visibility and 8
kmph if poor visibility. This speed has to be maintained up to the foot of
the next stop signal.

Q. Write the resetting procedure for

i) IBS signal failure resetting or, Explain resetting procedure, when SPAD at IB
signal?
ii) Axle counter failure resetting
Ans: There are two types of resetting operations involved:
1. When a Train passes IBS at ON (IBS signal failure resetting)
2. When Axle Counter fails (Axle counter failure resetting )

1. IBS Signal Failure Resetting

(i) When the train has passed IBS at danger, the relay ACZR drops and is indicated by K1
and an audible buzzer sounds at the sending/rear station. By Pressing the
acknowledgement push button Buzzer stops.
(ii) Once K1 appears and buzzer sounds, even though the rear section is clear the LSS
cannot be re-cleared till such time the ACZR relay which has dropped due to train
passing IBS at danger picks up again. The entire section is treated as one single section.
(iii) Buzzer stops but K1 indication keeps on lit and it will disappear when ACZR picks
up after SM of Station A and B co-operate with each other when the train completely
arrives at the receiving station.
(iv) Now, Rear SM informs the receiving SM about train passing at ON.
(v) The receiving end SM, after receiving the train that has started with authority and
after ensuring the complete arrival of the train at station B, normalizes the Block Handle
and presses PB3 button for extending cooperation.
(v) The sending SM, after getting the co-operation indication on panel, presses PB1 and
the system gets normalized. The PB1 counter increases by 1.
(vi) This resetting operation is registered by a counter and the LSS can be a re - cleared
only after this operation.

Note: -
For cooperation,
● either both PB3 and PB1 should be pressed simultaneously or
● At first PB1 then PB3 can be pressed
Then, only resetting is completed.
2. Axle counter failure resetting
(i) Axle Counter shows OCCUPIED on IBS Panel at the sending station even after the
train clears the section between LSS and IBS (including overlap).
(ii) The sending station informs the receiving station.
(iii) The receiving SM receives the above train and after ensuring the complete arrival of
the said train normalizes the Block Instrument and after exchanging necessary
information presses PB3 button.
(iv) The sending SM, after getting the co-operation indication on panel presses PB2 and
the system gets normalized.
(v) Now, Insert SM’s Key, turn the key to right & keep pressed.
(vi) Press Reset button.
(vii) Release SM’s key & remove, release reset button.
(viii) With above (i) to (iii) operations, 48 V DC from reset box is extended to SINGLE
SECTION DIGITAL AXLE COUNTER(SSDAC) through relays PPR & VPR back contact and
activates the reset circuit in modem card of SSDAC unit and generates reset command to
Microcontrollers in MLB1 & MLB2 cards.
(ix) The SSDAC units gets reset & counts becomes zero and self test is carried out in both
units, the SSDAC units attain the preparatory reset state & their LED indication also gets
lit on the reset box in SM room.
(x) The counter reading also increments by 1 count through preparatory reset command
after a time delay of around 5 seconds which should be recorded.
(xi) A Pilot train should pass through the section to normalize the system & the vital
relay of SSDAC picks up at both the stations.

Q. Practice different relay circuit diagrams used in IBS.

Ans: As per practice in Class. LCPR, SR1 & SR2, IBS DR, LSS YR, LSS DR, LSS NSR, ACPR,
IBS HSR, ACZR, and a few others.
For Reference: S24 IRISET BOOK Page 9 to 22.

Q. Explain the Power Supply Arrangements for the operation of IBS.

Ans: The main power supply source required are -
● In Non RE Area - SEB, DG SET 1 & 2
● Double Line Section (RE) - UP AT, DN AT and State Electricity Board (SEB).
● Single Line Section(RE) - AT, SEB with DG set.
The Power Supply extended from IPS for the operation of IBS are -
1. 24 V DC (Internal) Relays Operation.
2. 24 V DC (External).
3. 110 V AC for Signal Operation.
Diagram Reference - S24/Page 24 & 25
 CHAPTER 2: BLOCK PROVING AXLE COUNTER(BPAC)

Q. What was the reason for shifting from Conventional Double Line Block
Instrument to BPAC?
Ans: Axle Counter was thought of for use in Block working to overcome the below given
situations -
1. In the conventional double line Block instrument (DLBI) all the operations are
done by the receiving SM and this could result in detention to trains at the
sending end in case of nonavailability/preoccupation of the receiving SM.
2. Moreover, complete arrival of the train is ensured by checking up the Last
Vehicle (LV) manually by the receiving SM and in case of any failure to this
procedure, there is a possibility of Block being closed even if parting had
occurred in the mid-section and the train had arrived incomplete.

Q. What was the purpose of BPAC?

Ans: To overcome the complete arrival of trains by the system & remove the
dependency of the human element.

Q. Write the features of BPAC.

Ans: Axle Counter device is thought for use in Block working due to the following
reasons -
1. To overcome the dependency of human agency.
2. Verify the complete arrival of the train and
3. To avoid delay associated with the granting of Line Clear at the receiving station
as in case of conventional Block instrument working.

