Aplicación de los microprocesadores en el campo ferroviario: estado del arte

• Autores: Edward Gelbstein
• Localización: Revista A.I.T., ISSN 0378-3294, Nº. 43, 1981, págs. 20-35
• Idioma: español
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Use of microprocessors in the railway scope: state of the art
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• Resumen

  • This article has the aim of studying microprocessors in its entirety, starting from its study as an electronic component till its applications in typical railway areas, such as fixed installations or automatic train operation.

    This, it begins with an historic introduction on microprocessors. Next, it studies the microprocessor as an electronic component, as well as its several types: universal, in-band, monolithic and special microprocessors. Also, it studies the manufacturing technologies, available memory types, and, finally, the peripheral circuits.

    Programming languages, such as machine code, assembler, and the high-level ones (BASIC, PASCAL, etc.), form an important chapter. Also, the developing methods of programs and systems are discussed.

    Next, microcomputers are studied and compared with microprocessors, pointing out the advantages of each one. Thus, monolithic microcomputers, printed-car computers, assembled microcomputers, its developments and applications are analysed. Multi-processors systems are also defined.

    Other important chapters are those of microprocessors programs writing and testing, and the documentation of microprocessors systems. In the first one, program writing and testing technics are analysed, in the second one, specifications, description and details of software, as well as programs documentation (listing, description, validation, tests, etc.) and that of the equipment (operation, maintenance, etc.) are studied.

    Finally, the last two chapters deal with the railway applications of microprocessors: those relating to the fixed installations and to the on-board train applications. Applications relating to fixed installations can be divided into two great scopes: those who need an inherent safety system and those who don’t need it. As for the on-board train applications, there are many types of these: automatic test equipment, control functions, on-cab signalization, ATO, etc.