Frauscher supplies EULYNX-compliant object controllers "Point" and "Train Detection" for Digirail project in Finland

St. Marienkirchen bei Schärding, 12 December 2024: With the Digirail project, Finland is taking on a pioneering role in European railway operations. In cooperation with Mipro Oy, Frauscher Sensor Technology supplies EULYNX-compliant object controllers for point control and train detection.

The aim of the Digirail project is to implement a common European radio-based train control system across the entire Finnish rail network. Within this project, a range of experts from various fields are collaborating together to make railway operations safer, more efficient and reliable all over the country. The standardisation of interfaces in digital railway operations is crucial for harnessing the full potential of latest technologies and possibilities. That said, initiatives such as EULYNX are paving the way.

EULYNX-based object controllers are gaining in importance

The EULYNX standard enables the use of innovative object controllers (OC), developed and supplied by highly specialised manufacturers. Using EULYNX-based OC solutions, trackside elements such as points or track signals can be securely connected to the Central Safety System (CSS) even via open networks. Such technologies were successfully evaluated in a test phase of the Digirail project. With the 190-kilometre-long Lielahti-Rauma/Pori line, the first commercial railway line in Finland is now being equipped accordingly in the so-called ‘EKA project’. Frauscher Sensor Technology has signed an agreement with its partner company Mipro Oy to provide two object controllers for this line. The delivery includes the newly developed FAdP Point Control for controlling and monitoring the status of point machines. Frauscher is also providing an object controller for train detection systems (TDS) based on the proven Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®.

Digirail, Mipro, Frauscher: pioneers in European railway operations

‘With the Digirail project, we are entering a new territory. The control and security system has been divided into interlocking and field elements for the first time. Previously, Digirail signed a procurement contract with Siemens for the centralised safety system. Now we also have signed a contract with the Finnish company Mipro, which will supply object controllers in collaboration with Frauscher Sensor Technology. This is highly significant on a European level, as having different equipment suppliers will allow us to be the first in Europe to test the functionality of the EULYNX interface and to gain valuable insights from the EKA railway section for the implementation phase of the Digirail project. We look forward to working with Mipro and Frauscher,’ says Juha Lehtola, Project Manager at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.

‘By extending our portfolio with an object controller for points, we are strengthening our position as a leading provider of future-proof solutions for the rail industry. The experience gained from the Digirail project will contribute significantly to the modernisation of European rail networks and promote a different approach in these projects, as we can already see. Throughout the past months we have been increasingly aware of discussions regarding separate tenders for object controllers. Our experience in using the TDS object controller, which we have gained with SNCF and in other projects over the past two years, often plays a significant role in this. We are convinced that standardisation initiatives such as EULYNX increase innovation and competitiveness at the level of individual field elements. In addition, flexibility and independence in the implementation of modernisation projects increases. Upgrades can also be carried out more easily throughout the entire service life of a system. This ultimately leads to lower life cycle costs and benefits the entire industry. Against that background, we are even more proud to be part of this groundbreaking project and look forward to working with Mipro and Digirail,’ continues Michael Thiel, CEO Frauscher Sensor Technology.

‘For Mipro, the object controller system contract is extremely important, and we are pleased to be part of the first phase of the Digirail project on the EKA track section. Collaborating with our partner Frauscher Sensor Technology to deliver future-proof object controllers in a commercial project is a huge milestone for our company. We see this as a significant step towards European train control through the ETCS architecture in Finland,’ says Jari Pylvänen, Business Unit Director at Mipro.

FAdP Point Control: Object controller for points

With FAdP Point Control, Frauscher Sensor Technology offers a solution that fulfills the requirements of the Digirail project: the EULYNX-compliant object controller supports the efficient control of point machines according to the commands of the interlocking. The solution also provides fully integrated condition monitoring, including motor current, voltage, power, phase measurement (cosΦ), switch over time, turn counter, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and condition data. These measurements are embedded directly in the Point Control Unit PCU, so no additional hardware is required. The defined data model is provided via the SDI diagnostic interface according to EULYNX standards. All data is accessible via Frauscher Insights or can be utilised by operator’s own diagnostic tools through the SDI interface.