International Railway Journal - August 2007 - (Page 39a)

Measuring & testing Tough tests for mass transit Most new metros are opting for computer-based signalling systems, and this means that the software used is becoming ever-more complex. Dipl-Ing Gerald Krampe, manager of Siemens’ Mass Transit Test Centre, explains why a thorough test regime is vital. a real-world environment. The individual steps up to delivery involve four tests covering integration, data, the overall system and supply. Integration tests The interaction of hardware and software components is tested during the integration tests. In particular, this test (known as a “black-box” integration test) checks the fundamental ability of newly-developed and configured software to run on the target hardware; for example, on a real interlocking. At T HE continually-increasing complexity of signalling and safety systems on metros is creating a new challenge for suppliers, who are having to expand the scope of systems. In tandem, testing work is also becoming more complex as demands made of signalling systems increase. Signalling and safety systems were not so complex in the past, enabling most of the quality assurance work to be handled simply by testing the subsystems. Overall system tests could be performed locally on the line with relatively little effort. Now, substantially greater importance is being attached to these overall system tests. Moreover, the tests can no longer be carried out entirely on the line. Complex interlockings and operations control systems are often decentralised in several locations, posing a considerable logistical challenge to overall system tests. Another challenge for project processing is the fact that the duration of projects is becoming ever shorter, with some new lines nowadays being implemented in record times. To meet these demands, it is crucial that the overall system tests are performed at the factory while the line is still under construction. This enables the quality of the system to be ensured early on because the later software errors are detected, the more it costs to correct errors. Siemens has set up test centres for mainline railways and metros specifically to test automation systems. The tests for metros are carried out in a purpose-built Mass Transit Test Centre. Once the hardware and software modules have been tested as products in the research and development department, the Siemens interlockings and operations control centres are put to the acid test there in several steps in the same time, the interaction and mutual compatibility of the various software modules are established. In a typical integration test, the following tests on the real hardware of interlockings, the ATC system and operations control are undertaken: operating system, configuration of interlockings and ATC lineside units CTC software a check is made that the system is configured to project requirements, and simulation of peripherals such as points, signals, and track vacancy detection equipment takes place. Problem diagnosis underway for a metro signalling system. 39a IRJ August 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of International Railway Journal - August 2007

Contents This month News Market News Transit News News Analysis Voith Goes For Maxima Impact First Gauge-Changeable Loco Under Test Power Surge China Feels the Need For Speed A Firm Foundation For Chinese High-Speed Testing Times on the Betuwe Route Tough Tests For Mass Transit Software A Measure of Success Rendezvous Full Contact List Advertisers Index The Last Word

International Railway Journal - August 2007

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