TRDP modules

On 11th and 12th of July 2018, another periodic meeting of UIC-IEC Trainet and Multimedia Group was held at AMiT’s headquarters in Prague. TRDP protocol was one of the many discussed topics.

TRDP (Train Real-time Data Protocol) is a network protocol for communication over IP-based networks in trains and is a part of the TCN (Train Communication Network). It is a frame-oriented protocol that can form the basis for communication in future trains. Its precursor is the proprietary IPTCom protocol from Bombardier Transportation, of which TRDP inherited many features.

The protocol was developed by the Working Group TC9 / WG43 of the IEC as part of the TCN and subsequently standardized in IEC61375-2-3. Well-known manufacturers and suppliers of rolling stock are involved in the development and standardization – the activities are coordinated by the “Train Communication Network Open Source Special Interest Group” (TCNOpen). TCNOpen is an open-source initiative founded by the railway industry partners, with the aim of jointly developing key components for the upcoming railway communication standards.

AMiT is focusing on bringing TRDP capabilities to the end devices and part of this effort is the development of two new products – a TRDP enabled module and a standalone remote I/O unit. The former can be integrated into variety of existing devices to enable communication of such device via TRDP (e.g.: HMI, VCU, Traction Converters, etc.), while the latter is similar to our previous RRC-IO family of products (built for CANOpen) and can be used to remotely control digital signals via the TRDP protocol.

These products among others can be seen at AMiT’s booth no. 401 Hall 6.2 at the INNOTRANS expo in Berlin.