CONNECTA

Cost-efficient and reliable trains, including high-capacity trains and high-speed trains

IP Coordinator: Javier Goikoetxea - CAF

Overview
Objectives
Project Structure
Partners
Results and Publications
Project's News & Events
Contacts
Latest Project's News
- The final conference was successfully hold in Paris on 26th September 2018
  1 October 2018
- Final Conference registration deadline extended!
  4 September 2018
- Registration for the Final Conferece is opened !
  24 July 2018

Overview

Project title:

CONtributing to Shift2Rail's NExt generation of high Capable and safe TCMS and brAkes. Phase 1.

Topic:

S2R-CFM-IP1-02-2016

Total Project Value:

€ 12 333 045,70

Duration:

from 01/09/2016 to 30/09/2018

S2R (Of H2020) co-funding:

€ 5 477 519,64

Coordinator:

Javier Goikoetxea
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.

Complementary projects:

SAFE4RAIL

Next Project:

CONNECTA-2

Objectives

CONNECTA aims at contributing to the Shift2Rail ’s next generation of TCMS architectures and components with wireless capabilities as well as to the next generation of electronic braking systems.

The project conducts research into new technological concepts, standard specifications and architectures for train control and monitoring, with specific applications in train-to-ground communications and high safety electronic control of brakes.

The project is developed in four phases of work which are reinforcing and extending the early work done in the TCMS part of Roll2Rail as well as start the specific activities of the MAAP of Shift2Rail. The major streams are described below.

Define General Specifications for TCMS technologies and high-level architectures to shape the future system with less cabling, increased availability, enhanced performance, easier integration and commissioning of functions and, above it, reduced life cycle costs.
Progress and implement new architectures and technologies, tools, norms and standards for the future generation of TCMS as well as for high safety level electronic brakes.
Simulate and test virtually all the communication networks and functions of the new generation TCMS subsystems to help to simplify business processes and enhance the interoperability.
Evaluate results, disseminate, communicate and exploit as much as possible at this TRL3-4 level of achievements.

Project Structure

WP1 - GENERAL SPECIFICATION

The main objective of this WP will be to work out a general specification of the next generation TCMS (Train Control Management System) and to generate a high level system architecture that is able to provide specific requirements as input to the different tasks of the other WPs.
The main objectives of WP1 are to:

Provide a basis for collaboration and collecting required data
Collect all TCMS relevant Use Cases
Provide a functional (function based) architecture (meaning that TCMS functions are pictured as back boxes including their logical links)
Collect and provide all functional (top level) requirements
Collect and provide legal requirements, norms, standards, SIL Levels, …
Include functions for future needs of the specification
Reduce the overall cost of the TCMS system
Increase reliability of the IT system (TCMS) and decrease LCCs
Requirements as basic inputs for a flexible and scalable TCMS, which features single sources for common data and supports an open data exchange to coupled vehicles.

WP2 - WIRELESS TCMS AND TRAIN-TO-GROUND

The research began within Roll2Rail, where members collaborate in the basic definition and selection of the wireless technologies (incl. physical medium, architecture, protocols, RAMS & (cyber)security analysis and testing in lab …) for the train to train, intra-consist, consist to consist and train to ground (T2G) communications and for several applications (TCMS, safety functions, CCTV – Closed Circuit Television -, infotainment).
These inputs from Roll2Rail and WP1 will be reviewed and considered. Members are expected to then develop technical solutions (HW & SW) oriented to the metro segment as well as for main line vehicles, which may include wireless routers, transmitters and receivers, adaptation of software communication layers for T2G related applications. Unitary test on real vehicles before integration in the metro and regional ITD is foreseen in a later call (TRL6/7).
The members will collaborate in the basic definition and selection of the wireless technologies (incl. physical medium, architecture, protocols, RAMS & (cyber) security analysis and testing in lab…) for the train to ground (T2G) communications and for several applications (TCMS, safety related functions, CCTV, infotainment...).
The partners will then develop technical solutions consisting of hardware and software, which may include wireless routers, transmitters and receivers, and adaptation of software communication layers for the complete T2G functionality.
Another goal of this WP is to continue the validation of the technologies and architectures for the wireless TCMS starting from the outcomes of Roll2Rail and taking the laboratory testing infrastructure to a real environment at first for the consist to consist application.

