SIST EN 61375-2-3:2016/A11:2017

Overview

SIST EN 61375-2-3:2016/A11:2017 specifies the communication profile for the Train Communication Network (TCN) used in electronic railway equipment. This European Standard amendment aligns with EN 61375-2-3:2015/A11:2017 and is coordinated by SIST (Slovenian Institute for Standardization). The standard is significant for supporting railway vehicle interoperability under the EU Rail Systems Interoperability Directive 2008/57/EC. It has been published to facilitate harmonized compliance across European Union Member States and the European Economic Area, ensuring a reliable framework for communication within railway rolling stock.

Key Topics

• TCN Communication Profile: Outlines the logical and functional requirements for how train sub-systems communicate, exchange data, and coordinate actions on-board.
• Relationship with EU Directives: Developed to demonstrate compliance with essential requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC regarding interoperability of railway systems, specifically referencing telematics and rolling stock communication.
• Scope and Applicability: Covers passenger and freight rolling stock, addressing critical functions such as:
  • Fault and brake state indication
  • Passenger communication and safety alarms
  • General and exterior door communication devices
  • Technical compatibility, safety, and system reliability
• Annex ZZ: Details the correspondence between the standard’s clauses and the essential EU requirements, directly contributing to legal and technical harmonization for railways in the EU.

Applications

This standard is directly relevant for:

• Manufacturers of Rolling Stock: Ensures train vehicles, locomotives, and carriages incorporate interoperable communication systems that meet European requirements for safety, reliability, and compatibility.
• System Integrators and Railway Operators: Supports the implementation, upgrade, and maintenance of modern train communication networks facilitating real-time data and control signals among various onboard systems.
• Regulatory and Conformity Assessment Bodies: Provides the technical basis for presumption of conformity with EU legislation, vital for product certification, safety assessment, and grant procedures.
• Telematics Applications: Serves as a foundational framework for both passenger service applications (such as passenger information and alarms) and freight telematics, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.

By complying with this standard, stakeholders ensure electronic railway equipment is future-proofed for pan-European operations, supports interoperability, and enables integration with advanced telematics and safety systems.

Related Standards

• EN 61375 series: Family of standards covering various aspects of the Train Communication Network (TCN), including architecture, system requirements, and additional communication protocols.
• RS T LOC&PAS TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability): Referenced in the Official Journal of the EU, addresses requirements for rolling stock, especially locomotives and passenger vehicles.
• TAP TSI (Telematics Applications for Passengers): Regulates networking, compatibility, and telematics functionalities specific to passenger rail services.
• Directive 2008/57/EC: The core EU directive for interoperability of railway systems within the community, underpinning the legal framework that this standard contributes to.

SIST EN 61375-2-3:2016/A11:2017 is a critical standard for achieving technical and legal interoperability in European rail transport, crucial for safe, reliable, and efficient communication in modern rail vehicles. For railway sector stakeholders, adherence ensures technology readiness for evolving regulatory and market demands in transport communications.