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Train communication network
View on WikipediaParts of this article (those related to complete the article with the new technologies Ethernet Consist Network (ECN) and Ethernet Train Backbone (ETB) as alternative vehicle/train busses) need to be updated. (May 2021) |
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2021) |
The train communication network (TCN) is a hierarchical combination of two fieldbus networks for data transmission within trains. It consists of the Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) inside each vehicle and of the Wire Train Bus (WTB) to connect the different vehicles. The TCN components have been standardized in IEC 61375.
Key Information
Multifunction vehicle bus (MVB)
[edit]The MVB connects individual nodes within a vehicle or closed train set. Unlike the WTB, there is no single connector standard for the MVB – instead, there are 3 defined media and connector classes:
- OGF (Optical Glass Fibre) uses 240 micron fiber up to 2000 m
- EMD (Electrical Medium Distance) uses shielded twisted pair with RS-485 transmitters and transformers for galvanic isolation, up to 200 m
- ESD (Electrical Short Distance) uses simple backplane wiring without galvanic isolation, up to 20 m
The plugs and sockets are the same as used by Profibus, with 2 x DE-9 sockets per device.[1]
For OGF, the media sources are connected by repeaters[citation needed] (signal generators) being joined on a central star coupler. A repeater is also used for the transition between mediums.
There is no inauguration, the addresses are statically allocated. The number of addressable devices depends on the configuration of the vehicle bus – there may be up to 4095 simple sensors/actuators (Class I) and up to 255 programmable stations (Class 2, with configuration slots). The physical level is using transmissions at a 1.5 Mbit/s data rate using Manchester II encoding. The maximum distance is determined on the restriction of a maximum allowed reply delay of 42.7 μs (where for longer distances a second mode is used that allows up to 83.4 μs with reduced throughput, in case MVB is used for switchgear on the track side) while most system parts communicate with a response time of a typical 10 μs.[1]
History
[edit]MVB was derived from the P215 bus developed by Brown Boveri Cie, Switzerland (now ABB), incorporating the publisher/subscriber principle from early field busses (DATRAS)[citation needed]. Back in 1984, IEC TC 57 defined the requirement specifications for busses to be used in electrical substation in collaboration with IEC SC65C. MVB presents many similarities with the FIP field bus (originally from French "Flux d'Information vers le Processus", relabeled as Factory Instrumentation Protocol or some references also use the hybrid "Flux Information Protocol") that was developed in the French NFC 46602 standard series.[2] Since both stemmed from the same IEC TC 57 specifications. This explains why MVB and FIP have similar operation (cyclic and event-driven), only the arbitration method in case of multiple access differs, as MVB used a binary bisection mode relying of collision detection while FIP piggy-backed a "look-at-me" bit over periodic data. Efforts to merge FIP and MVB failed at the stubbornness of the two parties[citation needed]. MVB, Profibus and WorldFIP were proposed as a substation bus in IEC TC 57, but to avoid parallel solutions, IEC TC 57 decided that none will be used and favored Ethernet as a common denominator[citation needed].
The MVB frames are not compatible with IEC 61158-2 fieldbus frames as it omits most of the preamble synchronization (which is not required if zero-crossing detection is possible).[1] The paradox situation is that the IEC 61158 field bus and MVB physical layer were developed by the same persons in IEC TC 57. The difference came from the fieldbus physical layer which assumes a phase-locked loop to decode the Manchester data, requiring a preamble to synthonize the decoder, while MVB operated principally with optical fibres[citation needed] where this method is useless, MVB's decoding relies on zero-crossing detectors and Manchester pattern recognition.
However most of the modern development and test equipment can equally communicate WTB/MVB frames as well as Profibus frames on the line[citation needed] as the telegram structure similar to Profibus.
The WorldFIP connectors found usage in train equipment in France and North America (by Bombardier) until a joined effort on a common UIC train bus was started (with Siemens and other industry partners) that led to the WTB/MVB standard in late 1999[citation needed].
