ECM, a company acquired by Progress Rail in 2018, specialises in the development of RBCs (Radio Block Centres), trackside equipment at the heart of ERTMS Level 2. The RBC continuously monitors train movements and transmits the movement authorities required for trains to operate safely.
Testing an RBC requires faithfully replicating its interactions with on-board equipment in a controlled and reproducible environment. This makes it possible to simulate a wide range of operational scenarios and verify the RBC’s behaviour in situations representative of real-world conditions, without the need for trains or physical infrastructure.
As part of a new maintenance contract, CLEARSY is continuing to support Progress Rail in the operation and long-term maintenance of its test facilities. The CLEARSY solution notably includes an on-board ETCS simulator directly interfaced with the actual RBC, capable of replicating ETCS exchanges between the train and the ground.
Progress Rail can thus test and maintain its RBCs in a representative, controlled and reproducible environment, whilst reducing the constraints and costs associated with testing on actual infrastructure.