TCMS: Train Control and Management System
The EKE-Trainnet® Train Control and Management System (TCMS) provides centralised control and monitoring of all key train sub-systems.
The Train Control and Monitoring System serves as the central platform for control and coordination across the train. The system manages data exchange across every communication layer to support reliable operation. EKE‑Trainnet® integrates all control and management functions into one unified architecture that optimises the entire Train Communication Network.
Train Automation Solutions
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS enables the automation of train sub-systems by collecting, analysing, and processing data in real time.
It can issue logical commands and warnings, ensuring seamless communication between sub-systems.
Critical information is automatically shared with the train driver, train captain, remote operators, and passengers, enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness
Build TCMS from the following systems
EKE-Electronics’ modular approach allows you to combine the following systems into your perfect TCMS. Each system can be built from our range of modules to meet your exact requirements. By simply selecting the interfaces you need, you make sure the system answers all your demands while being cost-efficient. Systems can be easily upgraded with additional modules as needs arise. Select an image to explore more details.
Build Your Own Applications
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS is a powerful and highly flexible system built on an open-source Linux platform powered by CODESYS®. It allows you to develop custom applications and integrate third-party hardware and software seamlessly.
EKE‑Electronics supports two development approaches:
In-house development
Training, tools, and guidance are provided so your own engineering teams can build and maintain applications.
EKE-Electronics development
Our experts can develop software fully or partially on your behalf if you prefer an outsourced approach.
Train Communication Network: The core of TCMS
The EKE-Trainnet® Train Communication Network (TCN) forms the core of the TCMS and complies with the IEC 61375 Series. It provides the communication infrastructure that enables data exchange across the entire train. Sub-systems communicate through one shared network or several coordinated networks when project requirements demand it. Centralised control becomes possible through this unified architecture.
Train Communication Network Structure
The EKE-Trainnet® TCN architecture typically includes two communication layers.
- Vehicle Bus: handles intra‑vehicle communication
- Train Backbone Network: manages train‑wide information exchange.
Common Bus Technologies
Ethernet Adoption in Modern Rolling Stock
Ethernet-based solutions, such as Ethernet Train Backbone (ETB) and Ethernet Consist Network (ECN), continue gaining traction in TCMS applications. These technologies provide a larger bandwidth for complex data flows.
TCN Key Features
Supports multiple interface technologies
- Train computers, also known as Gateways, link coaches and subsystems through a unified network.
- Supported interfaces include WTB, MVB, CAN, Serial Links, and Ethernet.
- Multiple bus technologies can operate at the same time across a single train.
- Suitable for both new trains and fleet modernisations.
- Enables either a single integrated network or several independent networks.
- Offers a cost‑efficient architecture that connects all train subsystems.
Compatible With proprietary protocol
- Integrates proprietary protocols without restricting project needs.
- Supports dual‑homing for increased reliability and performance.
- TRDP and SDTv2 are supported across the platform.
- SDTv2 supports applications requiring SIL 2 certification.
Centralised network with full control
- System data is accessible across the network, including from remote locations such as depots.
- Unlike traditional architectures with one central computer, EKE‑Trainnet® distributes applications and logs across all cars.
- Each car runs its own applications and records its own alarms and faults, improving system resilience.
- A failure in one computer does not impact the functionality of other cars.
Examples of Train Communication Network architecture
EKE‑Trainnet® solutions deliver high versatility and support multiple Train Communication Network (TCN) architectures. These architectures suit a wide range of operational and technical requirements.
Cybersecurity for TCMS Solutions
WTB and MVB traffic monitoring
EKE‑Electronics provides its TCMS users with dedicated WTB and MVB traffic monitoring tools. The monitoring unit operates as a read‑only device, so the existing topology remains unchanged during data collection.
How it works:
- All traffic present on the network is captured.
- Collected traffic is forwarded to an external system through Ethernet/UDP.
- Exported data can be examined with a protocol analyser such as WireShark.
- The approach supports detailed diagnostics and network performance analysis.
