An overview of electromagnetic compatibility challenges in European Rail Traffic Management System

In Europe, the railway industry is rapidly getting transformed from traditional mode of public transportation to a very fast, more reliable, long distance and cross country operation. A new concept, called European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is originated to make this transition smooth, reliable and compatible among different countries. Electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMC) issues play a major role on the overall system design and performance of this. In this paper, an overview of the operational principles and major components of ERTMS and other modern railway systems are discussed in detail with an emphasis on possible EMC issues. Radiated and conducted interferences originated from different sources and their consequences on different subsystems and components are discussed and analyzed.