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AAR-compliant, Rugged Train Control System Provides Safe Operation
[October 21, 2016]

AAR-compliant, Rugged Train Control System Provides Safe Operation


BLUE BELL, Pa., Oct. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MEN Micro's MA50C is a modular system for safe train control that complies with AAR (Association of American Railroads) standards. The new controller unit features a mechanical design that meets AAR S-590 as well as an AAR S-9401-compliant enclosure that houses a safe CPU, real time Ethernet card, power supply and shelf controller.

AAR-compliant, Rugged Train Control System Provides Safe Operation
  • AAR S-9401-compliant housing, AAR S-950-compliant system mechanics
  • Robust SIL 4 certified train control unit
  • Modular configurations to manage different critical functions
  • Certified, safe I/O boards and CPU board (with 3 CPUs)
  • Safe operating system from QNX (other RT BSPs on request)
  • Different certification packages available

The rugged MA50C is the first member of a robust family of AAR-compliant train control units built on the same components and functionality as the existing menTCS (train control system) family. All platforms are open and application-ready for easy integration of user applications.

Flexible for Various Control Requirements

The freely configurable and modular MA50C can be used for all kinds of critical train control functions such as automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train protection (ATP). The unit is ideal for almost any safety-critical railway application, from single train functions up to the main control system, with functional safety levels from SIL 1 to SIL 4, depending on specific requirements. The MA50C's high degree of flexibility makes railroad computerization fast and cost-effective.

An MCU (modular concept unit) design efficiently hosts a single tower of up to six standard 3U CompactPCI boards.  User-specific functions, such as safe digital I/O, MVB (multifunction vehicle bus) and serial I/O, are accommodated by incorporating different boards into the system's slots. Front interfaces include four M12 connectors for Ethernet, four MIL-C connectors for I/O requirements, a ground connector, status LEDs and an optional front display to show system status and diagnostics.

Prepared for Extreme Environments

The AAR S-9401-compliant housing also withstands dust and water jets according to IP65/NEMA-4. All boards inside the system are embedded in a conduction cooling frame, eliminating the need for fans, and therefore maintenance, as well as increasing system reliability. The machined side walls provide a hermetically tight seal and strengthens the unit's mechanical stability.

The MA50C also meets AREMA 11.5.1: Class I, Class J specifications and features an operating temperature of -40°C to+85°C for qualified components.



Its robust design makes the control unit ideal for use in regions with extreme environmental conditions or for applications that require an AAR approved form factor.

The MA50C is the first member of a new, AAR-compliant sub-family of the MEN train control system (menTCS), whose components will be delivered exclusively in a project context. Functionally, the MA50C is identical with the available standard MH50C.


The safe components of the menTCS will be delivered with different SIL 4 certification packages.

You can find this press release and photo under www.menmicro.com/press.
For product information please go to https://www.menmicro.com/products/ma50c/
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MEN Micro – Profile and Mission

"Reliable Embedded Computing for a World in Motion."
Established in 1998, MEN Micro is the United States subsidiary of MEN Mikro Elektronik with sales, technical support, and production. Since the founding of the headquarters in 1982 – and with approx. 300 employees worldwide – MEN has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop and produce standard and custom computing solutions that employ the highest technology levels. The company provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded COTS boards and devices widely used in extreme environmental conditions found in mobile, industrial and safety-critical applications.

  • Safe computers and systems certifiable up to SIL 4 and DAL-A
  • Robust built-to-order box PCs
  • Panel PCs for HMIs and digital signage
  • Pre-configured built-to-order 19" systems
  • Rugged CompactPCI boards and systems
  • Network components in compact box format or 40 HP format
  • Robust computer-on-modules for individual system designs

For individual requirements, starting with development through design-in and beyond, MEN provides its customers with advice and support as well as with system design, configuration and environmental qualification in accordance with industry standards.

The company's core competencies encompass x86 and RISC processor architectures, development rules for safe applications, analog I/O design, FPGA technology and Windows, Linux and real-time operating systems. Additional expertise includes RAMS and obsolescence management as well as the development of computing hardware for operation in harsh and extreme environmental conditions. Development, production and on-site testing laboratories guarantee traceability and high-quality products.

MEN Micro's computer solutions are used in harsh mission- and safety-critical environments found in the transportation (rail & public transport, off-road & heavy vehicles, aerospace, marine) and industrial (automation, power & energy, medical) markets.

The company is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (environment), EN 9100 (aerospace) and IRIS (railway) quality management systems, provides systems according to ISO 7637-2 (road traffic) requirements and is a member of several industry associations, consortiums and alliances, including VITA and PICMG.

MEN Mikro Elektronik is a member of:

  • AMD Fusion Partner Program
  • APTA (American Public Transportation Association)
  • ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Incorporated)
  • CAN in Automation
  • NXP Design Alliance
  • Intel® IoT Solutions Alliance
  • Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL)
  • PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group)
  • PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group)
  • RSSI (Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc.)
  • USB-IF (Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum, Inc.)
  • VITA (VMEbus International Trade Association)
  • Wind River Partner Eco System

If you have further questions, contact:

MEN Micro Inc.
Angela Bieber, Marketing
Phone +49-911-99 33 5-242
Fax +49-911-99 33 5-901
Email: [email protected]

The Simon Group, Inc.
Beth Smith or Christina Sanchez
Phone +1 215 453-8700
E-mail: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161021/431276

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aar-compliant-rugged-train-control-system-provides-safe-operation-300349200.html

SOURCE MEN Micro Inc.


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