WP3 - DRIVE-BY-DATA

The objectives of this WP can be summarised as follows:

Provide a ‘business case’ for drive-by-data
One train-wide communication network for full TCMS support including the replacement of train lines, which supports the secure separation of data traffic belonging to different safety integrity classes in a manner acceptable by regulatory authorities.
Connecting safety functions up to SIL4 and support of ‘fail-safe’ and ‘fault-tolerant’ principle.
Provide an optimal train network for TCMS and OMTS (on-board multimedia and telematics) services, by considering quality of service aspects like determinism, real-time behaviour, demand-response-time, guaranteed bandwidth or jitter.
Provide requirements on end devices (e.g. to approve network conformity and to ensure requested end-to-end demand response time) also as input for WP4 and WP5
Provide a communication mean also for non-TCMS functions like signalling subsystems
Support standard methodology & process of safety approval / authorization

WP4 - FUNCTIONAL DISTRIBUTION ARCHITECTURE

The objective of functional distribution architecture is to standardise functional interfaces of functions and sub systems as well as define a generic functional distributed architecture for the next TCMS generation.
The objective of function standardisation and open coupling is to make possible the coupling of two or more consists supplied by any manufacturer and which could have different train functions. It would also allow the control-command and monitoring of a train made of different consists supplied by any manufacturers. In order to achieve this, it is intended to elaborate application profiles for each sub-system of the train and specify, design and develop a prototype of open coupling.
The application profile will define the standardised interfaces for each sub system of the train.

WP5 - HIGH SAFETY LEVEL ELETRONIC SOLUTIONS FOR BRAKE CONTROL

This work package aims to develop an electronic HW-SW architecture designed to manage all the braking functions (service, holding, emergency, safety brake, wheel slide protection) according to proper high safety levels (SIL3, SIL4).
Main objectives are:

Performance improvement in safety relevant braking functions resulting in optimisation of the braking distances in safety braking
On board system optimisation, reducing the number of sophisticated pneumatic components, improving overall LCC
Use of communication standards carrying high SIL related information coordinated with WP3
Validation of non-railway EN standards to be used in railways safety related application.

WP6 - VIRTUAL PLACING ON THE MARKET

The main goal is to develop a simulation framework in which all subsystems of the train can be simulated, allowing remote and distributed testing including hardware in-the-loop through heterogeneous communication networks.
Specific goals have been defined in WP6:

Specification and Definition of a standardised simulation framework
Support virtual testing and homologation of the TCMS and its applications
Allow local and remote homologation through heterogeneous networks and HW-in-the-loop.
Complete train virtualisation based on electromechanical simulations
Test design, deployment and monitoring toolbox development.
ECN/ETB conformance testing definition and implementation

WP7 - DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION

WP8 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL COORDINATION

Partners

Coordinator

Beneficiaries

Results and Publications

Connected Trams demonstrator brochure

PDF version of the brochure distributed for the Connected Trams demonstrator unveiled during Innotrans 2018

Download

Connected Trams Video

Dissemination video of the "Connected Trams" demonstrator unveiled during Innotrans 2018.

link

D1.2 TCMS Uses Cases

This deliverable presents a large collection of uses cases for the the next generation TCMS

Download

D1.3 Function based architecture

A general description of the new architectural concept, based on a function centric approach

Download

D1.4 RAMS, Security, Legal Requirements and Norms

Non-functional requirments for the NG TCMS

Download

D1.5 High Level Requirements

Specification of the NG TCMS

Download

D2.1 Requirements and Specification for the T2G System

Specification for implementing the IEC 61375-2-6 standard for the trin-to-ground communication

Download

D2.3 Validation Plan and Report for the T2G System

Validation plan and test reports of the interoperability tests carried aout together with Safe4RAIL

Download

D2.4 Report of C2C Wireless Communication Tests

Comprehensive report of the wireless train backbone tests carried out under commercial service conditions

Download

D3.1 Drive-by-Data Network Requirements

Requirement collection for the new mixed-criticallity network supporting up to SIL4 functions

Download

D4.1 Architectural Requirements

Detailed set of requirements for the functional opne coupling (FOC), application profiles, and functional distribution framework (FDF) middleware

Download

D4.3 Application Profile Definition Guideline and Example

Guidelines to create TCMS application profiles and some examples of them (Doors, HVAC, ATO)

Download

D5.1 System Brakes Architecture Report SySBAR

Architecture report for the new generation of brake electronics

Download

D5.2 Brake System Requirements

Specification of the new brake system with safe electronics

Download

D5.3 Preliminary Safety Report

Preliminary safety concept, planning, strategy, architecture and analysis for the next generation of safe brake electronics.

Download

D5.5 Safety Assessment Report

Final safety assessment report on the brake-by-wire technology

Download

D6.1 Specification of the Virtual Homologation Principles

Download

D6.2 Specification of the Simulation Framework and Train Virtualisation

Requirements for the virtual certification simulation framework and the needed train virtualisation

Download

D6.3 ECN-ETB Conformance Testing Protocol

Contribution to the IEC61375-2-8, including a preliminary implementation

Download

D8.3 Contribution to Shift2Rail

Set of conclusions of the project together with a summary of dissemination actions

Download

Final Conference Presentation

Presentation shown during the joint CONNECTA & Safe4RAIL Final Conference held in Paris on 26.09.2018.

