Electronic interlocking for even better teaching

On October 2, 2023, work began on setting up an electronic signal box for the Department of Control and safety technology. The system is being provided on a permanent loan basis by one of the University’s partner companies. The signal box has been used as a training facility since 1992. In the future, it will make a significant contribution to teaching the fundamentals of control and safety technology, as well as the design and maintenance of such systems at our University. Preparations are currently underway to transport the components and system documentation from Brandenburg.

The interior of the Siemens electronic signal box, model SIMIS C—which controls a small railway station—consists of approximately ten computer cabinets and relay racks, as well as two operator stations for train dispatchers. Because the system was originally designed as a teaching system, the outdoor layout consists solely of a turnout actuator and a light signal. All other components—which, aside from requiring additional space, would not contribute to further learning outcomes—are simulated within the indoor system.

The layout will be constructed on the premises of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science during the summer semester of 2024 as part of student coursework and final dissertations. As the signal box becomes increasingly integrated into research, further opportunities for topics for final dissertations will arise.