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Publication
Prof. Jochen Trinkauf, Dr. Ulrich Maschek and Dr. Richard Kahl publish the second edition of their work on the European Train Control System ETCS and present it at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) is the train control system of the future. It standardizes cross-border rail traffic in Europe and uses computer-aided technology to increase the capacity of the existing infrastructure. For example, cost- and time-critical locomotive changes at international borders will become superfluous, which will significantly speed up both passenger and freight transport and reduce operating costs in the long term.
Due to the high demand, the revised 2nd edition of the book "ETCS in Germany" by Prof. Dr. Jochen Trinkauf, Dr. Ulrich Maschek and Dr. Richard Kahl will be published on this topic on 29 August 2024. The authors will also be presenting their publication at this year's InnoTrans in Berlin. The book provides a comprehensive insight into the European specifications of ETCS and how it can be integrated into the German railroad infrastructure with its special operational features. Planning for the use of ETCS on German lines is also discussed. The work is rounded off with a look into the future and potential developments of the system.
About InnoTrans
InnoTrans is an international exhibition for rail and transportation technology that takes place every two years at the fairgrounds in Berlin. Exhibitors from over 130 countries present their latest technologies and developments in the field of rail and mobility to the public. An outdoor area with over 3.5 km of track is also available for this purpose, where track-bound vehicles, buses and signaling technology can be viewed.
This year's exhibition will take place from September 24 to 27. All further information and tickets are available on the homepage.
What is ETCS?
ETCS is currently available in three equipment levels.
Level 1 is the simplest level. The train control acts directly at the signal, which corresponds to the "point-based train control" (PZB) used in Germany.
Level 2 is a form of ETCS in which signals along the track are replaced by virtual signals. The train and system communicate in both directions via GSM-R and the train driver receives all information, such as speed restrictions or blocked sections of track, in advance. In Germany, this system is already being used on the newer high-speed lines and is to be used throughout the country in the future.
ETCS Level 3 is currently still under development and aims to optimize Level 2. Positioning is to take place on the train itself and determine the distance to the train in front, creating a "moving block". This will allow trains to travel at shorter distances from each other.
Die erneute Auseinandersetzung mit den neuesten Entwicklungen des Systems führt dazu, dass man an der Spitze der Forschung dabei ist. Freude bereitet mir dabei das wissenschaftliche Schreiben, das Beschreiben technischer Sachverhalte und dabei immer an den Leser zu denken.
Originalautor
Authors
Prof. Dr. Jochen Trinkauf - Former holder of the Chair of Traffic Safety Engineering
Dr. Ulrich Maschek - Acting Head of the Chair of Traffic Safety Engineering
Dr. Richard Kahl - Research Assistant at the Chair of Traffic Safety Engineering
Contact
Dr. Ulrich Maschek
Chair of Traffic Safety Engineering
E-Mail: ulrich.maschek@tu-dresden.de