Abstract: A method is provided for controlling movement of a plurality of vehicles over a guideway partitioned into a plurality of guideway blocks. The method uses a control system including an onboard computer (OBC) located on board each vehicle, at least one server for communicating with the OBCs, and a vehicle tracking system. The method including the steps of determining a composite block status for all guideway blocks, broadcasting the composite block status to the OBCs, and controlling movement of each vehicle based on the composite block status.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling movement of a plurality of vehicles over a guideway partitioned into a plurality of guideway blocks. The method uses a control system including an onboard computer (OBC) located on board each vehicle, at least one server for communicating with the OBCs, and a vehicle tracking system. The method including the steps of determining a composite block status for all guideway blocks, broadcasting the composite block status to the OBCs, and controlling movement of each vehicle based on the composite block status.

Abstract: A method for performing an “AND” operation on two independent inputs in a fail-safe manner includes cascading two charge pumps to output a condition signal representing the “AND'ed” state of the inputs. Each independent input has an active state asserted by a waveform of predetermined frequency and duty cycle, and an inactive fail-safe state asserted by a zero voltage. The method includes supplying power to a first charge pump, supplying power from the first charge pump to a second charge pump, and supplying each of the independent inputs to one of the respective charge pumps. A condition signal is output using an output from the second charge pump. Additionally, the method verifies the correctness of the frequency and duty cycle of each independent input using a cross connection scheme. This method provides a high-power, low-loss, and low-cost electrical circuit for operating devices responding to specific voltages, for example, vital relays.

Abstract: A method for performing an “AND” operation on two independent inputs in a fail-safe manner includes cascading two charge pumps to output a condition signal representing the “AND'ed” state of the inputs. Each independent input has an active state asserted by a waveform of predetermined frequency and duty cycle, and an inactive fail-safe state asserted by a zero voltage. The method includes supplying power to a first charge pump, supplying power from the first charge pump to a second charge pump, and supplying each of the independent inputs to one of the respective charge pumps. A condition signal is output using an output from the second charge pump. Additionally, the method verifies the correctness of the frequency and duty cycle of each independent input using a cross connection scheme. This method provides a high-power, low-loss, and low-cost electrical circuit for operating devices responding to specific voltages, for example, vital relays.