EN 50159: Railway applications – Communication, signaling and processing systems – Safety-related communication in transmission systems standard

EN 50159: Railway applications – Communication, signaling and processing systems – Safety-related communication in transmission systems standard is a crucial guideline for professionals in the railway industry. This standard focuses on ensuring safe and reliable communication within transmission systems used in railway operations.

1. Overview:

EN 50159 sets requirements and provides recommendations for safety-related communication in railway applications. It covers various aspects of communication, signaling, and processing systems to guarantee the integrity and dependability of these systems. The standard emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent and reliable communication to ensure the safety of railway operations.

2. Scope:

The standard applies to both new and existing railway systems, including trains, signaling systems, control centers, and other related infrastructure. It covers different types of transmission systems, such as wired, wireless, and optical networks, used for safety-critical communications between various components within the railway system.

3. Safety-Related Communication:

EN 50159 specifies the principles, requirements, and measures necessary to achieve safety-related communication in railway applications. It addresses factors like availability, reliability, latency, error detection, and fault tolerance of communication systems. It also considers environmental conditions, electromagnetic compatibility, and data security to ensure the overall safety and resilience of the communication infrastructure.

4. Technical Specifications:

The standard provides technical specifications for implementing safety-related communication systems. These include guidelines for network architectures, protocols, interfaces, and data formats. It emphasizes the use of proven technologies and robust design practices to minimize the probability of failures and maximize the availability of critical communication links.

5. Verification and Validation:

EN 50159 outlines procedures for verifying and validating safety-related communication systems. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing, verification, and documentation throughout the lifecycle of the systems. Compliance with the standard ensures that the communication systems meet the required safety performance levels and are suitable for their intended purpose.

In summary, EN 50159 plays a vital role in promoting safe and efficient communication in railway applications. It provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and maintaining safety-related communication systems. By adhering to this standard, professionals in the railway industry can ensure the integrity, reliability, and resilience of their transmission systems, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of railway operations.

For more detailed information on EN 50159: Railway applications – Communication, signaling and processing systems – Safety-related communication in transmission systems standard, you can refer to the PDF document available for download on relevant platforms.