Delivering first-class products and services for ERTMS/ETCS development

European Rail Software Applications (ERSA), a member of the DeltaRail Group, has a long and successful background in the field of ERTMS/ETCS development. We encapsulate ERTMS know-how into value-adding software, technology and services to deliver value for our customers.

Our innovative, cost-effective solutions answer the challenge of maximising availability, reliability and capacity on operations, on track and on train. ERSA helped to develop the main prototype software modules for the first independent test bench for ETCS in the EMSET project. This first test bench development was the basis for the later creation of SUBSET 094.

The complementary expertise of ERSA and DeltaRail in the UK and the Netherlands means that the Group is able to build and deliver fully integrated ERTMS/ETCS solutions. The Group has extensive knowledge of modern signalling systems and software applications, and years of experience of the Track-to-Train integration testing for the High-Speed Line between The Netherlands and Belgium. DeltaRail is accredited as a Notified Body and an Independent Safety Assessor in the UK and in the Netherlands.

The ERSA ERTMS/ETCS Operational Simulator simulates the running of trains under ERTMS/ETCS supervision

We deliver a first-class range of products and services designed to optimise operations and to ensure regulatory compliance. We provide services and software tools for most ERTMS players, including the ERA, the ERTMS Users Group, Infrastructure Managers, Railway Undertakings, ETCS Suppliers and ERTMS/ETCS Reference Laboratories.

Our skills focus on trackside and on-board interaction tests, verification analysis and the optimisation of signalling and control design. We address the competing pressures and demands of ERTMS, providing independent and innovative software tools for testing, verification, integration, training and business performance.

ERSA is a member of various groups that shape the European test specifications and develops tools that allow the creation and validation of the test sequences which are included in the TSI. At the moment ERSA is involved in the consolidation process of baseline 3 for the ERA and the ERTMS Users Group. Together with the ETCS Reference Laboratories ERSA is delivering various simulation tools, including a comprehensive implementation of on board functions, including EVC and DMI.

ERSA is supplying test benches for on-board systems (compliant with SUBSET 94 or any other proprietary interface) for trackside systems, and test benches to perform cross tests and track-to train integration. Track-to-Train Integration testing in the laboratory has in many cases contributed to a substantial reduction in test duration, requirement for access to track, and a significant decrease in cost.

Training and demonstration solutions for ETCS subsystems have been developed for use by train drivers, signallers and management. ERTMS/ETCS simulation software can be added to full motion simulators or used on laptop computers. ERSA is currently working on the development of web based applications and light versions of training software.

About the Author

Patrick Deutsch Technical Director, ERSA SARL

Patrick started working in the field of ERTMS/ETCS as a member of the UIC ERRI A200 Group in 1993, and created ERSA with ERRI in 1998. He initiated several R&D projects which have resulted in successful products, including the ERTMS/ETCS Operational Simulator and the Traffic Simulator.