Work begins on new rail standards

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has begun work on the first independent standard for monitoring and diagnostic systems in rail transit vehicles. It also began work on a new standard to address the content of intra-train communications and on a revision to an existing standard for data communications. IEEE P1482™, “Standard for Rail Vehicle Monitoring and Diagnostic Systems,” will define data collection, processing, operating status and fault information for new and overhauled rail transit vehicles. The standard will identify the parameters, signals, systems and subsystems to monitor and describe diagnostic features. It will include a simplified process for integrating diagnostic information from subsystem suppliers to aid those who specify, purchase, design and build rail vehicles and their systems. The other new standard project, IEEE P1544™, “Transit Communications Interface Profiles for Railcar Basic Operating Unit Interoperability — Data Element Definitions,” will allow seamless intra-train communication among disparate systems and equipment.