Magnets mounted on the track, which are used for the “train protection system” (PZB) and whose exact position is known, are detected during the measurement process to equalize inaccuracies in kilometer measurement. During measurement, vehicle-mounted optical sensors scan both sides of the rail tracks to detect elevated objects. They required a system that filtered out the PZB magnet from the field of observation. The information whether a PZB magnet is in close proximity needed to be available via a digital output. In addition, the status of the digital inputs and outputs had to be transmitted via a network interface to the control system.
Realisazation
The Q.raxx system and the Q.station test controller from Gantner Instruments were chosen as the platform for the implementation.

To save space the system can be installed in an existing 19-inch rack and provides twelve slots for measurement or I/O plug-in boards. The D101 digital metering unit has eight isolated digital inputs and an equal number of digital outputs. The free slots allow for easy expansion for future measurement tasks.

Programming of the controller was accomplished using the graphical programming tool of the test.con programming system. The combination of flow charts and macros makes the code easy to read.
Thanks to the real-time processing capability of Q.station with 10 kHz, the PZB magnets could be reliably detected even at measuring speeds up to 230 km per hour.
In addition, the Q.station test controller provides the control system with all relevant data via Ethernet interface. The values of the four sensors are sampled every 5 mm (!), recorded, compressed, and transmitted in IP packets to the control system.
The position of PZB magnets is correlated with measurement data from the measurement vehicle by means of Green-Eye analysis software from Aplica. Green-Eye provides a clear and flexible user interface for the display, analysis and storage of all measurement data.
More articles
Dynamic High Voltage Measurement: Q.series X A128 Plus SEB
Gantner Instruments introduces the Q.series X A128 Plus SEB, a dynamic high-voltage data acquisition solution.
Read more...Precise Temperature Measurement with Pt100
Temperature measurement is one of our key competence areas. Here we maintain a position of global leadership. Our advanced 4-channel Q.bloxx A105 measurement module sets new standards in terms of stability and precision. For many different applications, the extremely precise and stable measurement of temperatures is an absolute prerequisite for the control of processes or the success of product innovations. In addition to the essential precision, particularly important aspects of this are the maintenance of stability when changes occur in the ambient temperature and ensuring long-term stability.
Read more...Wünderla ko
“Wünderla ko" on September 16, 2023 from 10 am - 4 pm along Montafonerstrasse 4-21 in Schruns.
Read more...New Monitoring Solution – Q.series Portable
For short-term or rout-based condition monitoring of various assets we now provide a portable system solution. Our new Q.series Portable based on Q.station 101 and OEM-boards for analog and digital inputs contained in a robust transport case is fully engineered and ready to use ‘out of the box’. The electronic boards and the power supply system are mounted on shock absorbers to withstand heavy-duty work under harsh environments in the field.
Read more...