Alternate vehicle buses
[edit]The MVB standard was introduced to replace the multitude of field buses in the train equipment. Despite the advantages of the MVB field bus, many vehicle buses are still built from CANopen, WorldFIP (in France), LonWorks (in the USA) and Profibus components. While the WorldFIP, CANopen, Lonworks and Profinet are controlled by international manufacturer associations targeting a wide range of application, MVB was tailored to the rolling stock application, with the goal of plug-compatibility, and therefore allows no options. This was intentional as the fight between the field busses raged in the 1990s[citation needed] and the decision of the IEC that any of the eight[citation needed] field busses was a standard did not help plug-compatibility.
MVB modules are more expensive than for instance CANopen or LonWorks components. This is not due to the communication technology: most devices implement the MVB protocol machine in a small area of an FPGA which is today anyhow present, and the costliest component remains the connector[citation needed]. But railways certification is costly and not always needed for uncritical applications such as comfort and passenger information. When total cost of ownership is considered, the cost of the hardware elements can easily be outweighed by additional engineering costs in the railways market with its small series.
In the USA, the IEEE RTVISC evaluated both MVB and LON as vehicle and train bus. The IEEE finally decided to standardize both in IEEE 1374, with a clear separation of tasks[citation needed]:
- MVB for critical operation such as traction control and signalling in the driver's cab,
- LON for uncritical and slow data transfer, but low-cost connections such as passenger displays and diagnostics. This separation is not always observed[citation needed].
Additionally more and more components are added to rail vehicles that need far more bandwidth than any field bus can provide (e.g. for video surveillance), so switched Ethernet IEEE 802.3 with 100 Mbit/s is being introduced into train sets (according to the EN 50155 profile). Still all the alternate vehicle buses are connected to the Wire Train Bus.[3]
MVB is similar to FlexRay, both have the "process data", which is called "static segment" in FlexRay, and "message data", which is the "dynamic segment" and are driven by a fixed TDMA scheme. Running FlexRay with 2.5 Mbit, an RS-485 physical layer and only one "coldstarter" would lead to a very similar behavior in respect to the application. Despite the similarities, no rail-manufacturer has considered FlexRay, since they valuated a common solution higher than a multitude of better busses. Conversely, in 1999, the automotive industry evaluated MVB[citation needed] (in an extended 24 Mbit/s version), but dropped it because of the costs, which should be unreasonably low for the mass-market of millions of vehicles.
Wire train bus (WTB)
[edit]The wire train bus has been designed for international passenger trains with variable composition, consisting of up to 22 vehicles.
The medium consists of a duplicated shielded twisted pair cable, which runs in the UIC cables between the vehicles.
The connector between the vehicles is the 18-pole UIC connector. Since connectors are exposed and can oxidize, a current pulse is applied at connection establishment to evaporate the oxide layer, called fritting. The standard connector for the WTB nodes is a DIN 9 pin connector.
The physical level uses RS-485 levels at 1 Mbit/s data rate. The encoding uses a Manchester II code and a HDLC frame protocol with proper voltage balancing to avoid DC components in the galvanic isolation transformers. The Manchester decoder uses a phase/quadrature demodulation (not RS-485, that operates with zero-crossings) which allows to span 750 m under worst-case conditions, especially when only the two extremity vehicles are equipped, as is the case with multiple traction for freight trains. No repeaters are foreseen since vehicles in between can have discharged batteries.
A unique property of the WTB is the train inauguration (In German: Zugtaufe) in which the newly connected vehicles receive an address in sequence and can identify the vehicle side (called port and starboard like in the marine) so that doors open on the correct side. Up to 32 addresses can be dynamically allocated. When two train compositions join, the addresses are reallocated to form a new composition of vehicles with a sequential address. Vehicles without WTB node ("conduction vehicles") are not counted.
The frames have a maximum payload of 1024 bits.
The WTB operates cyclically to provide deterministic operation, with a period of 25 ms, used mainly for the traction control[citation needed]. The WTB also supports sporadic data transmission for diagnostics. The content of the periodic and sporadic frames is governed by the UIC 556 standard.[4] Since frame size is limited, a version of TCP with reduced overhead was used for message segmenting and reassembly, that at the same time allows to cope with changes in composition, called RTP (Real-Time Protocol).
