Experimental Analysis of a Time-Triggered Network Designed for Train Communications

Time-triggered protocols are recognized to have a high degree of dependability. The purpose of this paper is to analyze by experiments their application to the networking of the devices installed aboard train. The paper starts by reviewing the current standard for the train communications. Then the operating principles of the time-triggered protocols are illustrated, a possible arrangement for a time-triggered network to be applied to a train is presented, and the TTP/C protocol is introduced. Afterwards the technical data of a commercial TTP/C board are illustrated and a prototypal network is set up with these boards to control an emulated train function. At last, experimental results showing the communication characteristics of the prototypal network are reported.