Abstract: For use in a propulsion control system, a microprocessor based central processing unit board includes both Multibus I and Multibus II interfaces. Multibus I master interface and Multibus slave interface controllers are designed for high data throughput by using programmed logic design (PLD) technology. In addition, the need for latching of data transceivers used in conventional Multibus I designs is eliminated. The Multibus II interface is removable.

Abstract: A microprocessor based data communications controller board includes at least one microprocessor and is for controlling communications over a plurality of busses having different electrical specifications and using different communications procedures. The board includes a first interface for interfacing the microprocessor based data communications controller board with a first communications bus providing a multidrop serial master-slave synchronous data link controlled communications system. The board also includes a second interface for interfacing the microprocessor based data communications controller board with at least one second communications bus providing a Manchester encoded multidrop master-slave high-level data link controlled communications system. And the board also includes a third interface for interfacing the microprocessor based data communications controller board with a third communications bus providing a parallel processor-to-processor message passing communications system.

Abstract: A method of implementing a computer based interlocking system for automatic train protection includes providing a data base of prestored rule sets for a plurality of guideway objects, the guideway objects being represented as one or more virtual gates of a plurality of virtual gate types, the rule sets defining conditions for a respective guideway object which must be met before entry through a virtual gate of the object is permitted. A high-level description of a guideway layout including all of the guideway objects that form interlocking zones is input and processed using the pre-stored rule sets to form an overall interlocking system definition by locating, retrieving and linking appropriate rule sets corresponding to the respective input guideway objects.

Abstract: A method A and apparatus for monitoring and switching over from a primary bus to a back-up bus in a network having a master node and at least one slave node, the primary bus and the back-up bus each interconnecting the master node and the at least one slave node. The method includes periodically sending via the back-up bus from the master node to each of the slave nodes a master test packet containing a master address of the master node on the back-up bus and sending on the back-up bus from the at least one slave node to the master node and in response to receiving the master test packet, a slave test packet containing a slave address of the at least one slave node on the back-up bus.

Abstract: For use in a propulsion control system, a microprocessor based central processing unit board includes both Multibus I and Multibus II interfaces. Multibus I master interface and Multibus slave interface controllers are designed for high data throughput by using programmed logic design (PLD) technology. In addition, the need for latching of data transceivers used in conventional Multibus I designs is eliminated. The Multibus II interface is removable.

Abstract: A method for initializing a communication network in a train including a plurality of cars, the network comprising a train bus, a train bus master on one of the cars and a train bus slave on each other car connectable to the train bus master by the train bus for communicating with the train bus master. The method includes determining whether the one car with the train bus master is located at one end of the train or is in the middle of the train. The method further includes transmitting first messages between the train bus master and each train bus slave, respectively, located in one direction for assigning an address to each train bus slave located in that one direction and acquiring data at the train bus master uniquely identifying the respective train bus slaves in that one direction.

Abstract: An optocoupler circuit arrangement includes an isolated power source for producing a bipolar test signal, an analog multiplexer switching matrix coupled to the isolated power source for receiving and distributing the test signal, control logic for controlling the analog multiplexer switching matrix, and a plurality of optocouplers, each having a respective electrically isolated output circuit and an input circuit for receiving input signals from an external source. The optocoupler input circuits are coupled to the analog multiplexer switching matrix to receive respective test signals therefrom under control of the control logic. Blocking circuitry is provided at the optocoupler input for isolating the test signals from the external source.

Abstract: A method for controlling power consumed by a plurality of subsystems on a multi-car train having a plurality of power supplies connected in parallel for supplying power to the subsystems. The train has a train wide communication network which includes a vehicle bus in each car of the train communicating with the power supplies and subsystems on the car, a train bus extending through the entire train, and communication nodes in each car interconnecting the train bus with each one of the vehicle buses. One of the communication nodes in one of the cars constitutes a master node and the other communication nodes in the other cars constitutes slave nodes, each slave node communicating status information about power supplies and subsystems on its vehicle bus to the master node and communicating control information to the power supplies and subsystems on its vehicle bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an overall master node for an overall communication network with a serial bus, wherein the overall communication network comprises an original communication network connected to a new communication network via a serial bus with high level data link control (HDLC) packets. The method and apparatus are especially applicable to trainline monitor systems since such systems are frequently divided up and rearranged because their associated trains are frequently divided up and rearranged. The method involves performing a series of steps in order to relinquish mastership of certain master nodes placing those master nodes in an inactive state and making a desired master node an overall master node of the resulting overall trainline monitor system, and the apparatus involves a corresponding series of means for performing these steps.

Abstract: A system for testing a plurality of subsystems in a multi-car train over a train-wide communications network includes at least one master station and a plurality of slave stations interconnected by the train-wide communications network, each station collecting status and diagnostic information from associated slave subsystems and providing the information upon request. A portable test unit is provided for testing the subsystems by requesting status and diagnostics information about at least one of the plurality of slave subsystems over the communications network. A diagnostic interface is provided in the at least one master station for interfacing the portable test unit to the master station to facilitate transmission of data between the portable test unit and the train-wide communications network.