UK: Amey has officially branded its digital signalling technology as Tessera, suggesting that the modular ‘future-ready’ architecture is suitable for seamless integration with legacy and next-generation signalling systems.
Tessera is based on the HiMatrix programmable logic controller from Hima, which has an established safety record in applications certified to Safety Integrity Level 4. This has been deployed widely in Europe, as it is both small and cheap to manufacture and install. Its relatively low power consumption means that the PLC can be used with an off-grid renewable power supply, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Use of a commercial off-the-shelf PLC is expected to offer a cost-effective alternative to the proprietary signalling systems used in the bulk of UK applications. According to Amey, the PLC is easily programmable using standard languages, requiring no rail-specific training. It has a powerful diagnostic capability, providing direct fault-finding information with the potential to incorporate condition monitoring and alarms.
The consultancy worked with Hima’s UK subsidiary Sella Controls to develop a fully tested prototype and a full safety case for applications on the UK rail network, meaning that any supplier or contractor can now license the technology to bid for signalling work across the Network Rail infrastructure.
An initial trial was undertaken at Magdalen Road level crossing on the Ely – King’s Lynn line in Network Rail’s Anglia Route. The technology was then specified for the Walnut Tree Depot at Taff’s Well, north of Cardiff. This is the operations base for the Core Valley Lines, which Amey Infrastructure Wales Ltd maintains on behalf of Transport for Wales, and is home to TFW’s Class 398 tram-train fleet. The Tessera technology forms part of the depot’s interlocking and signalling control system.
’We are committed to driving innovation and excellence in rail infrastructure’, said Peter Anderson, Managing Director of Transport Infrastructure at Amey, on December 2. ’The launch of Tessera marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable rail networks. Tessera’s advanced digital signalling capabilities empower our clients to modernise with confidence, ensuring reliability and efficiency for years to come.’
The signalling system is expected to have an operational life of at least 25 years, and full backward compatibility with traditional system. According to the consultancy, it will delivers ’significant whole life cost savings by reducing competency management, spare parts, fault rates, and train disruption compared to traditional signalling’.
