Radio Frequency Communication -
Abstract
In recent years, initiatives have been undertaken in response to the need for improved levels of rail service. These new developments are leveraging off developments in the electronics and communications sectors and have the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of rail transportation. Nearly every railway signalling manufacturer now includes some form of radio frequency based train control in its product lineup.
A number of systems are under development to address the need for increased rail line capacity through the application of Radio Frequency Communication Based Train Control (RF-CBTC). This paper examines the theory of operation of two such systems and provides a brief discussion of how these developments might benefit a rail line such as the new Alice Springs to Darwin Railway.