Simulation systems of rail line

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine how to design and develop a signaling
system based on computers without simulation system tools. Simulation systems
for the core system and an application system of the railway signaling system
have become an important tool for its development, application and
maintenance. As far as the functions of the simulation system are concerned,
there are many kinds of simulation systems for the signaling system. Some of
them have been mentioned in the paper.
Simulation models construction and simulation platforms selection are the
first step for development of simulation systems for signaling systems as in Xun
et al. . There are numbers of different models and algorithms for the different
applications. There are also many kinds of simulation platforms to be selected
for development of simulation systems. The above two issues are not addressed
in detains here since the limit of the paper contents.
As development tool, a simulation system is developed for the design of core
signaling systems and the minimal signaling system. By use of the simulation
system, the core signaling systems are designed, and their functions, safety and
reliability etc. are tested and proved.
As design tool, a simulation system is developed for redesigning an
application signaling system based on the minimal signaling system. The task of
the simulation system is to redesign the application signaling system according
to the database of the application line. By use of the simulation system, the
requirements and configuration of the application system are satisfied,
established, and proved.
Usually, a simulation system should be established for an application
signaling system. Before the application signaling system is put into operation,
the task of the simulation system is to test the functions, safety and fault-tolerant
features of the application signaling system and to ensure the correct connection

among the core signaling systems based on the database of the application line.
After the application signaling system is put into operation, the task of the
simulation system is to monitor the operation of the application system by
sharing the real-time data with the operating system. Meanwhile, as maintenance
tool, the simulation system plays an important role in diagnosing a fault and
maintaining the system when the fault occurs during the operation of the
application system. Moreover, when some of the parts in the application system
are revised or upgraded technically, the parts should be tested firstly in the
simulation system before be put into the real system.
It can be seen from the above description that the simulation systems have the
different classifications and functions. A common databases, test sets and
function models should be established and accumulated. The different simulation
systems could use the same database, the same test set and the same function
models. Interlocking system can be taken as an example. Interlocking function
test are the same at the core system development and an application signaling
system. As a design tool during the redesign for an application system, it uses the
same database with the simulation system of an application signaling system.
One of the difficult tasks is to establish a perfect test sets by use of accumulating.