Flexible testing systems for digital control and safety technology
The modularisation and standardisation of safety-relevant interlocking systems – driven by initiatives such as EULYNX – brings with it the need to verify and validate new processes and technologies for development and approval. This includes testing of conformity, interoperability and overall system functionality. Together with infrastructure operators, industry partners and scientific institutions, DLR is conducting research and development into such processes and implementing them in the newly-established Control and Safety Technology Laboratory.
The Laboratory is a logical progression of RailSiTe®, in which DLR has been validating on-board train control systems for over 10 years. Its flexible hardware and software architecture enables the adaptation to different architectures, and, in particular, the distributed testing across different laboratories. The entire chain is supported by the definition of formalised test case catalogues, through to the automated evaluation of the test results. Modular and hierarchical approaches to integration in the development and commissioning processes lead to improvements in efficiency and quality.
The Control and Safety Technology Laboratory serves to test scientific approaches and processes, as well as to support test campaigns for specific infrastructure projects. At InnoTrans 2018, visitors to the DLR stand will be able to see the possibilities of modular interlocking architecture and how high-performance test procedures can support V&V processes. The research institute worked closely with BBR Verkehrssystemtechnik GmbH on the trade fair demonstration.