Alternate train buses
[edit]History
[edit]The WTB was derived from the German DIN bus developed by ABB Henschel[citation needed] (now Bombardier[citation needed]). It benefited from the phase/quadrature decoding provided by Italy and from an improved train inauguration provided by Switzerland, based on the experience with the FSK multiple traction bus of ABB Secheron, Geneva used in the SBB freight trains[citation needed]. The physical layer of WTB shows similarities with the WorldFIP field bus (EN 50170 part 4) - its "voltage mode" did use 1 Mbit/s and a maximum of 32 stations on the bus with a maximum length of 750 meters, the use of FIP transceivers was studied early[citation needed] in the TCN evaluation, but the Phase/Quadrature decoding was used instead.
Usage
[edit]The TCN is used in most of the modern train control systems usually connecting the vehicles with an 18-pin UIC 558, including:
- Deutsche Bahn: ICE T, ICE-TD, ICE 3 and TRAXX AC2 P160[citation needed]
- Swiss Federal Railways: IC2000 and EW IV (de)
- Austrian Federal Railways: All Railjet and Talent trains[citation needed]
IEC 61375 standards
[edit]IEC 61375 is a suite of standards.
| Code | Title | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 61375-2-1:2012 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-1: Wire Train Bus (WTB) | IEC 61375-2-1:2012 applies to data communication in Open Trains, i.e. it covers data communication between consists of the said open trains and data communication within the consists of the said open trains. |
| IEC 61375-2-2:2012 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-2: Wire Train Bus conformance testing | IEC 61375-2-2:2012 applies to all equipment and devices implemented according to IEC 61375-2-1, i.e. it covers the procedures to be applied to such equipment and devices when the conformance should be proven. The applicability of this standard to a TCN implementation allows for individual conformance checking of the implementation itself and is a pre-requisite for further interoperability checking between different TCN implementations. |
| IEC 61375-2-3:2015 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-3: TCN communication profile | IEC 61375-2-3:2015 specifies rules for the data exchange between consists in trains. The aggregation of these rules defines the TCN communication profile. The objective of the communication profile is to ensure interoperability between consists of the said trains with respect to the exchange of information. For this purpose it defines all items which are necessary for communication interoperability:
The contents of the corrigendum of December 2015 and October 2016 have been included in this copy. |
| IEC TS 61375-2-4:2017 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-4: TCN application profile | IEC TS 61375-2-4:2017(E) applies to the applications in trains, i.e. it covers the application profile for functions belonging to the Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS). The application profile is based on the TCN communication system for the data communication between consists of the said trains. This document provides for a data interface with parameters and addressing of TCMS functions based on the communication profile laid out in IEC 61375-2-3. This document is applicable in rolling stock requiring interoperable coupling and uncoupling. This part of IEC 61375 may be additionally applicable to closed trains and multiple unit trains when so agreed between purchaser and supplier. |
| IEC 61375-2-5:2014 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-5: Ethernet train backbone | IEC 61375-2-5:2014 defines Ethernet Train Backbone (ETB) requirements to fulfil open train data communication system based on Ethernet technology. Respect of this standard ensures interoperability between local Consist subnets whatever Consist network technology (see IEC 61375-1 for more details). All Consist network definitions should take into account this standard to preserve interoperability. This standard may be additionally applicable to closed trains and multiple-unit trains when so agreed between purchaser and supplier. |
| IEC 61375-2-6:2018 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-6: On-board to ground communication | IEC 61375-2-6:2018 establishes the specification for the communication between the on-board subsystems and the ground subsystems. The communication system, interfaces and protocols are specified as a mobile communication function, using any available wireless technology. This document provides requirements in order to:
