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Tiefenbach axle counting systems have proven to be the reliable signalling alternative for locations with poor ballast conditions, shunting sensitivity problems, RF interference issues, flooding, or weather related situations such as road salt ingress, which can render traditional track circuits problematic.
The axle counting circuit utilizes a count-in/count-out hardware logic design (no software or microprocessor) providing a functionally equivalent "virtual track circuit.”" Axles counted into the system will result in an occupancy indication and a contact line will open to an external circuit. All axles must be counted out of the circuit before the system will return to the clear position and close the circuit. The system provides a normally-closed relay contact output compatible with any signal or control circuit.
Our thirty years of worldwide signaling experience has proven that Tiefenbach axle counting technology is ideal for any signaling application, including operational environments with complex train movements or locations with complex track configurations.
The basic system is designed using one axle counter circuit with two counting points (wheel sensors) mounted at the rails for detecting the presence of on-track equipment and for de-limiting your protection zone. Besides detecting the presence of on-track equipment, the wheel sensors are monitored by the system for an open, a short, or displacement from the rail. In such cases, a failsafe occupied status occurs. Likewise, internal failure modes, such as a component failure, will result in a failsafe condition and open the contact line to the external control or signal circuit.
Design of the counter circuit in practice is based on the actual track layout including any sidings that may be present. A particular area may require more than 2 wheel sensors or more than one axle counter circuit.
Tiefenbach systems offer high reliability, which translates into lower long-term maintenance and labor costs. Do not be fooled by imitators or inexpensive "garden variety" wheel sensors.
Contact Tiefenbach today for more information regarding our switch protection and track vacancy detection solutions.
Bennie Manion
Tiefenbach
www.tiefenbach.com
Ph: (618) 993-8513
Fax: (618) 993-8403
bmanion@tiefenbach.com
