Plutarch©: Microprocessor Vehicle Logic Control Unit

This unit is a microprocessor-control system with interlocked/co\ntrolled relays housed in a 19 inch rack-mounted enclosure, designed for use on Mass Transit Vehicles.  The unit interfaces to speed-sensors, operator's controls and trainline signals, to provide control of the operation mode and of the activation logic of the vehicle during normal operation.

The unit is provided with a variable number or discrete inputs and outputs (relay contacts), plus some analog inputs for speed and analog sensors, and one or more RS232 or USB serial interfaces to an external Portable Laptop Computer, that can be used as a portable test unit, and also to upgrade the vehicle logic control software.

The unit may perform operation mode selection using control buttons of the operator's console, and effects logical functions, as necessary to properly set up the cab controls, enabling the Operator to control the train status.

This includes control of the vehicle speed, activation logic, and vehicle operation mode.  

The unit is provided with extensive built-in test functionalities, and forwards diagnostic and vehicle status data to the vehicle communication system via a standard serial line connection.

Finally, the unit is provided with a cutout facility  in order to properly configure its outputs in a safety manner when the unit itself must be bypassed due to a system fault.