Download

Newsletter september 2018

Newsletter explaining the main results of the project

Download

Wireless train backbone test campaign video

This video explains the test campaigns carried out within CONNECTA for the wireless train backbone. Tests were done in real operation on one heavy metro train of the Basque regional operator Euskotren.

link

All deliverables, results and publications herewith provided reflects only the author's view and the S2R JU is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Project's News & Events

The final conference was successfully hold in Paris on 26th September 2018

1 October 2018

The joint CONNECTA and Safe4RAIL Final Conference took place on 26th September 2018 in Paris. More than 100 attendees came to the Salon des Miroirs in the nice area of the Grands Boulevards, where the event was hold.

The conference was moderated by the two Coordinators and the session was opened by the Programme Manager of Shift2Rail IP1, Mr Sébastien Denis.

It was noticeable the presence of many TCMS suppliers and even prople from abroad Europe. The feedback received from the audience was good and reinforced the general feeling that both projects have been a great success.

The presentation shown during the conference can be found in the "Results and Publications" area of this website.

Final Conference registration deadline extended!

4 September 2018

See the link

Our Joint Final Conference, taking place on 26^th of September, is approaching very fast, and the registration process is still ongoing. Since we are able to host a limited number of participants only, we would like to attract attention to the remaining seats, which are available. We decided to extend the registration deadline by 6 days, respectively until the 11^th of September. The registration and attendance to the conference is still free of charge, but a registration is mandatory. Save your seat now and register yourself and your colleagues at: https://safe4rail.eu/registration

Registration for the Final Conferece is opened !

24 July 2018

See the link

The Final Conference organized as a joint event between the CFM project CONNECTA and its complementary action project Safe4RAIL will take place on Wednesday, 26^th of September, 2018 in Paris, France (from 9:00 till approximately 17:00 CET).

According to the motto “more functionality and interoperability, lower system complexity and cost”, the conference will focus on final results for next-generation TCMS and the following topics will be presented:

Drive-by-Data: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality Ethernet networking technology for electronic control.
Functional Distribution Framework: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality middleware to provide abstraction from underlying platform hardware.
Distributed Simulation Framework: Simulation of in-train communication networks with co-simulated end-systems to improve early validation of functionality, timing, reliability and safety.
Train-to-Ground Communication: Development of train-side and ground-side equipment according to IEC 61375-2-6 and corresponding interoperability test environment.
Wireless Train Backbone: First tests in the field, under real operational conditions, of this cornerstone for the virtual coupling of trains.
Brake-by-Wire: Concept development for fully electronic control architecture for high-safety braking subsystem.
Functional Open Coupling: To achieve the full interoperability at functional level, allowing consists of different manufacturers or implementing different functions to couple.
Application Profiles: Syntactic and semantic standardisation of consist functions for easier integration and certification.

Throughout the day, the conference will be accompanied by several graphical and physical demonstrators.

You can find the invitation letter and the preliminary agenda here: Invitation Letter [PDF, 1.08 MB]

Participation for the event is free of charge, but registration is obligatory. You can register yourself for the conference by use of the website's registration form until 5th of September.

Number of places are limited, so please register as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

CONNECTA Final Conference Announced!

28 May 2018

Under the title "Blueprints for next-generation TCMS" the Final Conference of CONNECTA and its complementary action Safe4RAIL will take place in Paris, on the 26th September, from 9:00 to 17:00.

More functionality and interoperability, lower system complexity and cost

Drive-by-Data: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality Ethernet networking technology for electronic control.
Functional Distribution Framework: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality middleware to provide abstraction from underlying platform hardware.
Distributed Simulation Framework: Simulation of in-train communication networks with co-simulated end-systems to improve early validation of functionality, timing, reliability and safety.
Train-to-Ground Communication: Development of train-side and ground-side equipment according to IEC 61375-2-6 and corresponding interoperability test environment.
Wireless train backbone: First tests in the field, under real operational conditions, of this cornerstone for the virtual coupling of trains.
Brake-by-Wire: Concept development for fully electronic control architecture for high-safety braking subsystem.
Functional Open Coupling: To achieve the full interoperability at functional level, allowing consists of different manufacturers or implementing different functions to couple.
Application Profiles: Syntactic and semantic standardisation of consist functions for easier integration and certification.

Revive the “Connected Trams” showcase to be presented at Innotrans

Agenda, registration link and more detailed information will follow soon !

