Terminology, Differences, And Challenges of Communications-Based Train Control and European Train Control Systems = Terminología, diferencias y desafíos del control de trenes basado en comunicaciones y los sistemas de control de trenes europeos

Control systems guarantee safe train operations by (1) monitoring and supervising train speed, (2) defining the next allowable target position, and (3) activating automatic braking systems. Two different train control systems, (1) Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and (2) European Train Control Systems (ETCS), are usually implemented for railway operations. Among those systems, the CBTC is applied for light railway and urban mass-transit systems, whereas ETCS is used for heavy railway systems. These two train control systems have been used worldwide for more than 20 years. Although both systems share a common field of application, their scope, functionalities, and automation aims differ. This paper reviews the CBTC and ETCS systems, and their underlying moving principles. The applicability, terminology, differences, and challenges with regard to levels of implementation, radio communication systems, train integrity, and interoperability are analysed in detail. Based on this analysis, potential characteristics are identified that could be adopted from these systems to improve railway operation. Resumen: Los sistemas de control ferroviario garantizan una operación segura del tren: (1) al monitorear y supervisar la velocidad del tren, (2) al definir la próxima posición permisible y (3) al activar los sistemas de frenado automático. Dos ejemplos de estos sistemas son: (1) el Control de Trenes Basado en Comunicaciones (CBTC) y (2) el Sistema de Control Ferroviario Europeo (ETCS). El CBTC se aplica generalmente a los sistemas ferroviario ligero y aplicaciones urbanas, mientras que el ETCS se utiliza generalmente para los sistemas de trenes pesados. Estos dos sistemas de control ferroviarios se han utilizado en todo el mundo durante más de 20 años. A pesar que ambos sistemas comparten un campo de aplicación común; su alcance, funcionalidades y objetivos de automatización difieren. Este documento revisa los sistemas CBTC y ETCS, y sus principios separación. Se analiza en detalle su aplicabilidad, ...