Siemens Mobility conducted the first live demonstration of its new Signalling X CBTC (communications-based train control) system for metros (rspid transit) at Singapore’s new Rail Test Centre on Nov. 12. The system combines safety-critical systems such as interlockings and CBTC into one system, running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. The demonstration was held using an automated metro train.
Siemens says Signalling X builds on the success of CBTC and represents the next step in signaling digitalization. “Signalling X brings together various signaling systems, expanding capabilities through open interfaces,” says Marc Ludwig, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. “Signalling X allows us to put many apps on one system. We are putting all the technology onto two independent, redundant data centers, and we will have one cloud for a city or even a country.”
Siemens launched Signalling X for main line railways last year, starting in Austria, followed by installations in Barcelona, Spain and Finland. “Our ground-breaking solution has already demonstrated its reliability in mainline applications,” Ludwig says.
Signalling X centralizes safety-critical functions such as the interlocking and train control system, including ATO, ATS, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and communications into a cloud-ready signaling data center running on SIL 4 COTS hardware with the Siemens Distributed Smart Safe System (DS3) platform introduced in 2020. Signalling X also integrates Siemens’ CoreShield cybersecurity system.
Siemens says Signalling X will eliminate all trackside interlockings, and replace object controllers with smart controllers controlled by radio or Wi-Fi rather than connected by cables. The result should be a 15% cut in capital costs, and a reduction in the space required for hardware of up to 80%, as four cabinets can be replaced by a single unit. Signalling X will also facilitate 24/7 train operation.
“We are demonstrating a fundamental change in signaling for mass transit,” explained Jan Philipp Steinbach, head of MT Development at Siemens Mobility. “Proprietary hardware has a lot of drawbacks as it is very costly to install and maintain and it severely limits flexibility.”