a) select the wireless network on the basis of QoS parameters requested by the application; b) allow TCMS and/or OMTS applications, installed on-board and communicating on the on-board communication network, to have a remote access to applications running on ground installations; c) allow applications running on ground installations to have a remote access to the TCMS and/or OMTS applications installed on-board. |
| IEC TR 61375-2-7:2014 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-7: Wireless Train Backbone (WLTB) | IEC TR 61375-2-7:2014 describes the protocols stack of a radio based wireless train backbone which is used in distributed power freight trains. This part provides information on the physical layer, the data link layer, the application layer and distributed power application. |
| IEC 61375-2-8:2021 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 2-8: TCN conformance test | IEC 61375-2-8:2021 applies to all equipment and devices implemented according to IEC 61375-2-3:2015, IEC 61375-2-5:2014 and IEC 61375-3-4:2014, i.e. it covers the procedures to be applied to such equipment and devices when the conformance should be proven. The applicability of this document to a TCN implementation allows for individual conformance checking of the implementation itself, and is a pre-requisite for further interoperability checking between different TCN implementations. |
| IEC 61375-3-1:2012 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 3-1: Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) | IEC 61375-3-1:2012 applies where MVB is required. |
| IEC 61375-3-2:2012 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 3-2: MVB (Multifunction Vehicle Bus) conformance testing | IEC 61375-3-2:2012 applies to all equipment and devices implemented according to IEC 61375-3-1, i.e. it covers the procedures to be applied to such equipment and devices when the conformance should be proven. The applicability of this standard to a TCN implementation allows for individual conformance checking of the implementation itself and is a pre-requisite for further interoperability checking between different TCN implementations. |
| IEC 61375-3-3 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 3-3: CANopen Consist Network (CCN) | IEC 61375-3-3:2012 specifies the data communication bus inside consists that are based on CANopen. CANopen was developed for use in, but is not limited to, industrial automation applications. These applications may include devices such as input/output modules, motion controllers, human machine interfaces, sensors, closed-loop controllers, encoders, hydraulic valves or programmable controllers. This part of IEC 61375 applies to all equipment and devices operated on a CANopen-based consist network within TCN architecture as described in IEC 61375-1. |
| IEC 61375-3-4:2014 | Electronic railway equipment - Train communication network (TCN) - Part 3-4: Ethernet Consist Network (ECN) | IEC 61375-3-4:2014 specifies the data communication network inside a Consist based on Ethernet technology, the Ethernet Consist Network (ECN). The applicability of this part of IEC 61375 to the Consist Network allows for interoperability of individual vehicles within Open Trains in international traffic. This part of IEC 61375 may be additionally applicable to closed trains and Multiple Unit Trains when so agreed between purchaser and supplier. |
Further reading
[edit]Notes and references
[edit]- ^ a b c Prof. Dr. Hubert Kirrmann (1999-01-20). "Train Communication Network IEC 61375 – 3 Multifunction Vehicle Bus". Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Archived from the original (powerpoint) on 2017-04-13.
- ^ WorldFIP Archived 2012-08-03 at archive.today
- ^ "Informations – und Steuerungstechnik auf Schienenfahrzeugen – Bussysteme im Zug". elektronik industrie 8/9 2008 (in German). InnoTrans Special: Bahnelektronik. 2008-09-14. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- ^ Prof. Dr. Hubert Kirrmann (1999-01-20). "Train Communication Network IEC 61375 - 4 Wire Train Bus". Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Archived from the original (powerpoint) on 2011-06-16.
External links
[edit]- Hubert Kirrmann (ABB Corporate Research); Pierre A. Zuber (DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems). "The IEC/IEEE Train Communication Network" (PDF). IEEE Micro. March–April 2001: 81–92. 0272-1732/01.
