Amey Launches Tessera Digital Signalling: Modernizing Rail with SIL4 PLC Tech

Amey has unveiled Tessera, a groundbreaking digital signalling system designed to spearhead the modernisation of railway networks by replacing traditional analogue technologies. This modular, future-proof solution promises enhanced reliability, significant cost savings, and a seamless integration path for operators seeking to upgrade their infrastructure.

Main Body:

Amey’s launch of Tessera marks a significant advancement in railway signalling, offering a sophisticated digital alternative to established mechanical and line-based systems. The system is engineered with a robust, modular architecture that ensures compatibility with legacy, current, and future railway technologies, providing a flexible and sustainable pathway for network modernisation. Peter Anderson, Managing Director of Transport Infrastructure at Amey, highlighted the system’s role in Amey’s commitment to “building safer, smarter, and more sustainable networks.” He added that Tessera “gives customers the confidence to modernise efficiently, ensuring reliability and performance for many years to come.”

Strategic Impact

Tessera is positioned to drive substantial operational efficiencies and cost reductions across the rail sector. With an estimated operational lifespan of 25 years and full backward compatibility, the system significantly lowers lifetime expenses by curtailing maintenance needs, reducing spare parts inventory, and minimising traffic disruptions during upgrades. This approach supports operators in a gradual, phased modernisation strategy, aligning with industry-wide goals for greater efficiency and service continuity. The system’s adherence to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) certification, the highest achievable safety standard, underscores its commitment to operational safety in even the most complex railway environments.

Operational Details

At its core, Tessera leverages a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) programmable logic controller (PLC) from the HIMatrix (HIMA) range, renowned for its use in safety-critical industrial applications. This advanced PLC receives data from trackside equipment, such as axle counters, and meticulously controls signals and track devices based on sophisticated digital interlocking logic. The system’s design prioritises flexibility, with its modular architecture allowing for customisation to meet the specific operational requirements of individual lines. Furthermore, Tessera embraces digital signalling principles akin to ETCS, reducing reliance on physical ground signals and enabling the direct transmission of vital information to the driver’s cab, thereby enhancing situational awareness and operational safety.

Technical Innovations and Sustainability

Tessera incorporates advanced features such as remote monitoring, rapid diagnostics, and proactive alarm functions, facilitating a transition from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies. This shift is crucial for minimising unplanned interruptions and mitigating service delays. A notable aspect of Tessera’s design is its compact components and low power consumption, which enable operation from off-grid renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. This capability is particularly advantageous for remote installations and contributes significantly to reducing the railway industry’s carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability imperatives.

Industry Context

The introduction of Tessera arrives at a critical juncture for the global railway industry, which faces mounting pressure to modernise ageing infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and meet stringent safety and environmental targets. Amey’s Tessera offers a compelling solution by providing a future-proof, scalable, and cost-effective digital signalling platform. For railway operators and infrastructure managers, Tessera represents a strategic investment that promises long-term reliability, significant operational savings, and a clear pathway to digital transformation, ultimately supporting the delivery of a safer, more efficient, and sustainable rail network.