STraffic Urban Railway System as adopted Korean CBTC, KTCS-M
Key Facts
- Industry
- Ground Transportation
- Region
- Ilsan, Korea
- Product
- Successful built KTCS-M as Korean TCS
- Solution
- Train Control System
Introduction
Korean Train Control System ST-KMX.
ST-KMX, STraffic Urban Railway TCS, was a
wireless signaling system in the Ilsan Line project. It successfully worked and
verified its reliability and performance.
Thanks to this reference, we could lay a
basis for unmanned infrastructure and a Korean TCS.
ST-KMX is a wireless-based urban railway TCS that meets Korean Railway
and RAMS standards.
The Korean CBTC is a wireless-based TCS
that uses WIFI or LTE-R to send real-time information.
We would like to provide you with
information about our system's configuration.
There is a transponder tag installed on
the railway track to send information. A signal control device is installed on
a vehicle to estimate details such as train location.
Three wireless devices receive and
process this information. The first device is a ground signal control installed
in machine rooms and stations. The second device is an EIS set up in
interlocking stations for line conversion, course setting, and course release.
The final device is the ATS, which manages all signal information.
The last component is a two-way wireless communication device that connects each control system.
Challenges
The development of KTCS-M (Korea Train Control System-Metro) by STraffic faced several key challenges:
-
Integration with Existing Infrastructure – Implementing KTCS-M required seamless compatibility with legacy railway systems, ensuring smooth operation without disrupting existing networks.
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Advanced Wireless Communication – Unlike traditional train control systems, KTCS-M relies on bidirectional wireless communication instead of track circuits, demanding highly reliable and secure data transmission.
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Safety & Certification – Achieving SIL4 (Safety Integrity Level 4) certification, the highest safety standard for railway signaling systems, required rigorous testing and validation.
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Operational Efficiency – Optimizing train speed, intervals, and real-time monitoring while maintaining high precision and reliability posed significant engineering challenges.
-
Market Expansion & Adoption – Establishing KTCS-M as a standardized system for urban railways in Korea and expanding its adoption in international markets required strategic planning and industry collaboration.
Despite these challenges, STraffic successfully developed KTCS-M, reinforcing its position as a leader in intelligent railway signaling solutions.
Solution
Automatic Train Control Procedure of ST-KMX
1. Train Registration
OATP requests train registration to WATP.
2. Pre-departure Check
OATP checks the train and sends the result
to WATP.
3. ATP Transmission of Travel
Authority/Speed Information
WATP sends the authority to OATP.
4. Train Operation
(Acceleration/Deceleration)
Set Moving blocks based on the location
information of the previous train.
5. Brake when hazard detected
Set Safety Margin based on the braking
curve.
Separation distance
Emergency braking curve
Secure safety distance
Target stop position
Absolute stop position
6. Train Arrival
Trains come to a stop within ±35cm of a
fixed spot. (Reliability rate over 99%)
7. Door Control Command
-Doors open, prompted by the control
device.
8. Departure Command
-Doors are closed after passengers board.
9. Departure
-A train departs.
10. Out Of Service
WATP requests end of service. / Train waits
in Sleep mode.
Result
ST-KMX is STraffic Urban Railway TCS and explain Advantage of System.
-Complies with the Korean Railway Standard (KRS SG 0069) and provides functional suitability
-Meets International Safety Integrity Level 4
-Ensures high operational efficiency
-Supports data analytics tools for improved maintenance
-Reduces maintenance costs by reducing ground-based facilities
-Provides proven interoperability, allowing it to operate ST-KMX with existing systems
-Improves secure network-based remote monitoring & provides exceptional security
-Improves cyber security system by acquiring IEC 62443 certificate
ST-KMX is integrating in Korean metro system and it will open around June, 2026.
Here is the reference to explain STraffic's ST-KMX.
