Track circuits
A proven technology for track vacancy detection
Regular usage
The use and maintainability of this kind of technology is well integrated within customer and maintenance teams all over the world, leading to easy commissioning and testing.
Continuous indication
The system provides a safe and continuous monitoring of the section and a direct indication when the section is occupied by a train or any other unexpected item or event (e.g. a fallen tree, road traffic at a crossing).
Broken rail detection
This technology can identify broken rail and joint bars, which still occur frequently and can lead to major derailments.
Reliable and robust solution
Offering MTBF rates (Mean Time Between Failures) higher than 30 years, the system provides high reliability even under extreme weather conditions. It requires no manual restart in case of shutdown and recovery of the signaling or power system.
The all-rounder and modernizer
A system with many benefits
The Clearguard TCM 100 has both a voltage-free relay interface for connecting to any type of interlocking or subsystem as well as a serial interface for Siemens Mobility-specific interlockings (e.g. WNC). It allows flexible adaption to different operating conditions and is easy to upgrade at low cost. The maintenance-free TCM 100 module is able to drive multiple applications with up to 15 different frequencies, ensuring low lifecycle costs. The module can be replaced while powered and its data transferred to a spare module by simply exchanging the programming ID plug to the module, thus minimizing downtimes. Diagnostics is possible via the LED display on the module as well as by connecting to the network via a standard PC.
Highest safety standards
Clearguard TCM 100 has been developed according to CENELEC EN 50126, EN 50128 and EN 50129 standards and conforms to the highest safety integrity level, SIL 4.
Low lifecycle costs
The product ensures a competitive investment by providing a highly reliable and maintenance-free module, leanly manufactured with all main components used in most of our trackside components (ACM, TCM, SCM and PCM). Simple in its design, it offers a DIN rail assembly with plug connection and quick data updates – thus reducing installation and commissioning times. The system can be arranged with off-the-shelf network switches and power supply units for cost-effective and long-term hardware procurement.
Flexible configurations
Its modular product architecture allows multiple configurations to satisfy the most diverse customer requirements. The TCM 100 module is able to drive up to 15 different frequencies, facilitating configuration on all types of topologies. The Clearguard TCM 100 is capable of interfacing and driving continuous automatic train control data transmission systems such as Trainguard LZB 700 M.
Key benefits
- Jointless working principle
- Different types of circuits: standard (transmitter/receiver), mid-fed (receiver/ transmitter/receiver) and for points (transmitter/receiver/receiver)
- Easy installation and quick hot replacements
- Very quick data exchange
- Single-type module for all types of circuits
- Compact design and reduced spacing (up to 30 track circuits in a cabinet occupying 0.36 m²)
- Industrial and off-the-shelf system components
- CENELEC compliant (e.g. CE. RoHS or TSI)
- Easily upgradeable modular system
- Very low lifecycle costs
- Connection to remote monitoring and diagnostics systems
- Installation on standard DIN rail
- High flexibility with a distance up to 6.5 km from tuning unit
- Preventive maintenance-free module
Applications
- Management and monitoring of track sections
- Transmission of fail-safe track free/occupied status information to interlocking
- Automatic train control system interface e.g. LZB 700 M
- Usage in main and secondary routes, stations and point areas, level crossings
- Complex station configurations with 15 configurable frequencies
- Speeds of up to 350 km/h
- Reliable under all types of traction
- Up to 3 sections can be cascade-configured (providing only one contact to interlocking)
Components
Clearguard TCM 100 Module
The compact Clearguard TCM 100 is based on Trackguard Simis FM technology, a reliable proven platform running all Sinet-xCMs product applications (e.g. TCM, SCM, PCM, DCM). Its modular architecture, based on a 2-out-of-2 configuration, can be tailored to individual customer requirements. This makes it a smart and cost-effective track circuit implementation on multiple operating concepts and applications. The system components consist of Clearguard TCM 100 as the main module with an ID plug providing data configuration, a trackside box including the tuning units, as well as an off-the-shelf Ethernet switch and power supply unit.
Track circuit for AREMA markets – multiple applications and a proven track record
Clearguard PSO 4000 Series
The Clearguard PSO 4000 is an electronic, microprocessor-based modular system designed to reliably provide a track occupancy overlay system that activates crossing warning devices as well as other systems. It is sufficiently versatile to permit use in a wide variety of complex applications.
Product features:
- Available in transmitter, receiver, transceiver and crossing modules
- Provides a simple user interface for easy unit setup
- Programmable for ALL common PSO II, PSO III, AFTAC and METRA carrier channels
- Compatible with existing PSO II and PSO III equipment
- Available with internally programmable pick-up and drop delay timers
- Available with internally programmable vital stick release timer
Clearguard IPITC Series
The Clearguard IPITC Series module provides a stand-alone island circuit solution at grade crossings. The unit is a single board, microprocessor-based, multi-frequency, modulated, short range (120’–350’ [37–107 m]) track occupancy detector. Designed to detect poor shunting conditions, it provides a simple automated process for track circuit calibration. The module is frequency programmable via an on-board jumper and the operating program is contained in a flash memory device on board.
Product features:
- Microprocessor-based
- Weight is approx. 5.0 lbs (2.27 kg)
- 9–16.5 VDC Input voltage
- 550 mA VDC Input current (nominal)
- 0.1 amp transmitter output current (maximum)
Clearguard SE-3 Series
The Clearguard SE-3 Series Steady Energy Phase Selective Track Circuit Modules provide a solution to situations where traction or other severe electromagnetic interference conditions can interfere with signaling circuits. Designed to detect train presence and/or broken rail conditions in electric traction territory or where high levels of induced AC interference occur: they can be used in conjunction with impedance bonds for traction current return OR with balanced or unbalanced (single rail) track circuits using insulated joints without impedance bonds. Thanks to its solid design and lack of active electronic components, it is also extremely low maintenance.
Product features:
- Available in 8 configurations
- Rejects all AC traction frequencies
- No active internal electronics
- Compatible with coded cab signal systems
- Mutually compatible with audio frequency track circuits
- Code reset option resets the track feed to steady energy after the block is cleared
Clearguard SOTC Series
Clearguard SOTC Series Overlay Track Circuit modules are an adjustable length audio frequency track circuit primarily intended for obtaining the release of electrically locked switches (through a normally de-energized external relay) by occupying the main track immediately ahead of switch points. The compact design is available in three frequencies and, except for primary arresters, no external surge protection devices are required.
Product features:
- Meets or exceeds applicable AREMA specifications
- 5.9 KHz, 10 KHz, 26.0 KHz
Clearguard ST Series
Clearguard ST Series Track Feed Reactors vary the amount of phase shift desired in the track circuit. Available in three models with varying inductance loads to accommodate a wide variety of track design needs.
Product features:
- Meets or exceeds applicable AREMA specifications
- ST-7: 0.09 mH–2.0 mH inductance; ST-8: 1.8 mH–5.7 mH inductance; ST-9: 4.4 mH–14.1 mH inductance