Railway Signalling and Communications

This module focuses on railway signalling and communications. The principles of train detection, fail-safe, points, lineside signals, and interlocking are discussed. Automatic train control including automatic train protection, operation, and supervision, as well as communications-based train control systems and subsystems, are described and illustrated using real-world examples and case studies. Furthermore, various techniques of digital and analogue communications are covered with practical applications, such as line coding, block coding, scrambling, pulse code modulation, delta modulation, as well as shift keying and modulation of amplitude, frequency and phase. Bandwidth utilisation methods including multiplexing and spread spectrum, as well as guided and unguided transmission media are also explained with examples. To enhance students’ understanding and analytical skills, students are required to write a report discussing and evaluating local and overseas railway signalling and communication systems and subsystems.