- "The IEC / IEEE / UIC Train Communication Network for time-critical and safe on-board communication". Bombardier Transportation. 2002-06-10. Archived from the original (powerpoint) on 2009-12-22. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
Train communication network
View on GrokipediaIntroduction
Definition and purpose
The Train Communication Network (TCN) is a hierarchical, real-time fieldbus system designed for transmitting control, status, and diagnostic data across various components of a train, serving as the foundational communication infrastructure within Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS).[5][6] Standardized under IEC 61375, it enables seamless data exchange between programmable equipment inside vehicles and across multiple coupled vehicles, ensuring reliable operation in rail environments.[6][7] The primary purposes of TCN include facilitating interoperability among vehicles manufactured by different suppliers, thereby allowing flexible train compositions without custom wiring adaptations.[5] It supports essential train control functions such as braking, propulsion, and passenger information systems, while providing fault-tolerant mechanisms to maintain communication integrity during failures.[6][8] Additionally, TCN enables real-time monitoring and diagnostics for subsystems, enhancing overall train safety and efficiency.[5] At its core, TCN comprises a vehicle bus for intra-vehicle connections linking local devices and controllers, and a train bus for inter-vehicle links that extend communication across the entire consist.[6] This structure supports the hierarchical architecture detailed in subsequent sections on system design. Key benefits include reduced wiring complexity by replacing extensive point-to-point cabling with networked links, deterministic data transmission critical for safety applications, and scalability to accommodate trains of varying lengths and configurations.[5][6][8]Historical background
In the pre-TCN era, European railway systems relied on ad-hoc wiring and proprietary bus systems for onboard communication, such as point-to-point connections and early standards like the UIC cable for basic electrical interfaces, which limited interoperability as trains were often composed of vehicles from different manufacturers.[6] These fragmented approaches became increasingly inadequate with the growing complexity of electronic controls for traction, braking, and diagnostics in the 1980s. The push for a standardized Train Communication Network (TCN) emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, driven by the International Union of Railways (UIC) initiatives to replace proprietary wiring with a unified system for real-time data exchange across vehicles, enabling flexible train formations and reducing installation costs.[6] This effort was accelerated by European rail liberalization, particularly the 1991 EU Council Directive 91/440/EEC, which promoted market opening and harmonization of technical standards to foster cross-border operations and competition among operators. Under IEC Technical Committee 9's Working Group 22 (WG22), involving experts from over 20 countries, the TCN was conceptualized as a hierarchical architecture combining vehicle-level and train-level buses.[6] Key milestones included the early 1990s development of Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) and Wire Train Bus (WTB) prototypes by European consortia such as the Joint Development Project (JDP) and IGZ, which tested master-slave protocols on twisted-pair cabling integrated with the existing UIC cable. Influential projects like the European Railways Research Institute (ERRI) test train in 1994-1995 validated the full TCN system over routes from Interlaken, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, demonstrating reliable communication for control and monitoring.[6] The standard was formally adopted as IEC 61375 in 1999, marking the culmination of UIC-IEC collaboration. Initial commercial implementations occurred in the late 1990s, with deployments in high-speed trains such as Germany's InterCity Express (ICE), where precursor DIN 43322 buses evolved into TCN for distributed control functions.System Architecture
Hierarchical structure
The Train Communication Network (TCN) employs a two-level hierarchical architecture to manage data transmission efficiently across rail vehicles, as defined in the international standard IEC 61375-1. At the lower level, the consist network facilitates intra-vehicle communication among devices within a single vehicle or a tightly coupled group of vehicles forming a consist. The upper level, known as the train backbone, enables inter-vehicle and consist-to-consist connectivity, allowing coordinated operations across the entire train formation. This layered design ensures localized control remains efficient while supporting global train management without excessive wiring complexity. Data flows from sensors and actuators connected to the consist-level bus, where local processing occurs for vehicle-specific functions, before being routed upward via gateways to the train backbone for train-wide applications such as synchronized door operations or traction coordination.[5] This model promotes modularity, with the consist network handling high-density, real-time device interactions and the backbone distributing aggregated information to maintain overall train integrity. For instance, environmental sensors in one vehicle can contribute data to climate control across multiple consists through this upward pathway.