Track Vacancy Detection
The basis of safe traffic management: axle counters in railway signalling

Track Vacancy Detection

Track vacancy detection: delivering the signal for safety

Track vacancy detection is the safety-critical process that determines whether a track section is occupied or clear for movement. It enables safe train separation, protects work sites and supports functions such as point locking and level crossing control.

Frauscher delivers globally proven systems designed to meet the highest safety standards, with seamless integration into relay and computer-based digital interlockings. This integration is possible through interfaces such as EULYNX, Frauscher Safe Ethernet FSE and customer-specific protocols.

Frauscher axle counters are engineered for reliable performance across diverse architectures and even the most challenging environmental conditions.

Benefits at a glance

Fast and simple installation

Open interface for specific protocols

Lower lifecycle cost and low maintenance requirements

No track interventions needed

No need for insulated joints

Robust performance in harsh environments

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A proven solution for track vacancy detection

Frauscher's proven solutions support a wide range of applications and are the global first choice for fail-safe track vacancy detection. Their flexible design simplifies complex layouts, reduces installation time and life-cycle maintenance needs, while delivering reliable performance even under challenging environmental conditions.

This technology supplies a fail-safe "occupied/clear" indication to relay and computer-based interlockings. Frauscher axle counters integrate easily into existing signalling architectures and support safe operating rules including controlled reset procedures.

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Finding the right fit for track vacancy detection

Frauscher's track vacancy expertise covers a wide range of operational scenarios. In many cases, axle counters are the most effective choice, delivering fast, low-disruption installation and reliable performance even under challenging conditions. Due to their compatibility with legacy systems, axle counters are well suited to "spot fixes" as an upgrade or replacement to just sections of a line — no need to replace the entire system. They are also an excellent choice in areas with space constraints.

In the past, track circuits have been the cornerstone of railway signalling systems. Today, axle counters are increasingly used worldwide, especially where highly reliable and available train detection is required, and where advanced functionalities beyond standard train detection is needed. If required, Frauscher axle counters can be seamlessly integrated into existing signalling systems. On low-traffic rail routes or depots, axle counters provide dependable detection without relying on a continuous shunt path.

Future-ready track vacancy detection across technologies

Depending on the application, integration can be achieved through conventional relays or open, standard-based interfaces, ensuring compatibility with customer-specific systems and standardised architectures such as EULYNX. Supervised communications support high availability, while remote diagnostics enable faster fault resolution and condition-based maintenance. Frauscher track vacancy detection solutions are designed to meet SIL 4.

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Track Vacancy Detection References

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Train Detection, ServicesIndia

Sini - Chandil Railway Line

The Sini-Chandil railway line is a crucial rail connection located in the state of Jharkhand, which lies in the eastern coastal region of India. This railway line holds significant strategic importance for the entire region, and now incorporates Frauscher solutions, including the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®, Wheel Sensor RSR180 and the Frauscher Insights applications Diagnostics and Motion.
Train Detection, ServicesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Cutting delays through data-driven maintenance

Frauscher has supported the Paddington project with the adoption of Frauscher Insights Diagnostics, a cloud-based monitoring solution that increases data usefulness and availability. By providing faster fault analysis and health messages, Frauscher Insights has helped Network Rail improve reliability, reduce downtime and delay minutes by up to 80%, and shift towards a proactive maintenance approach.
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.
ServicesAustria

Salzburger Lokalbahn

Frauscher supported the Salzburger Lokalbahn, a regional railway in Austria, with a service assignment that included both the maintenance of Frauscher wheel sensors and axle counters as well as hands-on training for the installation personnel. The customer benefited from efficient troubleshooting and tailored training delivered directly on their own equipment.
Train DetectionAustria

GKB Graz-Köflacher Bahn

The operator of the Graz-Köflach line has made substantial modernisations to the network, choosing a decentralised system architecture and the EULYNX standardised interface. In this case, it was crucial that the new system would ensure a seamless transition from the previous parallel interface for relay systems to EULYNX.
Train DetectionFinland

Kokkola

Frauscher supplied one of Finland’s busiest railway lines with new Axle Counters. The line was extended from a single to a double track section and Mipro was looking for a solution which can interface with their interlocking system in an efficient and cost effective way.
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