Fundamental element for the realization of the Automatic Train Control (ATC) and ERTMS system. An information point is the set of elements (Transponder or Boa or Balise), located anywhere on the line, which have the task of transmitting, unidirectionally, to any train passing on their progressive, providedby the ground plants, and fixed / semi-fixed information specific to the line, relatingto the route, the trains distancing regimes, the infrastructures. The Information Points realize and are the basic element of the Discontinuous Digital Signal Repetition channel (RSDD,) for the discontinuous transmission of ground / train information. The Information Point consists of two or more buoys (transponders); transmits on board the Fire Points, in which the various information collected by the buoys in the section of the line between two consecutive Information Points of the same type are translated; to the information an additional Module Space is added (Line Module) to allow the train to know restrictive information in time, concerning critical points that are immediately downstream of the Information Point. If the Information Point is to provide data of a fixed or semi-fixed type, it is composed of fixed coded buoys; if it has to supply data of variable type it is interfaced via an Encoder with the ground information sources Various classes of information points can be defined, which depend on the characteristics of the data they provide: – fixed type generic, not equipped with an Encoder and used to provide the on-board system with information that allows optimization of calculation of Safety Curve; semi-fixed type, due to the nature of the data which are generally fixed, but which may change during the train’s journey; – type that transmits variable data. More precisely, different Information Point families are distinguished; line; of system; imperative; warning; auxiliary; deceleration and Information Point for variable data.The line Information Point is used to communicate fixed characteristics such as gradient variations and side speed; in this case the buoys that constitute it are permanently programmed; they are previously placed at the point where the speed or gradient change occurs at a distance equal to or greater than that required for braking. The system information point informs on the planimetric and altimetric characteristics of the downstream section of the line, on the characteristics of the various signaling channels of the line and on the possible presence of a slowdown; transmits both variable data and fixed data; the end-of-route diverted messages, the authorization to restart the run at maximum speed, the speed and gradient of the line, the confirmation of the presence of already notified slowdowns or of points of line speed variation, the characteristics of the active line and deactivation of the ATC gear. The imperative Information Point, placed in correspondence with the first-class signals, fixes the train’s finish line, i.e. the space downstream of the Information Point itself that the train is authorized to commit; provides a speed information equal to zero, if the signal to which it refers is prevented, a speed information equal to that admitted at the signal and a space equal to that of the go-ahead, if the signal is at go ahead. The Warning Information Point, placed in correspondence with a warning signal or previously to an imperative Information Point, carries out the re-launch of the finish line, i.e. it updates the information transmitted on board, when it is necessary to move the finish line downstream (point stop) previously given to the train; provides a speed information, which corresponds to the one that the train must respect at the next first category signal, and a space information, which corresponds to the distance of the Information Point from the first category signal, if this is prevented, or at a greater distance than the Module Space, if the signal indicates to go-ahead. The alarm information point informs about the status and distance of certain bodies controlled by the system such as the open cross level (active alarm) or closed cross level (alarm not active).
; The auxiliary Information Point provides the train with information that is not connected to the determination of speed, but is used to signal the presence of bows, information on the section to be covered, detection of sections with ground faults, etc. The Information Point deceleration is used to communicate the presence of deceleration on the line and to communicate its characteristics, transmit the speed of slowing down, the distance of the starting point, the length of the stretch to be traveled at the slowing speed, supply auxiliary information such as the identification code of each section of line, the presence of tunnels or bridges, etc., provide distance information that allows the on-board system to check the accuracy of its measuring instruments. The Information Point that transmits variable data (station and line signal information) related to circulation, is located near the progressive protected line points and paths to be taken at reduced speed, such as block sections, protection signals and of departure
Link... for your business