Detection capability
Our cybersecurity capabilities identify a wide range of anomalies and threats across TCMS networks. Communication patterns and irregular activity that may indicate security risks can be identified.
- Detection of communication disturbances, including devices that transmit continuously.
- Identification of cases where multiple devices respond to a single request.
- Recognition of illegal MVB devices attempting to use message data.
- Validation of data items against approved value ranges to flag invalid data.
These capabilities strengthen the protection of authorised devices and safeguard the integrity of your TCMS network.
It is possible to analyse both WTB and MVB simultaneously. In addition, multiple MVBs can be monitored at the same time.
Why Choose EKE-Electronics for your TCMS?
The EKE-Trainnet® TCMS reflects experience gained 40 years of experience across diverse fleets and long‑term system work.
SIL 2 Development
EKE-Electronics has extensive expertise in designing and manufacturing SIL safety applications.
Our TCMS supports SIL 2 development, with many key modules already pre-certified.
Compact Solution
Several software applications can be run on a single EKE-Trainnet® computer, reducing the number of physical units.
Quality and Reliability
The outstanding quality of EKE-Trainnet® products offers high reliability, minimising the need for maintenance.
Relevant News & Blogs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does TCMS stand for?
TCMS stands for Train Control and Management System.
What is a TCMS?
It supervises, controls, and monitors onboard functions. The system acts as the train’s central nervous system. By collecting and analysing data such as speed, braking, and system status, it automates the management of key subsystems. The TCMS also issues real-time commands and warnings to operators, crew, and passengers. Remote monitoring enhances safety and operational efficiency.
What is the difference between TCMS and TMS?
TCMS stands for Train Control and Management System. It supervises, controls, and monitors onboard functions, serving as the train’s central nervous system.
TMS stands for Train Monitoring System. Unlike the TCMS, it does not control any subsystem. Instead, it monitors and reports on pre-determined parameters of the train’s operation for purposes such as condition monitoring and maintenance planning. This can include collecting, logging and monitoring the health status of the train, monitoring speed, location or energy use.
What is a TCN?
A TCN or Train Communication Network exchanges information throughout the train. A Vehicle Bus is used for intra-vehicle communication. A Train Bus is for train-wide connectivity. The TCN typically consists of interconnected train computers, or Gateways, linked to various subsystems.
Click here to read our blog “What is a Train Communication Network (TCN)?” for more information.
What kinds of TCN architectures can EKE-Electronics implement?
EKE-Trainnet® solutions are highly versatile. They implement various Train Communication Network (TCN) architectures to meet different operational and technical requirements. Below are examples of possible architectures, illustrating the range of configurations we can provide. These examples do not cover every possibility but demonstrate the flexibility and scalability of our solutions.
- Full MVB train
- Full CAN train
- WTB-MVB standard bus redundancy, no redundant I/O
- Ethernet-WTB-MVB
- Dual Homing TRDP Ethernet
- Dual Homing TRDP Ethernet-WTB-MVB Hybrid
- Ethernet-MVB Hybrid
- CAN-WTB
What are alternative names for TCMS?
TCMS is sometimes referred to by other names, depending on the manufacturer or region. Common alternatives include:
- MDS (Monitoring and Diagnostic System)
- DTS (Data Transmission System)
- TIMS (Train Information Management System)
- TMS (Train Management System)
- TCIS (Train Control and Information System)
While these terms may have slight differences in meaning, they generally refer to onboard control and monitoring systems for trains.
What is a Software Development Environment?
A software development environment is used to create software applications. It provides programmers with the necessary tools to write, test, debug, and deploy software efficiently.
What is Cybersecurity for TCMS?
Cybersecurity for TCMS refers to the practices, technologies, and strategies employed to protect TCMS from cyber threats and attacks. These measures safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and functions that support train operations.
Protection efforts focus on communication networks, software, and hardware within the TCMS architecture. Security controls prevent unauthorised access, block malware, and reduce exposure to system vulnerabilities. Strong cybersecurity helps maintain safe, reliable, and resilient train operation under normal and abnormal conditions.