Video on the wireless TCMS test campaing

10 May 2018

See the link

Get informed about the test campaign for the wireless TCMS (wireless train backbone) through a dissemination video that can be found in the Results and Publications section of this website or through the following link https://vimeo.com/265966043

CONNECTA was presented at TRA

22 April 2018

The project CONNECTA was presented during the TRA 2018 event celebrated in Vienna. The Coordinator informed theaudience about the Shift2Rail's project vision for the TCMS, the project specific goals and some preliminary results. Finally, the next dissemination events were presented.

Great success of Safe4RAIL mid-term conference

25 January 2018

See the link

The complementary action of CONNECTA, the Safe4RAIL project, hold its mid-term conference on 25th January in Prague. The participation was good in terms of quality and quantity. Indeed, around 70 attendees joined the event, of whom 40 were externals from Safe4RAIL and CONNECTA. The four main activities (drive-by-data, functional distribution framework, brake-by-wire and virtual centification) were presented and the session ended with an interesting panel about the future of railways.

CONNECTA will be presented at TRA 2018 in Vienna

17 January 2018

See the link

CONNECTA project, its goals and preliminary results will be presented during the Transport Research Arena 2018 that will be held in Vienna from 16 to 19 April. The oral presentation of our paper "Shift2Rail CONNECTA: The Next Generation of the Train Control and Monitoring System" has been assigned to the topic "Digital Technologies for Transport" and will be take place in the session "Digitizing the Transport Systems", which is planned on the 17th, from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. Do not miss it!

Safe4RAIL mid-term conference

3 January 2018

See the link

CONNECTA partners wish to warmly invite you to participate to our complementary action Safe4RAIL mid-term conference, which will take place on Thursday, 25th of January, 2018 in Prague, Czech Republic (9:30 —16:30 CET). Please mark the date in your agenda!

The conference will provide an overview on the next-generation TCMS that has been developed in the first year of the Safe4RAIL project. The concepts for the Integrated Modular Platform, consisting of middleware and networking framework will be presented. Further presentations will be related to the supporting simulation and demonstration aspects. The conference welcomes participants from railway technology suppliers and manufacturers, safety experts, and authorities as well as academic participants in the domain of train control and communication systems.

The conference will be hosted at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Lucemburská 46, Prague, Czech Republic.

Participation to the event is free of charge, but registration is obligatory.

See https://safe4rail.eu/mid-term-conference for more information and registration.

CONNECTA & Safe4RAIL joint advisory body meets in Vienna for the first time

5 October 2017

The joint advisory body of CONNECTA and its complementary action Safe4RAIL met in Vienna on 5th October 2017 for the first time.

Both projects were briefly introduced by their coordinators and then technical sessions on the functional distribution framework (WP4), drive-by-data (WP3), safe electronics for brakes (WP5) and the simulation framewok for TCMS certification (WP6) followed.

The external experts were pretty active and brought very valuable inputs to both projects, which should encourage partners to continue working in the fruitful way so far.

For the time being 9 external experts from different institutions and stakeholders conform the advisory body.

Contacts

Javier Goikoetxea

Project Coordinator

In order to send a message to the coordinator, please fill in this form with your data:

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The final conference was successfully hold in Paris on 26th September 2018

1 October 2018

The conference was moderated by the two Coordinators and the session was opened by the Programme Manager of Shift2Rail IP1, Mr Sébastien Denis.

The presentation shown during the conference can be found in the "Results and Publications" area of this website.

Final Conference registration deadline extended!

4 September 2018

Registration for the Final Conferece is opened !

24 July 2018

Drive-by-Data: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality Ethernet networking technology for electronic control.
Functional Distribution Framework: Robust, modular and safe mixed-criticality middleware to provide abstraction from underlying platform hardware.
Distributed Simulation Framework: Simulation of in-train communication networks with co-simulated end-systems to improve early validation of functionality, timing, reliability and safety.
Train-to-Ground Communication: Development of train-side and ground-side equipment according to IEC 61375-2-6 and corresponding interoperability test environment.
Wireless Train Backbone: First tests in the field, under real operational conditions, of this cornerstone for the virtual coupling of trains.
Brake-by-Wire: Concept development for fully electronic control architecture for high-safety braking subsystem.
Functional Open Coupling: To achieve the full interoperability at functional level, allowing consists of different manufacturers or implementing different functions to couple.
Application Profiles: Syntactic and semantic standardisation of consist functions for easier integration and certification.

Throughout the day, the conference will be accompanied by several graphical and physical demonstrators.

You can find the invitation letter and the preliminary agenda here: Invitation Letter [PDF, 1.08 MB]

Participation for the event is free of charge, but registration is obligatory. You can register yourself for the conference by use of the website's registration form until 5th of September.

Number of places are limited, so please register as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No: 730539