System Overview¶
This section will give a brief overview of the different components contained within the AMTAB System from a user’s perspective. It doesn’t cover details such as EMC compliance, electrical schematics, drawings installation or maintenance. Refer to the Installation Checklist and Maintenance Manual for more information.
Fig. 1 Electronics and Components Overview¶
System Cabinet¶
Most of the components belonging to the AMTAB System are installed within the System Cabinet. The cabinet protects the components from the harsh environments often found by a railway track. The sturdy construction prevents weather and wear from damaging the sensitive equipment, and also shields the electronics from electromagnetic interference.
The cabinet is installed with a lock preventing unauthorized access. The cabinet is mounted on a pole/post close to where the sensors are mounted on the track. On the underside of the cabinet are cable glands which allows external power and sensor cables to enter the cabinet.
E-Box¶
Within the System Cabinet another enclosure, the E-Box, can be found. The E-Box contains the proprietary electronics and a fan which helps control the temperature. The E-Box is designed to be easily replaceable and maintained while serving as extra protection for the most sensitive components.
The E-Box has a protective cover over the electronics, but also has an exposed part of the Backplane which contains the Sensor connectors and the pin headers.
SIPR¶
The SIPR (Signal Processor) is a custom PCBA developed and designed by AMTAB. It’s main responsibility is to to sample the digital signal available from each connected PSLA and Sensor, using a proprietary algorithm which converts the signal into wagons, weight and wheel defect analysis.
The board features a System on Module (SoM) which contains the main firmware. The firmware is the main application of the system and also hosts the GUI which is accessible with a Web Browser via the Backplane’s Ethernet connection. Data is stored locally on a 4GB Industrial-grade CompactFlash (CF) Card.
The E-Box allows direct access to two status LEDs, two service ports and the CF Card slot.
Features:
Integrated GUI
REST API
Password Protection
MySQL Database Support
NTP Client
DNS Resolution
System Event / Error Log Files
CLI Interface
Remote Firmware Upgrade
Read more about SIPR in these sections:
PSLA¶
The PSLA (Precision Shear Load Amplifier) is a custom PCBA developed and designed by AMTAB. It’s main responsibility is to power the Sensors and then amplify, combine and convert the analog signal into a digital value. Each system can support up to 8 PSLAs. If there’s an issue with a connected sensor, each PSLA can be turned off individually by SIPR.
Each PSLA is calibrated by AMTAB before delivery.
Backplane¶
The Backplane is a custom PCBA developed and designed by AMTAB. It’s responsible for providing power to the other boards and for routing the signals between them. The backplane is provided power input from the cabinet’s PSUs and connects the system to a network via an RJ45 Ethernet Port.
The backplane also has inputs for the Relay which can be used to control the power output to the boards.
Features:
1x SIPR slot
8x PSLA slots
16x 9-pin D-Sub Sensor connectors
Pin headers used for diagnostics and troubleshooting
Router¶
The AdvanTech SmartFlex Router is an industrial router which is used to provide reliable networking to the system. Different models are fitted depending on the customer’s need, but the standard features are:
4G / LTE Modem
3 Port Switch
Support for external antennas
2 Digital Outputs
The Router isolates the AMTAB System’s devices from the internet and external networks. Using NAT, only one IP address is exposed externally.
One of the digital outputs is used to remotely control the Relay via a network connection or through SMS commands.
Read more about the Router in these sections:
Power Supplies¶
The system has 4 Power Supplies, from left to right:
±12V 36W - PSLA Odd Numbers
+5V 25W - SIPR
±12V 36W - PSLA Even Numbers
+12V 50W - External Fan, Router
The first three power supplies are connected in line with the Relay.
Relay¶
The Relay is connected in series with Circuit Breaker A and the Power Supplies for the Backplane. The Relay is controlled by one of the digital outputs of the Router. This allows for remote power cycle of the system’s electronics, if needed.
Schuko / CEE 7/3 Socket¶
For convenience, a standard european Schuko / CEE 7/3 Socket is fitted in the cabinet which can be used for appliances during installation or maintenance. The socket is optionally fitted with an adapter, depending on the standards of the country where the system is installed.
External Fan (Optional) + Radiator (Optional) + Thermostat¶
In environments where it can become very cold or very hot (or both), an external fan or a radiator can be fitted. When installed, these are both controlled by the thermostat.
See the Maintenance Manual for more details.
Circuit Breakers + Surge Protector¶
Circuit Breakers A, B, C + Surge Protector
Main Circuit Breaker
The cabinet has 1 + 3 Circuit Breakers and a Surge Protector.
Main Circuit Breaker - Main external power of the cabinet
Circuit Breaker A - Backplane and the SIPR and PSLA power
Circuit Breaker B - E-Box Cooling Fan and Router
Circuit Breaker C - Thermostat
Surge Protector - Protects the system from transient surges
See the Maintenance Manual for more details.
Sensor¶
The patented AMTAB Sensors are bolted tightly onto the rail, transforming the mechanical forces exerted on the rail when a train passes into an analog signal. The more sensors installed, the higher the accuracy. The AMTAB System supports 8-16 Sensors. Fewer sensors will allow the system to operate but in a limited capacity.
The Sensors works in pairs and each pair is connected to a dedicated PSLA. Evenly numbered PSLAs are connected to the sensors on one rail and oddly numbered PSLAs are connected to the sensors on the other rail. The exact configuration is decided when planning the installation and the result is recorded in the Installation Site Data document after a finished installation.
MySQL Database (Optional)¶
When the AMTAB System measures a passing train, data is stored locally on the device on the CF Card. The CF Card has limited capacity and will only store data for a configured amount of time so that there’s always enough free space for new measurements. If data storage is required for a duration longer than the CF card can accommodate, an external MySQL Database can be connected. An external database will also allow advanced data analysis, and tight integration with other applications.
If the database feature is enabled, all data will automatically be uploaded when a connection is available. If the database is unavailable the system will buffer the transactions until they can be uploaded.
The database can either be provided in a cloud environment by AMTAB or hosted by the customer. Multiple AMTAB Systems can upload their results to the same database.
Read more about the Database feature in these sections:
Command Line Interface (CLI)¶
A Command Line Interface (CLI) is accessible by AMTAB Service and is used for advanced operation and diagnostics.
RFID Reader / CrossTalk AppCenter (Optional)¶
The AMTAB System can optionally be delivered together with one or more RFID Readers, supplied by Kathrein Solutions Gmbh. The RFID Reader is mounted by the side of the rail and is capable of reading RFID tags mounted on the wagons and locomotives.
The readers work independently of the AMTAB System and is able to store data from read RFID tags in the same database as the weighing and wheel defect data. Data is then matched together in the presentation layer, either by the customer during integration or when viewing data with AMTAB WIDIA.
During deployment and maintenance of the Reader, CrossTalk AppCenter must be used. It’s an application that runs on a computer/server on the same network as the AMTAB System and is used to monitor and configure Kathrein Readers. CrossTalk AppCenter is not required during normal operation.
Read more about the RFID Reader in these sections:
Customer Specific Customizations¶
The AMTAB System can be customized according to a customer’s specific need. If such customizations are performed, separate documentation will be delivered.