Wayside Communications: CBTC Data Communications Subsystems

This article will focus on how data communications subsystems (DCSs) provide radio frequency (RF) coverage, how they deal with and mitigate RF interference and multipath fading, and how they make use of sophisticated signal-processing techniques to improve performance in the face of a harsh propagation environment. The various DCSs used on many ?communications-based train control (CBTC) system projects planned and in service throughout North America, Europe, and Asia are surveyed. The article will also focus on the RF characteristics of the DCS so as to highlight the similarities and common challenges that all DCSs face with a view to presenting best practice and innovative design.