NIER provides a specialized service for the technical and functional verification of configuration data in ERTMS/ETCS projects, with the objective of ensuring consistency between design documentation, trackside configuration data, and the operational requirements of train control systems.

Our activities support all phases of ERTMS/ETCS projects and enable the early identification of potential mileage inconsistencies, parameterization errors, discrepancies, and misalignments within engineering data that could affect system behavior.

The verification process is supported by structured methodologies and advanced analysis tools that reduce the risk of human error and optimize execution times, making the process more efficient while minimizing repetitive manual activities. These verifications are carried out in the early stages of the project—prior to integration and commissioning—with the aim of reducing anomalies during testing and improving the reliability of data used by signalling and train control systems.

To ensure that the ERTMS/ETCS configuration is consistent with the actual railway infrastructure layout and compliant with applicable specifications, we systematically analyze the key elements of the system engineering data, including:

ERTMS Scheme Plan and Infrastructure Layout

We verify:

• The correctness of the position, naming, and symbols of trackside elements (switches, track circuits, level crossings, etc.) against the Interlocking Scheme Plan;
• The accuracy of representation and installation of Information Points (IP) and ERTMS elements such as ETCS trackside signals (marker boards), including Stop Markers, supplementary signs, START boards, level transition boards, and symbols and data associated with End of Authority, in accordance with ERTMS line equipment criteria;
• The consistency of speed profiles and elevation data.

Plant Data and Trackside Engineering Data

We verify:

• The completeness and consistency of the trackside asset list with respect to design documentation;
• The correct definition of Information Points and associated data packets;
• The accuracy of calculated chainages of line elements through comparison with technical documentation and, where available, field measurements.

Speed Data and Gradient Profile

We verify compliance with technical documentation for:

• The line Static Speed Profile;
• The Gradient Profile and corresponding chainages.

ETCS Telegram and Packet Configuration

We verify:

• The correctness of ETCS packet content transmitted to the train, in accordance with ERTMS/ETCS specifications and design documentation;
• The correct (a) construction of balise telegrams and (b) reconstruction of input data from telegrams, using dedicated software tools that reduce analysis time, minimize human error, and enable verification across large data volumes—activities not feasible manually in a systematic and reliable manner.

Verifications are conducted through a rigorous, structured, and traceable approach, based on the analysis of technical documentation and the production of detailed reports on identified non-conformities.

The integration of automated tools enables the standardization of verification procedures, automation of repetitive tasks, and supports the verifier in the timely detection of errors, even across large datasets.

This approach allows early identification of errors or misalignments in configuration data, supporting clients in verification and validation activities prior to integration, testing, and commissioning phases, and contributing to improved reliability of ERTMS/ETCS configurations and overall railway system safety.

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