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KonVCU – Vehicle Control Unit

Vehicle Control Unit – VCU is the vehicle’s main control system. It is based on our proprietary and modular HW&SW platform.

VCU can be used as a single control unit or two completely redundant control units. The same hardware can also be used in the propulsion converter’s control units. Redundant configuration can be found e.g., in Končar’s TMK2200 series tram cars.

VCU communicates with all distributed intelligent units, driver-machine interface (LCD panels in driver’s cabin) via CAN, Ethernet, RS485, or MVB busses. WTB bus is used for communication between vehicles in composition.

It can be found in tramcars, trains, and locomotives. 

Since there are specific requirements for each rail vehicle, VCU can be delivered in different configurations to match every vehicle.

  • Control
  • Measuring
  • Sequencing
  • Protection
  • Supervision
  • Communication tasks in the whole vehicle

VCU rack consists of:

  • Electronic modules
  • Power supplies
  • Motherboard (buses)

  • Supply subsystem, which consists of power supplies and their control circuits
  • Motherboard
  • Central processing module
  • CAN communication module
  • Voltage and current measurement module
  • A digital speed measurement module
  • Synchronization module
  • Impulse generator module
  • Analog inputs and outputs module
  • Digital inputs and outputs modules
  • Pulse amplifier module

  • Operating temperature range: -40 to +85 °C (IEC 60571:2006, Class Tx)
  • Shock and vibrations: IEC 61373:2010, Category 1, Class B
  • Meets requirements of the following standards: EN 50155:2007, EN 50121-3-2:2006, EN 61000-6-2:2007, EN 61000-6-4:2005
  • Programming tool: Grap-IDE

 

VCU Modules

 

  • Control of power thyristors

    DMK500 module features 4 channels for synchronous firing control of power thyristors employed in semi- and fully-controlled line commutated locomotive’s rectifiers, driving attached pulse transformers. Each output channel has independent driving stage, galvanically isolated from the rest part of the VCU.

  • Digital inputs DMK127

    DMK127 digital input module is a universal input module. It is used for filtering, conditioning and acquisition of digital inputs. It supports 32 standard +24 V galvanic isolated inputs, and 4 +24 V fast galvanic isolated inputs for speed measurement.

  • Digital outputs DMK133

    DMK133 module is a universal peripheral unit connected to local I/O Channel. DMK133 supports 24 opto-isolated digital output channels. The board is an interface between the microprocessor system and the process equipment used for control, indication and alarm functions. 16 channels have solid-state relays in a normally opened state (NO), and 8 mechanical relays in NO state.

  • Synchronization and discrimination of commutation

    DMK148 ensures analogue interface for current and voltage measurements implemented by external measurement transformers. Module provides all necessary analogue and digital signals for correct synchronization and operation of firing units for half- or fully-controlled line commutated thyristor converters.

  • Data acquisition and firing unit

    DMK151 module provides control of semi- or fully-controlled line-commutated converters of one motor group (armature and excitation current converters for various types of DC traction motors – with series connected or independent excitation). Module features analog comparators for implementation of HW protection functions (overcurrent, overvoltage). Firing unit is synchronized with the overhead line voltage.

  • A/D and D/A conversion

    DMK342 is an intelligent A/D and D/A module providing 8 galvanic isolated inputs which can be voltage (0-10 V) or current inputs (0-20 mA), as well as 2 galvanic isolated outputs which can be voltage or current outputs (0-10 V / 0-20 mA). The type of signal (current or voltage) is hardware defined and cannot be changed after commissioning. It can be used for acquisition of reference signals and signals related to pressures.

  • Speed measurements

    DMK157 module is FPGA based module designed for incremental encoders based speed measurement. The module is attached to the I/O channel bus, which enables its communication with the central processing unit (CPU module). The module measures the speed of four shafts. Employed incremental encoders should provide two regular pulse train outputs and, optionally, the zero (reference) pulse output (ensuring a single pulse per revolution).

  • Railway overhead line measurements

    DMK326 module is used for measurement of overhead line voltage, main transformer primary currents and heating line current. Additionally, DMK326 implements analog and digital protections (overvoltage, undervoltage, differential, overcurrent). It is based on signal processor, which processes measurements in real-time, calculating all needed values (effective values, frequencies, active and reactive power, …).

  • Communication module VMECAN

    VMECAN communication interface module is used to create up to two fully independent CAN Buses which are galvanically separated. It uses backplane VMEbus interface (IEEE 1014) for communication with DMK105O central processing unit. Multiple VMECAN modules can be controlled by a single DMK105O central processing unit. Module supports CAN 2.0 A/B, CANopen and J1939 communication protocols.

  • Main processor unit DMK105O

    DMK105O central processing unit is a single board computer designed as a system controller in systems based on VMEbus. Module can be used for measurement, supervision, diagnostic and control of the real-time processes. Besides, it incorporates communication controller functions, thus enabling the same CPU Board to support a wide range of applications.

  • Power supply controller DMK457

    Module DMK457 serves as energy storage and input filter for power supplies. Additionally, DMK457 tracks power supplies' input voltage and power supplies' output voltages. In the event of power supply undervoltage, it generates logic signals /ACFAIL, /PSFL15V, /SYSRESET, /PSFAIL

  • Power supplies

    Different VCU configurations require different power supplies. Typically, we use standard DC/DC modules.

  • Motherboards

    There are deferent back plane (motherboard) options for every of customer’s selection of racks and modules.

  • Racks

    Racks have to be used with VCU modules. According to customer’s requirements we will propose some of standard or custom made solutions. It is possible to use one or more racks of different sizes; typically, it is one rack 48 – 84 TE for trains, trams and simple locomotive configurations or two racks 84 TE for locomotives in which VCU performs also TCU (Traction Control Unit) functions.