ETCS is the core signalling and train control component of ERTMS, the European Rail Traffic Management System. ETCS continuously calculates a safe maximum speed for each train, with cab signalling for the driver and on-board systems that take control if the permissible speed is exceeded. For ETCS trackside equipment and train borne systems need to be standardized according to the different ETCS levels.
Thales offers a complete portfolio of ETCS solutions for turnkey projects in the same way as for green field or brown field installations. Not only the obvious areas, such as trackside equipment or train borne installations are covered. At the same time we will take care of other horizontal areas such as cyber security or special functionalities besides international specifications. For example DAS, ATO, IP-based radio communication and advanced diagnosis.
ETCS Level 1
ETCS Level 1 can be easily superimposed on the existing national signalling system and provides cab signalling. Movement authorities can be granted through fixed and switchable Eurobalises. They also send route data to the on board unit. With the received data the maximum speed as well as the breaking curves are calculated at any time. Additionally to Eurobalises it is possible to implement EuroLoop (loop infill) or a radio based solution (radio infill) which continuously transmits data over a longer distance.
ETCS is installed trackside and train borne. Data is exchanged by spot transmission from track to train via ETCS balises.
ETCS Level 2
ETCS Level 2 is a radio based system which displays signalling and movement authorities in the cab. The train is continuously sending data to the Radio Block Centre (RBC) to report its exact position and direction. Eurobalises are used as passive positioning beacons. Trains refine their position with additional sensors such as accelerometers, odometers or radar.
Extended level 1, with ETCS data transmission continuous by GSM-R. On the trackside a RBC controls all train movements in the covered area.
ETCS Level 3
Trackside equipment disappeared. Train-location and -integrity do not rely on trackside equipment (signals, track circuits or axle counters) but are handled by train and RBC.
Thales offers a complete portfolio of ETCS solutions for turnkey projects in the same way as for green field or brown field installations. Not only the obvious areas, such as trackside equipment or train borne installations are covered. At the same time we will take care of other horizontal areas such as cyber security or special functionalities besides international specifications. For example DAS, ATO, IP-based radio communication and advanced diagnosis.
AlTrac 6413 TSS
- Detects signal aspects
- Calculates signal information
- Transmits the appropriate ETCS telegram to Eurobalise / Euroloop
AlTrac 6481 RBC
AlTrac 6415 OBS
Spain - ADIF
High-speed rail network Design and installation of ETCS Level 1 and Level 2 signalling and communications systems to support expansion of Europe’s biggest high-speed network. Since 1992, Thales has also provided corrective, preventive and predictive maintenance covering signalling and telecommunications systems on Spain’s high-speed and conventional rail networks. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Increased speed and capacity
- Expert maintenance support
- Guaranteed alignment with latest technology
Denmark
Thales equips 1.200km line with 112 station, which represents half of Denmarks rail network with ETCS L2. This is one of the largest re-signaling contracts ever awarded. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Increased punctuality and capacity
- Lower OPEX
- Latest communication technology, handled over IP-connections
Saudi Arabia – NSR
2.400 km tracks equipped for freight and passengers with communication, control and signaling for ETCS L2, which is key for the development of infrastructure in the kingdom. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Massive increase of capacity
- Turnkey delivery for the whole rail operation system
South Korea
Upgrade of 170 km of non-electrified single track lines to ETCS L1 plus establishment of interoperability with existing ETCS L1 lines. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Extremely short implementation time
- Increase of line-speed to 200 km/h
- Increase of capacity – headway reduced to 4 min
Switzerland - Gotthard-Basetunnel
Equip the longest railway tunnel in the world (57 km), the Gotthard-Basetunnel with ETCS Level 2 train control and shift a relevant part of the traffic from street to track. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Control more the 300 trains per day in 2 separate tubes
- Increase of line-speed from 140 km/h to 250 km/h
- Decrease the travel time from Milano to Zurich by 1 hour (about 30%)
Switzerland - SBB
Loetschberg base tunnel ETCS Level 2 signalling, interlocking and integration for the world’s longest high-speed land tunnel. More
Benefits of this solution:
- Rebalance transport modes and shift road traffic to rail
- Operational conflicts reduced to optimise throughput
- Energy savings
Customer focused innovation for business performance
Our onboard and trackside systems continuously control your train movement with minimized headway in order to achieve higher performance, improved track utilization and greater passenger service frequency. They are based on the ERTMS system that is successfully deployed worldwide.
Maximizing revenue through interoperability
Harmonizing train control is the key to foster railway transport system competitiveness in Europe. ETCS implementation will increase railways operators’ operational performance through enhanced capacity and speed, enabling them to expand their share of freight and passenger business in an expanding market. ETCS enables to strongly decrease the traffic congestion caused by persistent bottlenecks, missing links and lack of interoperability.
Increasing Safety and Security
Safety is the primary business of Thales. All of our solutions focus on ensuring the safe operation of your railroad. Our Train Control solutions provide full Automatic Train Protection capability based either on the ETCS standards or the, well-proven, LZB system.
Improving Customer Services
By integrating our ATC (Automatic Train Control) systems with modern interlocking technology and advanced management operation centres, the customer is able to offer attractive services for rolling stock operators (the transportation of goods) as well as for passenger traffic (economically attractive services to a liberalized market). The Thales solutions automate the daily work of all personnel of the railway companies to continuously improve the overall performance of the system.