New generation of embedded computer systems for EMUs

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KONČAR – Electrical Engineering Institute (Institute) has developed and delivered vital electronic equipment for 21 EMUs (Electric Multiple Units). KONČAR – Electric Vehicles (KEV) is responsible for delivering trains to the customer HŽ Passenger Transport. The equipment consists of the train control unit, cabin control unit, measurement and safety devices, energy metering system, human-machine interface, and gateway for communication between trains.

Most of the equipment is based on the new proprietary KonECS hardware and software platform that enables the configuration of different industrial embedded computer systems. KonECS (Končar Embedded Computer Systems) platform is the result of decades of development activities. The platform offers a series of new communication and computer capabilities while maintaining all functionalities from the previous versions.

The basic hardware components of the platform are the main processor module, the power supply module, and the input-output modules. The main processor module consists of a multi-core TI AM5728 processor and there are two Ethernet and three serial communication interfaces that enable the implementation of a variety of protocols.

One of the challenges of replacing ECS devices based on old platforms with the new generation based on the KonECS platform is the migration of the existing application programs, i.e., software. To overcome this challenge, the proprietary tool that automatically translates application programs of previous ECS generations into the new environment was developed. This process was another opportunity for engineers from KEV and Institute to operate as an extremely efficient team.