DFMC Multi-Sensor Safe Positioning Platform for Railway Safety of Life Applications

This paper presents a new railway dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) GNSS receiver and antenna solution, conceived as a fundamental element for the introduction of EGNOS and Galileo / GPS in the evolution of on-board train multi-sensor positioning platform capable of fulfilling the demanding needs of safety-related applications. Key and innovative elements of this bespoke development are briefly presented with a focus on the implementation of a digital custom radiation pattern antenna (CRPA) design, GNSS with on-board train sensors data fusion schemes and related hybrid solution integrity concept, specifically tailored for railway use cases. Outcomes and achievements resulting from the validation of the prototype are presented and supported both by laboratory and field testing activities executed on Italian national railway line. To conclude the results review, benefits and limitations of the adopted platform processing schemes are addressed, providing lessons learnt as well as hints and recommendations for future developments.