In the development of rail systems, efficiency in achieving high safety standards is crucial. Innovating in the field of safety engineering, Eletech, the Head of the International Design Centers of Elemaster, R&D division of the Group, has introduced the SIL-Flex Board Accelerator, with an approach that allows products to be quickly adapted to required safety standards from SIL0 to SIL4. This platform was developed to simplify the design and implementation process of other systems based on the SIL level required by the product, reducing lead times and improving compliance.
SIL-Flex Board Accelerator: An Innovative Solution
The SIL-Flex board accelerator is a development base board designed to quickly integrate already developed and tested input and output interfaces, reducing error risks and optimizing development time. This solution provides a versatile platform on which to build systems that meet safety standards from SIL0 to SIL4. The SIL-Flex carrier board can accommodate up to three System on Modules (SoM), which provide the necessary redundancy to ensure maximum reliability in safety systems:
- Dual control architecture: Two main microcontrollers for basic operations and a third microcontroller acting as arbiter, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
- Advanced interfaces: Use of redundant CAN buses and Ethernet connectivity to ensure safe and reliable communications.
- Easy maintenance: An integrated web server allows quick and easy updates and configurations.
Impact and benefits in the rail sector
The use of SIL-Flex in the railway sector offers a considerable reduction in project development time and costs, while ensuring that the systems developed meet or exceed current safety standards. The main benefits include:
- Acceleration of Certification Processes: The pre-tested solutions and modular structure of SIL-Flex significantly simplify and accelerate the certification process, reducing development delays and enabling faster implementation.
- Improved Reliability and Operational Safety: Using advanced technologies and a redundant dual-channel architecture, the system provides greater reliability and security, improving operational resilience and minimizing the risk of critical failures.
These benefits allow for optimized life cycle management and performance of rail systems, ensuring they effectively meet the high safety requirements of the industry.
Long-term Sustainability and Innovation
The SIL-Flex design philosophy focuses not only on safety and effectiveness but also on sustainability and upgradability of components. The modular solution of SIL-Flex facilitates maintenance and upgrades, significantly extending the useful life of railway systems and reducing the environmental impact by minimizing electronic waste. The ability to easily upgrade and maintain the system with new modules or software updates ensures that the technology does not become obsolete, but continues to meet emerging needs and future safety regulations.
This approach reflects the Elemaster Group’s commitment to solutions that not only improve safety, but also promote sustainability in the rail industry.
Eletech Laboratory: A Pillar of Quality and Innovation
The internal laboratory of Eletech is a key element in the SIL-Flex testing and certification process. Thanks to advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment, the laboratory allows a wide range of tests to be carried out:
- EMC Tests: Immunity, emissions, radiated and conducted tests in a semi-anechoic chamber with generators, amplifiers, antennas, receivers and CDNS.
- Safety tests: Temperature measurements, fault and insulation tests with thermocouples, data loggers, IR cameras and insulation testers.
- Vibration test: mechanical testing on a vibrating table.
- Climatic tests: Cold, dry heat, hot wet, humidity and temperature change tests with climatic chambers, walk-in thermostatic chambers and ovens.
EMC, climatic, insulation, vibration and shock tests are accredited in accordance with the internationally recognised standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Towards an Integrated Security Future
The introduction of the SIL-Flex Board Accelerator by Eletech marks a new era in safety management in rail transport. This solution not only meets today’s needs but also sets a new standard for the future, ensuring that the rail sector can continue to evolve in a safe and sustainable way. With its commitment to innovation and quality, the Elemaster Group is confirmed as a leader in the industry, helping to make rail travel safer for everyone.