2022 Examination

Module C - Principles of railway control and

communication systems

Time allowed: 90 minutes *

You should answer three questions.

Each question is worth a total of 25 marks

* Please note that the 2022 examination was held online – Education and
Professional Development Committee agreed for the following time allowance:
10 minutes reading time
90 minutes answering time
10 minutes scanning and uploading time for handwritten answers and
diagrams

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To assist the candidates in moving through their online exam “paper”, all candidates
were given the following topics for the questions:

1. Train Detection
2. Train Control Systems
3. Points
4. Headways
5. Degraded Working
6. Aspect Sequences
7. Testing
8. Earthing Systems
9. EMC
10. Radio Systems
11. Transmission
12. Underground Telecommunications Systems

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Question 1

a) Describe three different types of systems that can be used to monitor the location
of trains, including details of how the systems are used. What are the main
interfaces for each type of system?
[9 marks]

b) For each of the systems you have described, identify three potential failures that
could lead to a hazardous condition and describe potential mitigations.
[9 marks]

c) Discuss the benefits and the safety implications of using Global Satellite
Navigation Systems (GNSS) to support functions such as virtual balises. How could
the risks arising from the use of GNSS be managed?
[7 marks]

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Question 2

a) Explain the differences between the terms ERTMS and ETCS.

[5 marks]

b) Describe in detail the attributes, advantages, and disadvantages of each of the

four Grades of Automation (GOA).
[20 marks]

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Question 3

a) What is the difference between ‘points detected’ and ‘points in correspondence’?

[6 marks]

b) What are the merits of detecting and indicating point ends separately? Are there
any disadvantages?
[8 marks]

Figure 1
c) Propose a numbering system for the six point ends shown in Figure 1.
[4 marks]

d) For your solution, indicate any controls necessary to avoid derailments or run-
throughs.
[7 marks]

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Question 4

As shown in the diagram, a freight train is waiting on the loop track.

Immediately after the passage of an express train running at maximum permissible

speed, the signaller gives the freight train a movement authority to cross the main
line tracks to access the branch line. After 30 seconds, the train begins to move.

Determine graphically or by calculation the minimum time interval until the freight
train is clear of the junction and a movement authority becomes available for main
line trains in both directions.

[25 marks]

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Question 5

Describe what mitigations can be applied when a signalling system becomes

unavailable due to:

• a power failure at the signalling control centre.

• a power failure at an individual (remote) interlocking.
• a transmission fault in a fail-safe datalink.
• a transmission fault in an indication-only datalink.
• an evacuation of the signalling control centre.
[25 marks]

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Question 6

Most trains are unable to stop in the distance that the driver can see ahead when
travelling at their maximum permitted speed.

a) Describe in detail two methods which are used to enable the driver to stop the
train before reaching the end of movement authority, when travelling at the maximum
permitted speed.
[10 marks]

b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

[15 marks]

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Question 7

A Systems Engineering approach can be used to successfully deliver complex

multidisciplinary projects. Using a resignalling scheme, with both a signalling and
telecommunications scope of work as the context for these questions:

a) Explain how testing activities support verification and validation.

[4 marks]

b) Describe and explain the purpose of a Testing Strategy. Your answer should
include an outline of the key contents of a testing strategy document.
[6 marks]

c) Describe and explain the purpose of a Test Plan. Your answer should include an
outline of the key contents of a test plan document and consider how end-to-end
integration of a signalling or telecommunications system is demonstrated.
[10 marks]

d) Describe and explain what typical interdisciplinary interfaces and stakeholders

should be considered in the planning and delivery of testing activities.
[5 marks]

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Question 8

a) Explain the purposes of earthing systems in relation to signalling or

telecommunications assets.
[5 marks]

b) With the aid of a diagram, describe the key components of an earthing system
that supports signalling or telecommunications assets, stating assumptions where
applicable.
[10 marks]

c) Describe how signalling or telecommunications circuits can be protected from

conducted, induced, and radiated emissions.
[10 marks]

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Question 9

A new fleet of electric trains are being introduced onto an existing railway.

a) Describe three systems on the new electric trains that could produce
electromagnetic interference (EMI) with lineside signalling or telecommunications
infrastructure.
[6 marks]

b) Describe the signalling or telecommunications systems and the impact that the
introduction of the new fleet of electric trains may have on them.
[9 marks]

c) Describe the mitigation measures that you should implement to minimise the
impact of EMI on these lineside signalling or telecommunication systems.
[10 marks]

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Question 10

a) With the aid of a diagram, describe the components that make up a GSM-R or
TETRA radio system and provide a description of the purpose of each component.
[12 marks]

b) With the aid of a diagram, describe Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
modulation.
[8 marks]

c) Describe how you should plan a national radio system that uses TDMA where
there is a limited number of frequencies available.
[5 marks]

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Question 11

a) With the aid of a diagram, describe the functional blocks of a Primary Multiplexer
used in a Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) system.
[12 marks]

b) With the aid of a diagram, explain the frame structure and bit rates used by a
Primary Multiplexer.
[5 marks]

c) Explain the purpose of Timeslot 0 and Timeslot 16.

[4 marks]

d) Explain the purposes and differences between Channel Associated Signalling

(CAS) and Common Channel Signalling (CCS).
[4 marks]

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Question 12

a) List and describe three telecommunications systems often used in underground

stations that support staff in their operations under normal conditions and provide
emergency evacuation and assistance in the event of a fire.
[10 marks]

b) For each of the systems described above, detail the tests you should carry out to
ensure they provide full station coverage.
[15 marks]

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