Table 2.
Qualitative requirements for VCTS enablers to facilitate basic VCTS operation.
| Enabler | Qualitative requirement |
|---|---|
| Brakes and traction | VCTS should be able to control traction and brakes of all consists |
| Modulation of the SIL 4 brake system to manage cooperative braking behaviour, short build-up times | |
| Calculation of highly accurate brake characteristics to reduce safety margins due to uncertainties | |
| Low adhesion and brake failure management | |
| Availability of real-time information of all brake and traction parameters | |
| Availability of real-time track data | |
| Communications | Communication (T2T and T2G) following RAMS and security principles |
| Unique identification of message source and destination, timestamping/sequencing, status monitoring | |
| Provision of high information quality and distribution rates in correspondence to the headway | |
| Utilization of communication sequence protocols for certain actions/manoeuvres (e.g. coupling and decoupling) | |
| Field elements (e. g. balises, switches, level crossings) and their management | Updated functions to allow virtually coupled platoons in single block sections and to pass field elements without interference |
| Availability of sufficiently low switching times and status update communication | |
| Allowance of VCTS manoeuvres (e.g. de-/coupling via switch) | |
| Interoperability with existing signaling systems | VCTS shall be independent of the signalling systems which is active on the utilized network |
| The signalling and the connected interlocking and ATP shall not inhibit VCTS operation | |
| Bi-directional communication between the VCTS platoon and the trackside system (Strategic Layer, TMS) | |
| Platforms and stations | Appropriate handling of increased vehicle and passenger throughput |
| Availability of sufficient space for platoons and passengers | |
| Traffic management system | Implementation of algorithms and functionality to enable VCTS operation and maneuvers |
| Train integrity | Continuous information of train integrity by on-board solutions; immediate and safe response in case of train integrity loss |
| Train operation: MO, ATP and ATO | Interface to VCTS to set up a platoon, run diagnostics and maintenance |
| Availability of both automated and manual control of the leading consist | |
| ATP and ATO compatibility with VCTS via interface or direct implementation | |
| Train positioning | Provision of highly accurate relative and absolute distance, speed and acceleration and real-time track-data |