[9] Gateway devices serve as critical intermediaries in the hierarchy, performing protocol translation and intelligent routing between the consist bus—such as the Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB)—and the train backbone, like the Wire Train Bus (WTB), while preserving real-time priorities for safety-critical messages.[10] These gateways ensure seamless data exchange by mapping messages, managing traffic prioritization, and isolating faults to prevent propagation across levels.[11] The TCN architecture supports scalability for trains comprising up to 22 vehicles, accommodating variable formations typical of international passenger services, with a maximum transmission distance of approximately 860 meters on the backbone without repeaters.[12] Redundancy is incorporated through dual bus paths on the train backbone, providing fault-tolerant operation by allowing automatic failover in case of cable or node failures, thereby enhancing reliability in dynamic rail environments.[10]Key principles and interoperability
The Train Communication Network (TCN) is designed around core principles that prioritize safety, reliability, and efficiency in railway operations. Deterministic communication forms a foundational element, ensuring predictable data transmission through fixed cycle times and real-time protocols that support periodic broadcasting of process variables as well as on-demand unicast or multicast messaging.[13] This determinism aligns with fieldbus philosophies, such as those in IEC 61158, to guarantee timely delivery critical for safety-critical functions. Additionally, the multimaster architecture enables distributed control, where multiple nodes can act as masters for network management and coordination without a single point of failure, enhancing fault tolerance across the hierarchical structure.[13] Open standards, modeled after the ISO/IEC 7498-1 OSI reference, promote vendor-neutral operation and avoid proprietary lock-in by defining layered protocols that facilitate integration from diverse manufacturers.[13][5] Interoperability is achieved through standardized interfaces and rigorous testing protocols that ensure seamless connectivity across train consists. Physical and logical interfaces, such as the UIC 558 connectors with 18-conductor cabling, provide consistent electrical and mechanical connections for TCN implementation, supporting both parallel and serial transmission.[14] Conformance testing requirements, outlined in IEC 61375 series, verify compliance at physical, link, and application layers, including procedures for individual device validation prior to full system integration. Protocol conformance classes categorize implementations by complexity, allowing basic to advanced features while maintaining core compatibility, such as Class 1 for essential real-time services and higher classes for extended diagnostics.[15] These features enable multi-vendor ecosystems, where equipment from different suppliers can interoperate without custom adaptations. Safety and reliability are embedded in TCN design through integration with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements as per EN 50128 for software and EN 50129 for hardware in signalling systems. Error detection mechanisms, including Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) via frame check sequences, identify transmission faults, while bus monitoring continuously assesses network health to detect anomalies like bit errors or protocol violations.[16][13] Redundant pathways and fault-tolerant protocols further support SIL 1 to SIL 4 classifications, ensuring hazardous failures are minimized to probabilities below 10^{-9} per hour for highest levels.[17] Modularity in TCN allows for flexible configurations that accommodate varying train compositions while upholding compliance. The architecture supports the addition or removal of nodes and consists through standardized gateways, enabling scalable deployments from regional to high-speed trains. Application-specific profiles permit customization for particular use cases, such as traction control or passenger information, by defining process data marshalling and message services tailored to railway needs, yet all must adhere to core TCN protocols to preserve interoperability.[13] This balance ensures that while innovations can be incorporated, the foundational reliability remains intact across the network.[5]Vehicle-Level Communication
Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB)
The Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) serves as the primary intra-vehicle communication bus within the Train Communication Network (TCN), enabling the interconnection of sensors, actuators, and control devices inside a single rail vehicle. Specified in IEC 61375-3-1:2012, the MVB operates at a data rate of 1.5 Mbit/s using Manchester II encoding, which combines data transmission with clock synchronization and frame delimiting for reliable serial communication over noisy environments typical in rail applications.[18][16] The access method employs a master-slave architecture with token-passing among up to 256 possible masters, ensuring deterministic behavior through centralized control where one active master polls slaves while backups await token transfer for fault tolerance.[19][20] The physical layer of the MVB supports multiple media types to accommodate varying installation needs: Optical Glass Fibre (OGF) for distances up to 2000 m, Electrical Middle Distance (EMD) using twisted-pair cabling up to 200 m, and Electrical Short Distance (ESD) for backplane connections up to 20 m.