Supervisor Track Section

The Supervisor Track Section STS feature is an intelligent function designed to automatically detect and correct unavoidable external interferences in railway operations. It resets the system without time-consuming manual intervention.

The working principle of the STS consists of overlaying individual track sections with a virtual supervisor section. On this basis, STS monitors and synchronises multiple sections within supervisor areas. If there is an error on a track section but the corresponding supervisor section is clear, the system will automatically perform a reset. This process significantly increases availability and fully complies with SIL 4 requirements.

The STS builds on the principle of regular track sections, which can be overlayed by configured virtual supervisor sections. Within these areas, the STS continuously monitors and synchronises the condition of all included track sections.

When a disturbance occurs within a physical track section, caused by operational faults, such as partial traversing of a train wheel or unavoidable external influences that might dampen the sensor, the STS triggers an automated fault correction process based on the status of the virtual overlaying supervisor track section. Instead of requiring manual intervention, the system resets itself and restores functionality within seconds.

Its functionality is based on the continuous comparison and coordination between track sections and their assigned supervisor section. As long as the supervisor section is "clear", any occupied track section within it will be reset automatically, following the predefined reset procedures. The system can be configured for different reset procedures to meet operational requirements.

This flexible design makes the STS adaptable to different railway environments and operating strategies, ensuring operators can select the procedure that best matches their infrastructure and safety policies.