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12/5/2016

Siemens Perspective: Developed resources for installations and system integration

By Jack Wilson, vice president of sales, and
Ralf Ziemann, PTC program manager
 
Using a mix of complex technologies that can analyze and incorporate a large number of variables, PTC requires consistent and flawless engineering and communication. Siemens makes that happen. With a 160-year heritage of successful systems engineering and communication, Siemens Rail Automation has some of the most highly developed resources — people, processes and technology — in rail engineering and communication. Siemens provides installations and system integration engineering for both passenger- and freight-rail applications, and has a proven track record with major rail agencies across the Northeast Corridor and Class I railroads.
 
With more than 12,000 people around the world dedicated to mobile engineering and applications, Siemens provides significant resources to support PTC. Siemens’ engineers are among the most highly trained and supported experts in the field. The company has more than 900 engineers and consultants in the United States who draw on lessons learned from experiences of their global counterparts.
 
Trainguard PTC technology and engineering is backed by strict diligence to meet the railway industry’s thorough and comprehensive quality standards. Siemens utilizes state-of-the-art testing processes, quality assurance measures, and testing, as well as risk and change management practices. In addition, Siemens has created a laboratory for simulations based on real-world experiences to test and record technology development.
 
To meet the requirements of PTC, Siemens is applying its vast experience in platform development for vital and non-vital systems. The vital platform used for Trainguard PTC on-board units is the same service-proven platform used for other global Siemens train control systems. Its Back Office Server (BOS) platform is robust and implemented using Siemens state-of-the-art WinCC OA platform.
 
PTC Moving Block will be the next level of automation and train control required for freight railroads in the United States. Siemens is at the forefront in developing Moving Block solutions. Moving Block functionality relies on information available through the PTC system. The system is designed to enhance the functionality of the existing and new wayside technologies. It uses this information for vitally optimized and automatically updated train spacing and separation, so that trains can follow each other more closely while ensuring the safety of the railroad operation.
 
Siemens Rail Automation offers a comprehensive approach to designing and implementing a robust PTC system for long-term success. Siemens backs its projects with deep resources in product engineering, trained staff and proven processes. From back-office servers to on-board units and wayside interface units, Siemens provides scalable products, built on service-proven platforms, that can improve the PTC system lifecycle.