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Optimise Your Railway Operations With Frauscher'S Point Control SystemWayside Object Controllers (WOCs) play a pivotal role in modern railway signalling as they enable the creation of decentralised systems, where the core system responsible for controlling track movements can be centralised as a dedicated server or located in the cloud. Meanwhile, the control of various field elements, such as track sections and points, remains managed locally by the WOCs. These controllers act as vital intermediaries, linking field elements with the central interlocking system. By transmitting commands and relaying information, WOCs ensure seamless communication and operational control of the respective elements. Additionally, WOCs can gather diagnostic information from these field elements and monitor their status, which enhances the overall reliability and availability of the whole system. A notable example of a WOC is the Frauscher Point Control System which provides a SIL 4 solution that includes all necessary components for control, detection and monitoring of point machines. Our Point Control System is designed with exceptional flexibility, which enables its seamless integration with a wide range of point machines. This solution can control 20 point machines within a single system, enabling efficient management of multiple devices through one communication interface. Furthermore, the Point Control System also adheres to standardised communication, security, diagnostic and maintenance interfaces such as SCI, SSI, SDI and SMI according to the EULYNX standard. The support for standardised interfaces carries substantial benefits for the operator as it enables greater interoperability between different components, while ensuring increased system reliability and easy integration into existing systems. For instance, thanks to standardisation, WOCs such as the Frauscher Point Control System promote increased product diversity and grant the operator more choice in procuring components according to specific project requirements, irrespective of the manufacturer. The Frauscher Point Control System consists of FAdP Point Control, which is a EULYNX compliant object controller designed to control, detect and monitor point machines, as well as Frauscher Connect, a dedicated connectivity manager for all Frauscher systems. Its maximum scalability results in a seamless integration into projects of any size, from small-scale installations to large, complex railway networks, ensuring safe and reliable control of single and multi-motor turnouts. The FAdP Point Control is designed with a number of key features that prioritise efficiency and adaptability in various operational environments. For instance, its compact design makes it an ideal choice for installations with spatial limitations. The DIN rail mounting further streamlines installation by offering a standardised, and space-saving system for mounting the device. With its exceptional versatility and flexibility, this solution is designed to be compatible with a wide range of interfaces. A core component of FAdP Point Control is the PCU, which supports 4, 7, 9, or 11-wire configurations while accommodating various power supply requirements. One Point Control System can contain up to 20 Point Control Units (PCU) and thereby control 20 point machines via a single communication interface, depending on the precise configuration. Such versatility ensures the PCU aligns with a diverse set of point machine standards and interfaces employed across the globe. Furthermore, thanks to Frauscher Connect, the system adheres to the latest standards in terms of security, meaning it can be utilised in category 3 networks according to EN50159. The Frauscher Point Control System is also equipped with advanced functionalities including condition monitoring, which is available without the need for additional or external hardware. The solution is able to track critical parameters of individual point machines, including their motor current, voltage, power, and turning time. The diagnostic and health data can be conveniently accessed through the cloud-based diagnostics platform, Frauscher Insights. This built-in monitoring capability provides information about the operational performance and condition of point machines, enhancing maintenance planning and reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures which in turn improves service availability and reduces maintenance related costs. The second integral part of the Point Control System comes in the form of Frauscher Connect, a versatile connectivity manager for all Frauscher systems. As a comprehensive connectivity solution, Frauscher Connect is designed to provide secure and reliable communication based on EULYNX and System Pillar standards. Frauscher Connect supports open network communication according to category 3 networks as per EN 50159, providing a secure and robust connectivity framework. Furthermore, Frauscher Connect provides generic interfaces that are developed in accordance with the EULYNX Baseline 4 standard, including interfaces for diagnostic and maintenance purposes (SDI and SMI), and security services (SSI). In this sense, Frauscher Connect enables the secure transmission of a variety of data and information between individual Frauscher subsystems for various tasks such as train detection and point control, in line with the highest safety and security standards. In conclusion, Frauscher’s Point Control System, with its flexible hardware and standardised, EULYNX-compliant interfaces, offers a versatile solution for modern railway signalling. By enabling seamless integration with various point machines, the solution ensures that a single system can meet diverse operational needs across different regions and project requirements. The Point Control System therefore guarantees a robust, scalable, and efficient system for managing railway operations. This level of versatility, coupled with the support for standardised interfaces, puts operators in control of their rail networks, so they can reduce costs, choose from a range of product manufacturers and avoid vendor lock-in, among many other benefits. As “Your partner for confidence” Frauscher provides the world’s most reliable field elements for highly available train detection and wayside object controlling, enabling rail operators to run their rail networks with confidence. This article was originally published by Frauscher Sensor Technology.

railway

Mar 11, 2025

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