Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters | USA
Train DetectionUnited States of America

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Supplementing Audio Frequency Track Circuits with Axle Counters

Operator
Charlotte Area Transit System
Country
United States of America
Partner
HNTB
Segment
Metro
Application
Level Crossing Protection
Products
FAdC®, RSR180
Year
2022
Scope of project
6 counting heads

At the Charlotte Area Transit System, frequent false red signal overruns resulted when electromagnetic interference caused “bobbing” of the line’s audio frequency track circuits. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was subsequently considered as an alternative to these track circuits to eliminate the occurrence of false red signal overruns.

The operators of the Charlotte Area Transit System, at the advice of consultant HNTB, agreed to utilise the FAdC® for a shadow mode trial to determine if it would solve its prevalent issue of false red signal overruns. The main reason for consideration of the axle counter was its high immunity to the electromagnetic interference, which was causing this issue, as well as its ability to interoperate with the existing audio frequency track circuits. The trial was conducted at the Archdale Interlocking for nine and a half months, generating the expected positive results. The data indicated that although numerous events of track circuit “bobbing” occurred during the trial period and generated false overruns, the axle counter data showed that if it had been in service, these overruns would have been prevented.

The FAdC® was able to increase the availability and safety, ensuring consistent and smooth operation of this light rail line. The axle counters were then used to entirely replace the existing AF track circuits, after the vital testing was successfully completed and the personnel was fully trained. After finalisation of these important steps, the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® was placed in revenue service.

Elimination of false red signal overruns

Protection against environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionIndia

Ensuring reliable rail operations across India´s longest rail-road bridge

The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-road bridge that connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, carrying both rail and road traffic across the Brahmaputra River. Harsh environmental conditions and structural constraints made conventional signalling unworkable. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® axle counting system was selected for its proven reliability and low maintenance under these challenging conditions.
Train DetectionFrance

Axle counting adds fail-safe control to laser diagnostics

When MERMEC set out to install a laser-based Wheel Profile Measurement System in close proximity to the Eurotunnel, they faced a critical challenge: how to avoid unintended laser exposure without compromising the system’s ability to inspect up to 200 trains per day. To meet these requirements, MERMEC partnered with Frauscher.
Train DetectionSpain

Three-rail Castellbisbal

The dual-gauge system of the Spanish railway network is quite challenging in terms of track vacancy detection: Wheel sensors must be installed on two rails next to each other in tight spaces and have to detect axles reliably on the respective rail. Frauscher developed a solution which copes also with the complexity of different interlocking technology in the stations along the line.
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Axle Counter Overlay System

Between London St Pancras International Station and Farringdon Station, there is a history of frequent flooding through the tunnels that adversely affected the reliability of the existing train detection system. Due to this, the installation was non-operational during large periods. However, being a mainline section and a core route through London, high reciliation to any sort of failures is vital.
Train DetectionCanada

Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Line 1 Yonge-University is Toronto’s longest subway line, with track circuits utilized for signalling. Due to an increasing number of daily passengers and an aged system the need for upgrading without interfering with the daily operations became readily apparent. It was further required that the new signalling system functions independently of the existing system. It would provide CBTC fallback functionalities, and work as an overlay to the current track circuit-based system.