Rail-certified Computers – Signalling Control Systems
We were chosen to supply the hardware platform for the Bakerloo upgrade because of our rail experience and ability to provide an end-to-end service – including certification, rack integration and project management. This formed a low-risk strategy as part of a significant upgrade programme to improve the Transport for London passenger experience.
Peter Drake, Business Development Director, Captec
THE CUSTOMER
Transport for London (TfL) run the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network. The Bakerloo Line control system on the Underground needed to be replaced by a modern equivalent to address obsolescence issues. This involved the replacement of central computers with modern hardware. The new hardware will be used as the central hub of a network of site and communication computers, with its functions including indicating the current state of signalling, the live position of trains and general service data.
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Enquiring about: Rail-certified Computers – Signalling Control Systems
The Challenges:
Redesign and modernisation of central and logging computers, previously supplied by Captec and running 24/7/365 for over 20 years.
Computers positioned in the station equipment room directly above the track, so must be designed to minimise susceptibility to EMC interference caused by trains.
Meet 5 9s availablity, where downtime is less than 5.26 minutes per year.
Achieve reliable operation in fluctuating temperatures that can be experienced across rail networks.
Provide a holistic service including design, engineering, testing, certification, rack integration and installation.
The Solution
Design and engineering of 1U and 4U computers for integration across four equipment room racks, while maintaining a similar architecture with enhanced functionality.
By engineering for minimal electric noise emissions, testing at our pre-compliance facilities and managing the certification process, the computers fully meet the EN 50121:2006 standard.
Architecture including dual computers, redundant power supplies, RAID storage and spares provisioning enables the computers to meet TfL’s 5 9s availability requirement.
Industrial components, including a power supply unit and motherboard with extended operating temperatures, secures a wide range of 0-55°C.
The Outcome
From design and development through to certification and on-site installation, we managed the entire process to successfully roll out fully-integrated computers that meet the stringent requirements of the rail industry.
With an extended product roadmap, industrial components and rigorous testing, longevity and continuity of supply is fully optimised to 15 years.
Owing to the reliability and longevity of the computers previously supplied, TfL had high confidence in Captec as a technology partner.
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