In order to define the networking and application framework safety concepts, Safe4RAIL starts from cross-industry best practices, models of computation and embedded platform (computing, networking and software) technologies. These inputs lead to the development of proof-of-concepts that demonstrate the core components of the technology and ensures sustainable design of integrated modular architectures and next generation TCMS. The technology is demonstrated in the context of electronic train brake control based on a novel fully electronic architectural concept based on drive-by-wire technology. As a whole Safe4RAIL targets the following objectives:

Objective 1: Configurable Mixed Criticality Networking “Drive-By-Data” Concept

  • Analyse viability of existing standards from other transport sectors (SAE AS6802, IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking) and Avionics (ARINC 664) in a railway context
  • Hosts all system function traffic with different timing and safety requirements, support the partitioning of network bandwidth for time-critical & safety-critical functions (up to SIL4)
  • Design the concept and methodology for the railway network and the embedded platform integration

Objective 2: Mixed Criticality Application Framework Concept

  • Provide solutions to fulfil functional safety-critical and non-critical requirements and non-functional requirements (including security)
  • Analyse viability of existing embedded platform from transportation sectors such as automotive (AUTOSAR/MICROSAR) and avionics (ARINC 653) in TCMS context, together with TRDP application profiles.
  • Design the concept and methodology for the railway network and the embedded platform integration and provide proof-of-concept implementations.

Objective 3: Simulation and Testing Environment for distributed embedded railway systems

  • Develop a network-centric system-level simulation providing a timing-accurate simulation of heterogeneous in-train communication networks
  • Support Software In the Loop and Hardware In the Loop testing, while supporting the secure coupling of simulators and physical systems at different sites connected via internal Local Area Networks or the Internet (co-simulation with remote subsystems)
  • Develop simulations of the wireless interfaces to ground systems.

Objective 4: Architecture and Safety Concept for Brake-by-Wire (SIL4) utilizing the Networking- and Application Framework Concepts

  • Move train brake controls from pneumatic or mixed pneumatic electronic architectures to a fully electronic one (brake-by-wire)
  • Define safety communication requirements for brake-by-wire
  • Develop hardware/software safety-architecture, redundancy in critical sensors and signals , technical concepts and implement proof of concept
  • Define verification and validation process, concept of test activities, and assessment criteria to be taken as future reference point.

Objective 5: Modular Certification capability enabled by the distributed embedded railway platform and systems

  • Ease partition-level development, migration, certification and re-certification
  • Provide evidences for interference-freeness provided by the safe “functional distribution” architecture.
  • Assessment of modular certification strategy by certification experts

Objective 6: Contribution to safety- and technology standards for future European uptake

  • Identify open technologies and capabilities required, identify gaps or issues
  • Provide recommendations for embedded platform and networking capabilities or requirements which are not included in existing technology and safety standards (e.g. IEC 61375, EN 5012x and EN 50657)