LonWorks Trains Systems
In train systems around the world, Echelon control networks underlie critical systems, from propulsion control to brake monitoring to passenger information signs. In fact, since 1999, Echelon's communications protocol — an international standard — has been incorporated into IEEE-1473-L, a worldwide rail transit vehicle standard for control networking. Nearly all new rail cars built in the U.S. use this solution, which has been adopted by many of the world's largest and newest passenger rail systems, including:
- Amtrak
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- German Federal Railroads
- Helsinki City Transport
- Los Angeles County MTA
- New York City Transit (NYCT)
- Paris Metro
- San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
- Swiss National Railroads
At the heart of modern rail vehicle networks are electric trainlines, a bundle of cables with as many as 100 wires running the length of each car and linked car-to-car by electric couplers. Like the human spinal cord, trainlines carry signals that control and monitor the health and essential functions of the train. Adding new features to a vehicle network, however, is limited by the availability of spare wires in the trainline. Fortunately, Echelon's technology lets system administrators add multiple features and services over existing trainlines.
Our technology also lets different devices talk to each other more easily, thanks to its open architecture and standards-based protocol. For example, the monitoring system in Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains consolidates more than 20 systems including braking, doors, HVAC, speed sensing, speed limitation, fire, integrated truck surveillance, and low-voltage battery charging.