Introduction
Modern railway vehicles must be equipped with advanced control and management systems that ensure safe, efficient, and standardized operation across European rail networks. Our team supported a major project aimed at integrating such systems into passenger trains and locomotives.
The project required a comprehensive approach — from analyzing existing electrical documentation, through designing integration concepts, to developing technical specifications and supporting system validation.
Project Goals
The main objectives included:
- System Implementation: Equipping existing rolling stock with a modern train control and management system to replace outdated solutions and enable automatic train supervision.
- Compliance with Railway Standards: Ensuring full compliance with European railway standards, including EN 50155, EN 50343, and EN 50264, covering electrical equipment and installation.
- Safety Analysis: Preparing detailed reports in line with EN 45545 to evaluate fire safety, operational functionality, and evacuation scenarios.
- Improved Documentation & Testing: Developing electrical schematics, wiring specifications, and test procedures to enable accurate validation and system certification.
Project Execution
The project was delivered in several stages:
- Review and analysis of electrical documentation and concepts for system integration.
- 3D scanning of vehicles and analysis of system layouts to identify installation points.
- Development of the overall integration concept.
- Design of the electrical schematics for the onboard system.
- Preparation of specifications and wiring harness lists (around 70 per passenger unit).
- Development of terminal board architecture to manage electrical connections.
- Creation of test templates to verify installation integrity (e.g., continuity and dielectric tests).
- Definition of installation procedures for electrical components.
- Installation of a prototype system in the first test vehicle.
- Deployment in the first series-production unit and subsequent vehicles.
- Verification of compliance with EN 50155, EN 50343, and EN 50264.
- Safety engineering support in line with EN 45545, ensuring fire protection and evacuation readiness.
Results
The integration of modern train control and signaling systems delivered:
- Seamless operation across different European networks.
- Increased safety and reliability through compliance with international standards.
- Structured technical documentation and testing procedures, reducing risks during production and certification.
- A scalable installation approach, successfully deployed first in prototype vehicles and later in serial production units.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how the modernization of rail vehicles with advanced control and management systems can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance. Our team’s expertise in electrical integration, wiring design, and certification processes ensured a smooth transition from concept to full fleet implementation.