Q. What are the different types of BPAC?

Ans:
1. BPAC with conventional Block Instruments.
BPAC with conventional block instruments are further classified as follows: -
a. BPAC with Double line Block Instruments (DLBI)
b. BPAC with F.M. Handle type token less Block Instruments on Single line.
c. BPAC with Push Button token less Block Instruments on Single line.
2. BPAC with Block panel using UFSBI.
Q. Draw the layout of BPAC on the Double line.
Ans:
 CHAPTER 3: BPAC WITH BLOCK PANEL & UFSBI
(IRS: S-105/2012)

● The UFSBI is a failsafe digital multiplexer system used for communicating the
status of relays between the two-block voice/data channel with optical fiber or
copper cable media.
● The multiplexer with its accessories, relays and power supply are housed in a
cubicle. UFSBI cubicle Page 39 (S24) IBS and Block Working Axle Counter 3:

Q. Explain the reasons for introduction of BPAC over conventional Block

Instruments.
Ans: Block Clearance Circuit allows DLBI to turn the commutator from TOL to LC when
ZR1, ZR2 and ZR3 picks UP. But the train is still in the Block Overlap region. To overcome
this, BPAC came into existence.

Q. Write the advantages of using UFSBI with Panel over conventional Block
Instruments.
Or, What are the advantages of BPAC with UFSBI?
Ans: The advantages of using UFSBI with Panel over conventional Block instruments:
1. The block panel offers audio-visual indications for all vital information.
2. The interlocking circuits and input/output through Q-series relays provide
galvanic isolation, making the system suitable in both RE & Non- RE sections.
3. System works on quad cable, OFC, microwave without hampering the failsafety of
the operation.
4. The system is triple modular redundant which means increase in availability. (2
out of 3 architecture)
5. This system also holds the final status using latch relays so that during power
supply or any Other failure it remains in its last operating state.
6. Very quick operation
7. Auto TOL feature available
8. Automatic Line Closed on the complete arrival of the train
9. It is easy to operate.
10. Failure indication or error code is available in CPU
11. No POH required

Q. Write the features of UFSBI?

Ans: The features of UFSBI are -
1. The equipment is capable of driving safety signalling relays.
2. The equipment is capable of working on Telecom cable as well as voice/data
channel provided over OFC.
3. The coding of signal transmission takes care of the type of noise generally
encountered in the transmission system and ensures safety of operation against
this noise.
 4. Each equipment in the section has a unique address which is settable through
back panel jumpers called UFSBI address configuration jumpers.
5. The information exchanged between the pair of the interface equipment contains
the source & destination address.
6. Wrongly addressed information packets are promptly rejected by the system and
frequent receipt of such packets is detected as link failure by the system.
7. The Bell may be worked through the MUX channel.
8. The telephone is on a separate voice channel.
9. The system works on 24 VDC +20% & -10%.
10. A push button is provided for resetting UFSBI inside the cubicle on a reset box.
11. The system is provided with a counter to count the number of reset systems.
12. Non cooperative in normal operation, cooperative in cancellation operation.
13. Auto TOL feature
14. Auto Line Closed feature
15. Self diagnostic features
16. The system is triple modular and redundant i.e., 2 out of 3 architecture so more
reliable and safe.
17. Media redundant

Q. Draw the block diagram of BPAC with UFSBI?

Ans:

Q. Write and explain the different cards present in UFSBI.

Ans: The different cards present in the UFSBI are -
1. Input Cards
2. CPU Cards
 3. Control & Communication Card
4. Modem
5. Output Cards
6. Reset Module

1. Input Cards
● The Inputs given to the system are first galvanically isolated by fail safe
Q-series relays
● then optically coupled with electronic surge suppression circuits, before
presenting to the input latch circuit.
● The system continuously samples all the input in an interval of 5ms and the
scanned data is transmitted on to the CPU for processing.
● Each input card can accept a maximum of 16 inputs and their complements.
● It is responsible for sensing complementary inputs of the relay status of UFSBI
i.e., for sensing one pick up and one drop contact of each input relay.
● It also has the provision for sensing the read back contacts of vital output
relays, to ensure the integrity of system outputs.
● Functions:
○ Optically isolation of relay inputs
○ Conversion of 24V to 5V

2. CPU Cards
● The core of the block Interface equipment is a Intel 16-bit microcontroller
based triple redundant system called UFSBI-DS.
● interfaces with the external world indirectly
● The 3 CPU senses the Inputs through independent hardware paths and a
decision of the input states thus formed through the method of Inter processor
communication, till a firm input state is confirmed.
 ● The samples acquired by the input cards are continuously decoded and an
input state is confirmed only after getting at least 20 stable samples using a
“Sliding Window Algorithm”.
● Once states of inputs are confirmed, each CPU tallies its data with the other
CPU’s through a dedicated Inter processor communication bus.
● The final data packet is then formed into a safety telegram by adding CRC
codes and
● sent to the Control & Communication Card (CCC) for transmission on to the
channel.
● The system works on a 2 out 3 majority voting logic
● CPU-A read the Inputs through Input card 1&2, CPU –B through Input card 3&4,
CPU-C through Input cards 5&6.
● Thereafter validate the data by interprocessor communication, add CRC code
and send this to CCC for transmission.
● On the other end after receiving the data from CCC it decodes it and sends that
to the output card to pick up the output relay.
● Functions are -
○ Input debouncing
○ Input data validation after interprocessor communication
○ Adding CRC code