[20][21] Topologies include linear bus configurations for copper media, ring or star setups for optical fibers (with active or passive couplers), providing flexibility for vehicle wiring while maintaining signal integrity through RS-485 compatible electrical signaling.[20] These options ensure scalability across vehicle segments, from compact control cabinets to extended coach layouts. MVB devices are categorized into classes based on functionality and capabilities, with Class 1 devices dedicated to sensors and actuators that handle up to 4095 total devices on the bus and operate in an event-driven manner for process data exchange.[19][22] Class 2 devices, typically programmable controllers, support cyclic data updates via a process image, enabling periodic polling for real-time control tasks like monitoring vital systems.[22] Higher classes (3-5) extend these with message communication for diagnostics and configuration, but Class 1 and 2 form the core for most intra-vehicle applications. At the protocol level, MVB frames feature variable lengths up to 256 bits for slave responses (equivalent to 32 bytes including overhead), allowing efficient transmission of process or message data tailored to device needs.[20] Scheduling combines priority-based mechanisms, including a periodic list for fixed-cycle data (with basic periods of 1-8 ms) and event rounds for sporadic high-priority events, optimizing bus utilization for mixed real-time and non-real-time traffic.[20] Diagnostic features encompass live list maintenance through device status polling and scan protocols, which detect bus topology changes, monitor freshness of data updates, and facilitate fault isolation without disrupting ongoing communication.[21][20]Alternatives to MVB
While the Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) provides deterministic token-passing communication at 1.5 Mbit/s for intra-vehicle needs in Train Communication Networks (TCN), several alternative fieldbus systems have been adopted in railway applications, particularly where cost, simplicity, or legacy compatibility take precedence over full TCN interoperability.[20] These alternatives, drawn from industrial and automotive domains, include the Controller Area Network (CAN), Profibus DP, WorldFIP, and LonWorks, each offering distinct trade-offs in performance and suitability for vehicle-level control.[23] CAN, standardized under ISO 11898-1, operates as a multi-master bus using Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) arbitration, supporting data rates up to 1 Mbit/s over twisted-pair cabling.[24] In contrast to MVB's centralized token-passing for guaranteed real-time performance, CAN's non-deterministic access suits less critical peripheral controls, such as door operations or lighting in light rail vehicles and trams, where full TCN integration is unnecessary.[25] Its low-cost implementation, derived from automotive applications, makes it ideal for smaller-scale or cost-sensitive setups, though it requires gateways for TCN connectivity due to lacking native rail-specific features.[23] Profibus DP, a token-ring or master-slave protocol from industrial automation, achieves higher speeds of up to 12 Mbit/s, enabling faster cyclic data exchange for control tasks compared to MVB's 1.5 Mbit/s limit.[26] Historically used in older European rolling stock before widespread TCN adoption, it facilitated integration of sensors and actuators in legacy trains for functions like braking subsystems or HVAC monitoring. However, its less rail-optimized design often necessitates adapters or bridges to interface with TCN gateways, increasing complexity in mixed environments and limiting seamless train-wide interoperability.[23] WorldFIP, a producer-consumer fieldbus prevalent in French railway systems, operates at typical rates of 1 Mbit/s and emphasizes scheduled messaging for process automation, differing from MVB's master-slave process data focus. Deployed in high-speed trains like the TGV for intra-vehicle sensor networks, it supports deterministic exchanges but sees limited global adoption outside Europe and North America. Its constraints include lower bandwidth scalability and the need for custom gateways in TCN setups, potentially compromising efficiency in dynamic consist configurations.[23] LonWorks, employing a peer-to-peer, event-driven protocol at up to 1.25 Mbit/s, has found niche use in North American freight and transit systems for distributed control, such as electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking across consists. Unlike MVB's fixed topology, LonWorks' twisted-pair or powerline transmission offers flexibility for retrofits in older vehicles, but its non-deterministic nature and regional specificity often demand additional interfacing for TCN compliance, raising integration costs.[23]| Alternative | Max Data Rate | Protocol Type | Key Use Case in Railways | Limitation vs. MVB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | 1 Mbit/s | Multi-master CSMA/CA | Peripheral control in light rail/trams | Non-deterministic; requires TCN gateways[24][23] |
| Profibus DP | 12 Mbit/s | Token-ring/master-slave | Legacy European rolling stock automation | Less rail-specific; adapter needs[26][23] |
| WorldFIP | 1 Mbit/s | Producer-consumer scheduled | Sensor networks in TGV-like trains | Limited adoption; bandwidth constraints[23] |
| LonWorks | 1.25 Mbit/s | Peer-to-peer event-driven | ECP braking in North American freight | Regional focus; integration overhead[23] |
