Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC

The FAdC offers flexible design capabilities, providing a wide range of options for system configuration such as a centralized or decentralized architecture. The choice depends on the design best suited for individual applications. 

Combined with robust Frauscher wheel sensors, the system increases reliability and uptime over traditional train and wheel detection systems. Frauscher axle counting systems can be connected to the interlocking either through discrete I/O or a wide range of Ethernet protocols, including the Frauscher Safe Ethernet FSE. This provides all the functional and diagnostic information that is required for safe and efficient operations.

Benefits of the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC: 

  • Easy and flexible configuration 
  • Software interface 
  • Flexible system architecture 
  • Low maintenance requirements 
  • Easy project management 

Flexible Design

The simple and flexible design of a Frauscher axle counting system allows for a wide range of configuration and deployment options. A centralized architecture is beneficial where wheel sensors are located close to one another, requiring less cabling to connect them. They can be wired to a single location (e.g. a centralized equipment room) and to corresponding FAdC racks. A distributed architecture avoids the need for the extensive cabling efforts that would be required where wheel sensors are located far apart from one another.

In a distributed design, each localized set of wheel sensors is wired to a small FAdC rack, and several of these FAdC racks can then communicate with one another over a copper, fiber, or wireless network backbone. A combination of centralized architecture (for stations, yards) and decentralized architecture (for mainline signaling blocks) can be combined to utilize the benefits of both options.

FAdC

The functional modularity, flexible scalability and Ethernet-based software interface of the FAdC permit a wide range of configuration options. This allows for the operation of small, centralized systems as well as complex, larger scale projects. The amount of required space, power usage and overall investment are significantly reduced when compared to conventional systems. These benefits increase with project scale, thanks to state-of-the-art communication technologies. 

Connection to high-performance electronic interlockings can be implemented via a customer-specific interface or the Frauscher Safe Ethernet FSE protocol. This ensures that higher level applications are supplied with all relevant functional and diagnostic data. A decentralized architecture can be established, connecting detection points that are spread out along the rail line via Ethernet.

Smart functions for increased availability 

Self correcting functions compatible with the fail safe principle can significantly increase availability without additional equipment or cost

The Supervisor Track Section STS function

The Supervisor Track Section STS function allows operations to continue, without sacrificing safety or vitality, if a disruption from an external source occurs. Supervisor track sections monitor and synchronize the track sections within them, creating a virtual track section. The STS then allows a faulty track section to be reset automatically if the corresponding STS is clear, and a faulty STS is automatically reset if the two corresponding track sections are clear.

The Counting Head Control CHC function

The Counting Head Control CHC function prevents false activations due to unexpected disturbances such as road traffic, metal objects, or debris on track surfaces. If adjacent track sections are clear, the wheel sensor switches to standby mode. In this state, a configurable number of disturbances or false presence detections can be suppressed. No reset is necessary since an occupied indication does not occur. Once an approaching vehicle enters either of the adjacent track sections, the standby mode is immediately deactivated, resulting in normal fail safe train detection.

FAdCi

The FAdCi is a cost-effective version of the FAdC axle counter. The FAdCi was developed for applications that have a less safety critical requirement, such as yards and some industrial facilities. 

The FAdCi meets all requirements in accordance with CENELEC standards, up to SIL 3. It is designed for use at maximum traversing speeds of 50 mph (80 kph), and provides the benefits and functions offered by the FAdC including functional modularity and easy scalability with optional software or hardware interface. The FAdCi also offers high flexibility with regard to configuration options for various project requirements. 

In addition to train detection, the FAdCi axle counter can also generate a variety of additional diagnostic information and data in a wide range of applications.