Software for rail vehicles
Enotrac’s experienced team of software engineers specialises in the development of customised software solutions for rail vehicles. Our group of experienced engineers is passionate about software development for the rail industry. With a wide range of skills, our experts cover various key areas.
Our approach goes beyond technical implementation. We place a high value on close and open dialogue, teamwork and the ability to empathise with our customers’ needs. We value our Swiss reliability while also benefiting from an international team from ten different nations. This diversity enriches our corporate culture and enables us to always find the best solutions for every challenge. Satisfied customers are the proof.
Our team of software engineers
The Enotrac team consists of six experienced software engineers who are passionate about developing software solutions for rail vehicles. Our highly qualified experts bring extensive expertise to software development for rail transport and have a wide range of skills to develop solutions for diverse applications in the rail transport sector. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of important areas, from automatic train protection systems to remote monitoring technology.
Our team of software engineers understands the unique requirements and challenges of the rail industry. They are keen to improve rail mobility worldwide by developing innovative solutions and implementing pioneering projects. Their aim is to continuously raise the standards in rail technology.
Development of software for rolling stock according to EN 50657
Our main task at Enotrac is to develop software solutions for rolling stock in accordance with EN 50657. This standard, which replaced the previous EN 50128:2001, defines clear requirements for the development of software for electronic systems in rolling stock. The focus is on software and its interaction with the respective system. Software that forms part of signalling equipment for railway control and monitoring is not covered by this standard.
Our work is primarily focused on developing software for vehicle control systems known as Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS). This system is the central monitoring system for all of a train’s subsystems, including doors, lighting, air conditioning, brakes, communications, and more. It works through a variety of human-machine interfaces (HMI) to communicate the status of the train’s equipment to human operators. The TCMS software is complex and must be carefully planned, simulated and tested to ensure that the train operates safely and reliably and that passenger safety is ensured.
Enotrac also deals with door control systems and develops customised special control systems that meet the individual requirements of our customers. Our goal is to develop software solutions that ensure the smooth operation of rail vehicles by being efficient, reliable and safe.
Adherence to EN 50657 ensures that our software solutions meet the high requirements and standards of the rail transport sector. The standard specifies how we develop the software and emphasises that it is tested and verified to ensure that it works well.
Our software plays a key role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail transport. We are proud to advance rail technology by developing customised software solutions that meet the highest quality and safety standards while also meeting individual customer requirements. Our expertise in EN 50657-compliant software development ensures reliable and safe operation of rail vehicles, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable rail transport infrastructure.
Expertise in various hardware platforms
Our software engineers have extensive knowledge in working with various hardware platforms, particularly with regard to products from Selectron and Siemens, which are crucial for safe and efficient vehicle control and monitoring. This allows us to develop customised software solutions that are perfectly aligned with the individual requirements and existing hardware in rail vehicles. Our in-depth expertise in these hardware platforms allows us to address the specific circumstances of each rail vehicle, whether it is related to the vehicle control system, door systems or special applications. By adapting our software to the existing hardware, we can guarantee smooth functionality and optimise the performance of the system. Our ability to develop software solutions for rail vehicles, based on our extensive know-how of different hardware platforms (such as Micas, MICAS, Mitrac, MITRAC), enables us to offer innovative solutions that meet the modern requirements of rail transport. We use standardised bus systems and protocols (Ethernet, CAN, CANopen, CAN Powerline, ETB, ECN, MVB, WTB, PROFINET, TCN, TRDP, IEC61375, RS-485) in our applications and for connecting third-party systems.
Our goal is to make rail vehicles safer, more reliable and more efficient, while meeting the specific requirements of our customers. Our expertise in the integration of software and hardware is the key to achieving this goal and to promoting continuous development in the rail transport sector.
