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With the rapid development of urban rail transit technology in China, signal systems have undergone continuous generational iterations and innovations. From the initial first-generation fixed block and second-generation quasi-moving block, the third-generation CBTC system, 3.5th-generation interconnected CBTC system, fourth-generation Fully Automatic Operation (FAO) system, and 4.5th-generation interconnected FAO system have been developed and implemented. China has gradually transitioned from "following" to "running alongside" and even shows a trend of "leading".

As the scale of urban rail signal systems using CBTC expands annually, existing lines are gradually reaching the 15-year overhaul or renovation period, generating a large number of renovation demands. Facing these demands, using CBTC-based train control systems for renovation presents the following issues: limited debugging time due to operational constraints, difficulties in arranging two sets of equipment due to limited machine room space and insufficient power supply, and complex trackside equipment and cable layouts leading to poor electromagnetic compatibility environments. Therefore, a more streamlined train control system is needed to solve the current renovation challenges faced by rail transit, namely the Vehicle-Based Train Communication (VBTC) system.

System Architecture:

The VBTC system includes Intelligent Train Supervision (ITS), Distributed Control System (DCS), Object Controller (OC), In-Vehicle Onboard Controller (IVOC), Train Hawk-Eye System, and trackside equipment. It is divided into four layers: center layer, station layer, trackside layer, and onboard layer.

Typical Characteristics: 

Further Streamlined Equipment: The VBTC system significantly reduces ground equipment, facilitating equipment layout. It removes Zone Controller (ZC), interlocking, LEU, and variable responders, simplifying trackside equipment and data interaction. This reduces investment and maintenance costs, with a lifecycle cost reduction of over 22%.

Enhanced Capacity: The VBTC system establishes a new system control model centered on train autonomous control. Trains communicate directly, enabling shorter tracking intervals and improved operational efficiency. The tracking interval on the main line is shortened by 11% compared to CBTC, reaching 80s, and the turnback interval is reduced by 29%, reaching 85s.

Improved Backup System: The VBTC system includes a comprehensive backup system that uses high-reliability lidars, millimeter-wave radars, machine vision, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and AI deep learning algorithms for environmental perception. This ensures basic operational capability even in the case of complete communication or ground system failures, improving safety and efficiency in degraded modes.

Future Outlook:

The VBTC system is the direction of future rail technology development, reducing costs throughout the urban rail transit lifecycle, enhancing capacity, and meeting resilience recovery requirements in case of signal system failures. The fifth-generation VBTC system will serve as a foundational technology for the sixth-generation autonomous virtual marshalling operation system, incorporating emerging technologies like 5G, cloud computing, IoT, AI, and big data to further improve operational safety, passenger service quality, and reduce construction and operational costs.