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
RSR180, FAdC
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 DetectionUnited States of America

Frauscher Track Vacancy System FTVS Testing

During the initial development phase of the Frauscher Track Vacancy System FTVS, a number of pre-production units were released for real-world testing to examine their performance in typical yard environments. Consequently, several trials were conducted in the United States.
Train DetectionCanada

City of Calgary Grade Crossing Upgrade

The City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada was seeking an upgrade to the existing signaling system at a crossing near a station in the downtown area, to alleviate shunt issues caused by winter conditions. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC and Wheel Sensors RSR180 were chosen to augment the existing system. During the eleven month trial period, the axle counter ran in shadow mode with the legacy system to gauge performance and compatibility. After the axle counter was proven during the trial with no faults or errors, the city was able to implement a hybrid crossing design using both the axle counting system and track circuits.
Data TransmissionIndia

South Central Railway

The Vijayawada Division of Indian Railways introduced a new train detection system with data transmission functionality to overcome the challenges of the existing BPAC and conventional quad cable-based systems. Frauscher implemented the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC, featuring full redundancy, advanced reset mechanisms and remote diagnostics. This upgrade delivers significant cost savings and enhanced system availability for the operator.
Train DetectionIndia

Jhansi - Bina Railway Line

The Jhansi-Bina railway line is a strategically important line which belongs to North Central Railway and is in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the line featured analogue axle counters for detecting trains in individual track sections as well as a DC track circuit train detection system in less congested areas.
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Maintaining the past, creating the future

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) operates a historical 7 km passenger service line running north from Lydney Junction to Parkend, in the Forest of Dean. Due to extensions of the line and an additional turnout being added at Parkend, an update and modernisation of the existing train detection and signalling system was necessary. Being a heritage railway, it requires high standards in terms of signalling and safety, whilst maintaining the historical touch of the line.