Sistema Controllo Marcia Treno


Sistema di Controllo della Marcia del Treno is a discontinuous train Cab signalling system used in Italy. It shares many features with the Ripetizione Segnali system, the two systems co-existing and working together. The main purpose of SCMT is to control the respect of the speed limit imposed by the signal aspect and the line condition.
SCMT is divided in two parts:
SCMT is based upon an array of transponders called "Punto informativo" placed on the tracks near signals, reduced speed zones, and other important points along the line. The PIs form the SST. When a train passes over a PI, a set of "antennas" mounted in front of the first bogie energize it through induction. The PI then passes information about the aspect of the next signal through the antennas to the SSB.
If the system is supported by RS, and if the signal shows a restrictive aspect it has to be acknowledged by the train driver by pressing a button, else the system just gives indication of the signal on its display.
The system then elaborates a "braking curve", that indicates the speed the train has to respect during the approach to the signal, until the "target speed" is reached. Failure of either acknowledging signal aspect or keeping the speed under the imposed braking curve/target speed causes the SSB to command emergency braking, which lasts until the speed gets below the limit.
The SSB takes several variables into account, especially when computing the braking curve, such as: percentage of brake weight, maximum speed limit allowed by rolling stock, train length, steep gradient, and signal aspect.
As said before, SCMT is a discontinuous system; this means that it is not aware of next signals' aspect changes unless it passes upon the relative PIs.
E.g.: if the SSB gets informed by a PI that the approaching signal is "Yellow", it then automatically assumes that the next signal is going to be "Red" and elaborates a braking curve accordingly. But if meanwhile the signal becomes "Green", the SSB does not get aware of it, and it assumes that it is red until the train passes the next PI.
This does not apply if the Ripetizione Segnali is available.
In this case the two system work together, and since RS is a continuous system, the SSB is aware of aspect changes, while still appropriately elaborating the maximum speed the train can run.
SCMT has some benefits, in respect of the RS alone:
However, it has some disadvantages:
To partially solve the first two points, the "V-V-V" has been introduced. In practice, the distant, protection and departure signals of a station may be encountered by trains showing a green aspect, even if the train is scheduled to stop there, and thus is not subjected to speed restrictions imposed by the system.

Description of the SSB

Buttons:
RIC and PRE keys are used only when RS is also active.
The following table shows the meaning of the signal codes icons used on the display and the target speed the train has to reach according to the braking curve/signal aspect-code.
Code/representation on the displayMeaningTarget speed Notes
ACNo code, also used after the train passes a proceed slow signal when RS function is present.150 or the speed given by the preceding signal-
75 Signal at danger50, then 30 at 200 meters from the signal. If emergency braking is commanded by the SSB, brake releasing is possible only after the train comes to a full stop.40 km/h when goods-type braking is active
120 Next signal is clear but shows a 30, 60 or 100 km/h restriction, depending on the aspect of the preceding signal65 for 30 and 60 aspects, 105 for 100; then 30, 60 or 100.Max 60 km/h when goods-type braking is active
120* Next signal has to be passed at 100 km/h speed100-
120** Warns the driver that the next signal is clear but shows a 130 km/h speed restriction. 130-
180 Approaching a warning signal75 - 115 *65 km/h when goods-type braking is active
180* Warns the driver that the next signal is clear but shows a 100 km/h speed restriction. This code is also used in case of maintenance works on the line150-
270 Next 2700 m are clear 160 - 180 *120 km/h when goods-type braking is active
270* Next 4050 m are clear 200 - 230 *-
270** Next 5400 m are clear 230 - 250 *-


*Depending on brake efficiency, maximum speed allowed by line and train vehicles.

These speed/signal code values are the same used on Ripetizione segnali.