Author(s)

T Igarashi, T Sato, Y Harima & T Uchimura

Abstract

The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system was originally developed to support safe, super-high speed railway transportation utilizing Japan’s Shinkansen (super express) network. East Japan Railway Company, commonly referred to as JR East, has developed a new Shinkansen ATC that utilizes digital communications and control. Officially named \“DS-ATC,” this system controls train speed mainly relying on the on-board equipment, allowing a reduction in rail-side devices. Since the braking system is transformed from stepwise to one-time command control, passenger riding comfort is enhanced. Reductions in arrival times and intervals between trains can be realized as well. The DS-ATC incorporates various new information technology such as the latest microcomputers, digital radio communications and database compilation/utilization techniques. Consequently, the volume of communications between the on-board computer and rail-side computer is increased, system reliability is enhanced, and the cost and construction processes are reduced as the result of requiring fewer system components. DS-ATC is expected to contribute to safer, smother Shinkansen transportation. The system architecture, functions, train braking control process, merits of the digital ATC, and DS-ATC implementation schedule are described in this paper.

Keywords