Introduction
The LAXVEN Vigilance Control Device (VCD) is a microcontroller-based safety system designed to ensure the alertness of locomotive crew members. By monitoring crew actions and ensuring compliance with normal driving functions, the VCD enhances operational safety. It operates in a fail-safe mode and features automatic reset functions triggered by specified operational activities or an acknowledgment button. In the absence of crew interaction, the system activates a warning alert and, if unresolved, initiates a penalty brake to halt the locomotive.
System Overview
The VCD ensures that locomotive crews remain alert and perform their duties correctly. If the system detects a lack of normal operational functions, it triggers a warning and ultimately engages the penalty brake. Additionally, it logs up to 10,000 events (such as penalty brake applications, VCD bypass, and system status changes) in non-volatile memory, which can be downloaded and analyzed via PC-based software. This ensures that every instance of critical system action is tracked for safety and performance monitoring. The system is powered by the DC voltage available on locomotives (50V to 140V DC), making it compatible with all Indian Railway Diesel/Electric locomotives. It is equipped with robust features for easy operation, configuration, and data analysis.
Application
- Confirming Crew Alertness: Ensures the locomotive crew is attentive and performing their duties regularly.
- Locomotive Halt: Automatically halts the locomotive in the absence of normal driving functions.
- Incident Analysis: Logs critical events and data for post-incident analysis and review.
Salient Features
| Feature | Description |
| Highly Accurate & Reliable | Microcontroller-based system with stability and minimal maintenance. |
| Low Maintenance | Designed for continuous, reliable operation with minimal upkeep. |
| Fail-Safe System | Self-diagnostic system with fail-safe operation for safety. |
| Driver Access | Indicator cum reset panel on each control stand for easy driver access. |
| Automatic Suppression | VCD is automatically suppressed in slave locomotives. |
| Manual Isolation | VCD can be manually bypassed using the VCD Bypass switch during faults. |
| Rugged Acknowledgment Switch | Solid 30.5mm push button switch for acknowledgment/reset by the driver. |
| Warning Indicators | Yellow LED and buzzer provide warning to the driver. |
| Power Supply Compatibility | Operates on 50V to 140V DC or 24V, compatible with Indian railway locomotives. |
| Built-in Protections | Includes reverse polarity, over-voltage, over-current, and short circuit protections. |
| Optical Isolation | 6KV optical isolation for high reliability between inputs/outputs. |
| Event Logging | Records up to 10,000 events with date and time stamps for post-analysis. |
| Penalty Brake Counter | Five-digit counter logs penalty brake applications. |
| User Configurable Parameters | Parameters configurable via Laptop/PC. |
| Analysis Software | Windows-based software for data analysis and reporting. |
| Communication Ports | RS485 port for communication with other systems, and potential free contact outputs for anti-collision devices. |
Technical specification
| Parameter | Details |
| Power Supply Voltage | 50V to 140V DC from locomotive battery (24V DC available upon request) |
| Power Consumption | Less than 8 Watts |
| Temperature Range | -5°C to +80°C |
| Penalty Counter | 5-digit counter for penalty brake applications |
| Recording System | 10,000 records stored in non-volatile memory with date and time stamps |
| Data Entry | Through Laptop/PC |
| Data Download | Data can be downloaded via RS232 port |
| Digital Inputs | 72V/110V DC optically isolated, reverse polarity and surge protected |
| Digital Outputs | 72V/110V DC optically isolated, short-circuit and surge protected |
| Approximate Weight | Less than 3 Kg |
| Analysis Software | Windows-based, user-friendly software for event analysis and reporting |
The LAXVEN Vigilance Control Device (VCD) is an advanced safety system that ensures the alertness and proper functioning of locomotive crews. By continuously monitoring and recording critical parameters, it offers robust features for preventing incidents caused by crew inattention. With its high reliability, ease of configuration, and powerful analysis software, the VCD is an essential safety component for Indian Railway locomotives, enhancing operational safety and performance monitoring.
