Abstract:
A train control system comprising a vital brake interface unit that is disposed between the train control processors and the braking system. The brake interface unit ensures that any failure in the control processors or the interface itself is detectable and, when detected, causes the system to fail safely (i.e., the train's brakes are applied). By virtue of the use of redundant circuitry paths, the vital braking interface unit enables real-time verification of system circuitry without actually applying the train's brakes.