Flagship project: software development for the HGe 4/4 II
An outstanding project that illustrates Enotrac’s expertise and commitment to software development for rail vehicles is the development of the vehicle control software for the HGe 4/4 II locomotives of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn modernised the HGe 4/4 II locomotives from the 1990s. After the modernisation, the drive and the electrics of the rail vehicles meet the standards of modern locomotives. The challenge was to successfully implement the entire electrical and software engineering, including commissioning and approval.
This modernisation project has enabled the locomotives to continue to be used in the Glacier Express, the Furka car transport service, freight transport and infrastructure work for the next 25 years. The modernisation includes nine narrow-gauge cogwheel and adhesion locomotives HGe 4/4 II and three control cars of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. As part of the modernisation, the vehicles were equipped with a completely new power train with modern IGBT converters and asynchronous traction motors, a modern control system with central diagnostics, a powerful driver cab air conditioning system and a new fire alarm system. SBB was commissioned as general contractor for the modernisation. Various engineering firms were contracted for the engineering, and Enotrac was awarded the contract to carry out the electrical and software engineering, including commissioning and approval.
At the start of the project, Enotrac’s technical experts were faced with the challenging task of developing an innovative control technology concept and a detailed electrical vehicle schematic. These initial developments formed the basis for the comprehensive planning of the installation processes, which took into account both the cable routing and all electrical components. In this phase, detailed production documents were created that ensured the precise assembly and wiring of the electrical components according to the concept-compliant standard.
Following the planning and preparation phase, the development of the state-of-the-art control technology software was tackled. Particular attention was paid to the comprehensive specification of the software, followed by precise programming and intensive testing using the latest diagnostic tools. This development process ensured that the control technology software worked reliably and in accordance with the highest standards.
The final steps of the project focused on the commissioning and type testing of the modernised locomotive. At this crucial stage of the project, Enotrac provided expert support during the operational testing. In addition to this technical validation, the team also took responsibility for approval management and checked that all the necessary approvals and standards were met.
Finally, measures were introduced to train the train drivers and maintenance personnel. In doing so, they were familiarised with the modernised version of the locomotive so that they are able to operate it efficiently and safely.
In this project, Enotrac was able to demonstrate expertise across all phases of a modernisation project. The entire electrical and software engineering of a modern locomotive, including commissioning and approval, was successfully implemented from a single source.
The importance of software testing according to EN 50657
European Standard EN 50657, developed as a successor to DIN EN 50128:2001, specifies the requirements and process for developing software for programmable electronic systems in rail vehicles. This standard applies to both safety-related and non-safety-related software, with the exception of software that is integrated into the signalling system for railway control and monitoring.
EN 50657 emphasises the importance of software testing and test coverage to ensure that the software works in accordance with the given specifications. This includes monitoring of test coverage and test completeness. A sufficiently high degree of coverage of the implemented code is required for all tests, checks and analyses.
The standard requires that for software in safety integrity levels SIL 1 to SIL 4, both static analysis and dynamic analysis and testing are carried out. The collection of metrics is also recommended.
Enotrac software engineers take great care to comply with this standard, ensuring that the software they develop meets the highest quality and safety standards. Their expertise and experience provide the basis for tailor-made software solutions for rail vehicles.
The role of software in rail transport
In the context of rail transport, the importance of software cannot be overstated. In today’s world, where mobility and sustainability have become key concerns, rail transport systems are of great importance in meeting the demands for efficient and sustainable transport. Meeting these demands requires the careful integration and use of software solutions to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient operation of rail vehicles.
The requirements for rail software are many and demanding. This specialised software must not only meet the highest safety standards, but also provide best-in-class performance and reliability. It must be able to control rail vehicles with precision, optimise maintenance to minimise downtime, and ensure that operations always run smoothly.
Enotrac is dedicated to meeting these complex requirements. With our years of experience and expertise in EN 50657-compliant software development, we ensure that the developed software meets the strictest quality and safety standards. Our customised software solutions are designed to meet the individual needs of our customers while driving efficiency and sustainability in rail transport.
