Investigation and control methods for the EMC of electronic interlocking systems in the railway environment

Installations in railway systems represent a classic example of extended, large and complex systems. Controlling and ensuring their Electromagnetic Compatibility is therefore a challenging task and beyond it a fundamental condition because many aspects of personal safety have to be considered. This paper describes the requirements and problems associated with measures to be undertaken when railway infrastructure has to be modernized. It outlines the procedure for analysis and control of EMC in the case when an electronic interlocking system will be introduced into an existing railway environment replacing an old mechanical or electromechanical system. Criteria will be presented for the performance of EMC analysis. Selected potential interference situations regarding track detection systems will be described.