From standardized interfaces to intelligent field devices: The role of EULYNX and the Object Controller Platform

Historically, railway signalling systems were often implemented as closed, proprietary solutions. As a result, integrating, replacing, or upgrading components from different manufacturers could be challenging and costly. 

EULYNX introduces a different approach. By defining standardized communication interfaces, it enables interlockings and field elements to evolve independently from one another. This simplifies modernization projects, reduces interface complexity, and supports a more sustainable lifecycle management strategy for railway infrastructure.

To support this industry development, voestalpine Railway Systems has developed the Object Controller Platform (UniOC). The platform serves as a common technological foundation for connecting various field elements to modern signalling environments while meeting the requirements of the EULYNX standard. 

The platform brings together different application areas on a shared architecture, including points, light signals, generic inputs and outputs, axle counting systems, and level crossings. Communication with the interlocking is handled through standardized digital interfaces, ensuring seamless integration within EULYNX-based systems. 

This approach allows field devices to be implemented and maintained more independently, providing operators with increased flexibility when expanding or modernizing their infrastructure. 

The development of the Object Controller Platform is rooted in the experience gained with the UniAC[2] axle counting system. Expertise in functional safety, system availability, and digital communication has been transferred into the new platform concept. 

By utilizing a common hardware and software foundation across multiple applications, the Object Controller platform creates synergies in development, certification, operation, and maintenance while maintaining the flexibility required for different use cases. 

The UniOC platform has been designed to meet the demanding requirements of railway operations. Its key advantages include: 

• A unified platform architecture for different types of field elements 
• A modular design that can be adapted to specific application requirements
• Robust construction for reliable operation in harsh railway environments
• Simplified installation and maintenance through practical and user-friendly system design
• Integrated safety and cybersecurity functions embedded directly into the platform architecture by design 

Particular attention has been given to secure communication and data protection. By incorporating security mechanisms directly into the platform, UniOC supports modern cybersecurity requirements while helping to reduce overall system complexity.

Achieving compliance with EULYNX specifications requires extensive validation and verification activities. To support this process, voestalpine Railway Systems utilizes a dedicated EULYNX simulation environment developed in-house at its plant in Poland. The simulator enables systematic testing of communication processes and system behavior under a wide range of operating conditions.

Because all UniOC products share a common communication architecture, validation activities can be applied consistently across the entire product family.