3. Control & Communication Card

● The CC card, in conjunction with the data modem, manages the data flow into
the channel.
● UFSBI has different communication interfaces, as listed hereunder:
 a. Works on copper cable upto 20 Km typically on 1-quad, 0.9mm
diameter Jelly filled telecom cable using 4-wire modem
b. Works on 4-Wire voice channel of OFC/Microwave Mux using 4-wire
Modem RS-232(2.4Kbps, Async)
c. Data Port for working on low speed data card of OFC MUX or
Microwave Radio

4. Modem
● Asynchronous 2400 bps, V.22 BIS, 4wire, leased line modem is used to
Interface UFSBI-MUX serial data to voice channel.
● Allowable channel loss: 25db (max.) between 2 modems.
● Transmit Power : 5dBm (max), Receive level : 30dBm (min)
● It drives health check relays (BIPR1 & BIPR 2)
● It converts the data provided by the CPU card as per RS 232 protocol and
sends it to the Modem.

5. Output Cards
● There is provision for 16 outputs, in blocks of 8.
● These outputs are isolated drivers for operating Q-series signalling relays.
● The minimum configuration will have provision for 8 outputs.
● The received data from the other station through Modem is sent to each CPU.
● The data is then deciphered and the information is extracted from the data
packet.
● Once the received data is processed by each CPU, one bit each from the 3 CPU’s
are sent to the Output card’s hardware voting logic units.
● The voted output is forwarded to power each on-board DC-DC converter to
generate the unreferenced 24V DC output to pick up an output relay.
● All 16 outputs are continuously read back by all the 3 CPU’s to ensure the
integrity of the relay state transmission.
● 2 numbers of such cards are provided for driving Output relay.
 ● 1st Output card drives Output relay 1 to 8 and rest 9 - 16 number output relay
is driven by Output card 2.

6. Reset Module
● The Reset Switch is provided for the user to manually ‘start’ the UFSBI
processing after power on.
● The UFSBI digital system remains in self Power On Self Test Mode (POST) till
the reset switch is pressed, after which the electronic system starts its normal
functionality.
● The Block Interface Proving Relays (BIPR 1 & 2) are energized only after
pressing the BI-ON switch, ensuring that the system is switched on
intentionally with a human intervention.
● A non resettable Veeder Counter will be provided with the resetting hardware
of the processors to keep count of the resets.

Q. Explain the various parts of UFSBI with Block Panel architecture.

Ans:
A. BLOCK PANEL:
● A block panel is provided, one for each end of the block section at the station.
● The panel is provided with push buttons, indicators, keys, acknowledgement
buttons, counter, and telephone etc, for the easy reach of the operator.

B. UFSBI ALARM PANEL:

● It is for displaying the failure of the UFSBI system pertaining to failures of CPU
card, DC – DC converter
● Displays both in visual and audible form along with their respective
acknowledgement button.

C. UFSBI Cubicle:
● comprises of 3 important subsystems, namely
 a. Hot standby DC-DC converter
b. UFSBI-Digital system consisting of the
■ 6U card file having 3 sets of 2 input cards which are directly
serving the 3 separate CPU cards.
■ There are 2 output cards having 8 outputs in each card
■ a single Control & Communication card with dual functionality
of handling inter system communication as well controlling of
some important system processes.
c. Relay Logic Module (RLM).

Q. Explain the steps involved in Resetting of UFSBI.

Ans: Resetting of UFSBI involves following steps:
1. Switch OFF supply to the system and Wait for one minute.
2. Switch ON power supply to system.
3. Observe the display on all the CPUs to display as 0b. If 0b does not appear in
the CPU display then press the reset button, even then problems persist then
observe the error code and take appropriate action.
4. If CPUs display 0b then press BI-ON button, the relays BIPR1& BIPR2 pick up
& BI fail (Red) indication disappears, then BI OK (Green) indication appears.
5. Now the modem starts communicating with each other while the CPUs now
display 00 & the link fail indication disappears.

Q. Explain the Sequence of complete operations of UFSBI with a block panel.

Ans:
1. Inputs are taken from the field and panel.
2. These inputs are scanned by the input cards and convert 24v to 5v and then
fed to 3 CPUs.
3. CPU cards check and verify Input data debouncing and add CRC and send
information to CC Card.
4. CC Card receives information from 3 CPUs in the time division base. TTL to
RS-232 level conversion takes place and which in turn is connected to the
modem.
5. This modem transmits information to the other end modem via chosen media.
6. Receiving end modem is connected to a CC card, it converts data from
RS-232 to TTL level and sent to 3 CPUs for validation.
7. The output cards which receive information from CPUs carry out the following:
a. hardware 2/3 voter unit comparison
b. driving the relay through the DC-DC converter feed.
c. look after the decision read back by each CPU.