SAFE DUAL-FREQUENCY EGNSS RECEIVER FOR RAILWAYS: THE TRENI PROJECT

Abstract

The railway signalling system in Europe is currently undergoing a major change, converging towards interoperability and safety to be ensured by the ongoing deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). However, at present, ERTMS does not envisage the use of GNSS positioning technology for safety relevant train localization. Introduction of GNSS is an opportunity to contribute towards increasing of both safety and security or simplifying and reducing trackside equipment. It can also contribute to reducing overall signalling system costs which is instrumental especially for keeping the rural capillary lines competitive with other modes of transport. To enable such benefits and to contribute toward green and sustainable transport services the European Commission and European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) are collaborating with the main rail and space stakeholders on the inclusion of GNSS into the future evolution of ERTMS. This paper presents the TRENI railway GNSS receiver and antenna development, to be used directly or integrated in a train multi-sensor safe positioning platform, suitable for railway safety-related applications.