RailwayTest

RailwayTest

Automatic test simulation system

I7RailwayTest is the platform aimed to the realization of systems for testing and simulation of equipment and integrated systems. I7RailwayTest is able to interface real equipment (using commercial I/O interfaces) and can integrate virtual model or SW modules (provided by the customer)

The platform allows to distribute the interface functions with equipment, the virtual models, the software modules and user interfaces on one or more host PC. That architecture allows the realization of distributed simulation systems having high complexity (e.g. the integrated system for traffic management, interlocking and trains protection for a complete metro or railway line)


  • Based on the Setteidea software platform I7.Framework and commercial hardware (PC with MS Windows OS or Linux)
  • Distributed architecture, using one or more PC connected via wired network (IEEE 802.3, 1 Gbps)
  • Integration of real equipment (HW in the loop) or virtual devices (SW in the loop), with real time performances
  • EUT (Equipment under test) interface using commercial I/O hardware (NI, ADLink, etc.) or field bus (MODBUS, CAN, etc.)
  • The system configuration is fully supported using XML files and/or database MS SQL
  • LOG and recording functions using MS SQL database
  • Automatic generation of test scenarios (from customer data and rules), automatic execution of test scenarios, automatic evaluation of test results using pass/fail criteria and recording on MS SQL database
  • Distributed user interface, based on MS Windows (Forms, plant diagrams, charts)
  • Design and construction of simulators, SW tools and test scenarios based on customer specifications

  • Setteidea has developed I7RailwayTest to support the verification tests of safety equipment for railway applications, such as ATP (automatic train protection), signalling and interlocking systems, traffic control systems. I7RailwayTest is also devoted to the test of equipment and products for industry, with real time performances
  • Equipment test, to support the development, verification and validation, commissioning. Examples: equipment for railway signalling system, ATP, vehicle automation systems, traction systems
  • Integration test of real equipment with real (HW in the loop) and virtual (SW in the loop or black-box models) devices. Example: integration test of the on board ATP system with the railway vehicle and the signalling system.
  • Verification test of large integrated systems, composed by real equipment (HW in the loop) and virtual modules (SW in the loop or black-box models). Example: test of functional verification and performances of the traffic control system and the interlocking system of a complete metro or railway line
  • Simulators of integrated systems (fully virtual, without real equipment), based on black box or models “SW in the loop”. Example: demonstrators aimed to the functional assessment of an ATP system or a complete metro or railway line, simulators for personnel training

  • Integration of equipment and systemsThe test system can integrate real equipment, by interfacing their I/O signals (analog and digital), field bus (MODBUS, CAN, etc.) and network (IEEE 802.3, WiFi) using application protocols (IP based or raw)
  • Large number of I/O function are available, based on commercial HW: discrete digital I/O (relays), high speed digital I/O (high bandwidth, more than 1 Ms/s), analog I/O (sampled up to 1 Ms/s), serial adapters (synchronous and asynchronous), encoder emulation and acquisition
  • Integration of SW module and protocols provided by the customer
  • Design and construction of cabinets including the EUT, the interface and simulation system, under customer specification

  • Test & Commissioning cabinet with equipment under test

    Complete test cabinet, including EUT, interfaces and computers

  • The interface between simulator and EUTs

    The cabinet can include up to 512 digital I/O channels devoted to interface the EUT with the simulator PC. The cabinet can include special functions (e.g. output load emulation) upon customer specification

  • Interface Panel

    Relay Interface panel with higher I/O density

  • Interface Panel

    Relay Interface panel with higher I/O density

  • Architecture of simulators

    The block diagram shows the main system functions: it can interface the equipment or sub system under test and it can manage the automated test process (including the creation of test scenario from design data)

  • Synoptic panel of the railway line

    The synoptic panel allows the user to manage the simulation of the whole railway line, scheduling and moving trains. Some equipment are real (HW in the loop), others are emulated.

  • Emulation of field devices.

    Field devices (light signals, rail switches, etc.) are emulated using black box models (e.g. finite state machine) and they are connected to real or emulated equipment. The simulator allows to set fault conditions to devices or to force their I/O channels

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Download RailwayTest technical description