Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems

Shumin Ge; Meili Xing; Yimin Wang; Binbin Huang

doi:doi:10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems

Shumin Ge^*

, Meili Xing, Yimin Wang, Binbin Huang

Published in Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 27 November 2025 Accepted: 5 February 2026 Published: 21 February 2026

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Abstract

The centralized control architecture for railway signal drivers often experiences unstable supply voltage and insufficient drive current due to the extended length of signal cables. Furthermore, the high inrush currents during the operation of conventional electromechanical relays can damage signal machines and reduce their service life. To address these issues, this paper presents a relay-free drive module for DC signal machines based on a distributed system. The module integrates remote communication and safety control technologies, enabling the deployment of safety execution units trackside. It utilizes power-driven DC-DC conversion technology, replacing relay-based control circuits to ensure safe driving of DC signals. Based on the "fail-safe"principle, the module incorporates circuit self-testing and closed-loop drive control to guarantee secure and reliable operation. The intelligent control core employs a heterogeneous dual-channel (2oo2) architecture using System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to enhance security and mitigate common-cause failures. Experimental verification confirms that the proposed module delivers highly stable and programmable DC output voltage across a wide input range, demonstrating excellent voltage regulation and controllability via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The all-electronic design eliminates contact arcing and inrush current, while integrated real-time monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities ensure operational safety and reliability. These results underscore the module's strong potential for practical application in modern distributed trackside control systems, offering advantages in system simplification, maintenance reduction, and enhanced equipment longevity.

Published in	Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
Page(s)	6-13
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

DC Signal Machine, Distributed Railway System, Relay-free Drive Module, DC-DC Conversion, Closed-loop Drive Control

References

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[7]	Liu J Q. The Research of Automatic Block Interval Distributed Signal Control Unit. Master's thesis, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, 2015. https://doi.org/10.7666/d.D702734
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APA Style

Ge, S., Xing, M., Wang, Y., Huang, B. (2026). Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems, 14(1), 6-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Ge, S.; Xing, M.; Wang, Y.; Huang, B. Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Autom. Control Intell. Syst. 2026, 14(1), 6-13. doi: 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Ge S, Xing M, Wang Y, Huang B. Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Autom Control Intell Syst. 2026;14(1):6-13. doi: 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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@article{10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12,
  author = {Shumin Ge and Meili Xing and Yimin Wang and Binbin Huang},
  title = {Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems},
  journal = {Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {6-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.acis.20261401.12},
  abstract = {The centralized control architecture for railway signal drivers often experiences unstable supply voltage and insufficient drive current due to the extended length of signal cables. Furthermore, the high inrush currents during the operation of conventional electromechanical relays can damage signal machines and reduce their service life. To address these issues, this paper presents a relay-free drive module for DC signal machines based on a distributed system. The module integrates remote communication and safety control technologies, enabling the deployment of safety execution units trackside. It utilizes power-driven DC-DC conversion technology, replacing relay-based control circuits to ensure safe driving of DC signals. Based on the "fail-safe"principle, the module incorporates circuit self-testing and closed-loop drive control to guarantee secure and reliable operation. The intelligent control core employs a heterogeneous dual-channel (2oo2) architecture using System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to enhance security and mitigate common-cause failures. Experimental verification confirms that the proposed module delivers highly stable and programmable DC output voltage across a wide input range, demonstrating excellent voltage regulation and controllability via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The all-electronic design eliminates contact arcing and inrush current, while integrated real-time monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities ensure operational safety and reliability. These results underscore the module's strong potential for practical application in modern distributed trackside control systems, offering advantages in system simplification, maintenance reduction, and enhanced equipment longevity.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems
AU  - Shumin Ge
AU  - Meili Xing
AU  - Yimin Wang
AU  - Binbin Huang
Y1  - 2026/02/21
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
T2  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
JF  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
JO  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
SP  - 6
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5591
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
AB  - The centralized control architecture for railway signal drivers often experiences unstable supply voltage and insufficient drive current due to the extended length of signal cables. Furthermore, the high inrush currents during the operation of conventional electromechanical relays can damage signal machines and reduce their service life. To address these issues, this paper presents a relay-free drive module for DC signal machines based on a distributed system. The module integrates remote communication and safety control technologies, enabling the deployment of safety execution units trackside. It utilizes power-driven DC-DC conversion technology, replacing relay-based control circuits to ensure safe driving of DC signals. Based on the "fail-safe"principle, the module incorporates circuit self-testing and closed-loop drive control to guarantee secure and reliable operation. The intelligent control core employs a heterogeneous dual-channel (2oo2) architecture using System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to enhance security and mitigate common-cause failures. Experimental verification confirms that the proposed module delivers highly stable and programmable DC output voltage across a wide input range, demonstrating excellent voltage regulation and controllability via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The all-electronic design eliminates contact arcing and inrush current, while integrated real-time monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities ensure operational safety and reliability. These results underscore the module's strong potential for practical application in modern distributed trackside control systems, offering advantages in system simplification, maintenance reduction, and enhanced equipment longevity.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Shumin Ge

CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-0035-9703
Meili Xing

CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
Yimin Wang

CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
Binbin Huang

CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Ge, S., Xing, M., Wang, Y., Huang, B. (2026). Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems, 14(1), 6-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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ACS Style

Ge, S.; Xing, M.; Wang, Y.; Huang, B. Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Autom. Control Intell. Syst. 2026, 14(1), 6-13. doi: 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

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AMA Style

Ge S, Xing M, Wang Y, Huang B. Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems. Autom Control Intell Syst. 2026;14(1):6-13. doi: 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12,
  author = {Shumin Ge and Meili Xing and Yimin Wang and Binbin Huang},
  title = {Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems},
  journal = {Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {6-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.acis.20261401.12},
  abstract = {The centralized control architecture for railway signal drivers often experiences unstable supply voltage and insufficient drive current due to the extended length of signal cables. Furthermore, the high inrush currents during the operation of conventional electromechanical relays can damage signal machines and reduce their service life. To address these issues, this paper presents a relay-free drive module for DC signal machines based on a distributed system. The module integrates remote communication and safety control technologies, enabling the deployment of safety execution units trackside. It utilizes power-driven DC-DC conversion technology, replacing relay-based control circuits to ensure safe driving of DC signals. Based on the "fail-safe"principle, the module incorporates circuit self-testing and closed-loop drive control to guarantee secure and reliable operation. The intelligent control core employs a heterogeneous dual-channel (2oo2) architecture using System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to enhance security and mitigate common-cause failures. Experimental verification confirms that the proposed module delivers highly stable and programmable DC output voltage across a wide input range, demonstrating excellent voltage regulation and controllability via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The all-electronic design eliminates contact arcing and inrush current, while integrated real-time monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities ensure operational safety and reliability. These results underscore the module's strong potential for practical application in modern distributed trackside control systems, offering advantages in system simplification, maintenance reduction, and enhanced equipment longevity.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Design of a Relay-Free Driving Module for DC Signal Machines in Distributed Railway Systems
AU  - Shumin Ge
AU  - Meili Xing
AU  - Yimin Wang
AU  - Binbin Huang
Y1  - 2026/02/21
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
T2  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
JF  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
JO  - Automation, Control and Intelligent Systems
SP  - 6
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5591
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.acis.20261401.12
AB  - The centralized control architecture for railway signal drivers often experiences unstable supply voltage and insufficient drive current due to the extended length of signal cables. Furthermore, the high inrush currents during the operation of conventional electromechanical relays can damage signal machines and reduce their service life. To address these issues, this paper presents a relay-free drive module for DC signal machines based on a distributed system. The module integrates remote communication and safety control technologies, enabling the deployment of safety execution units trackside. It utilizes power-driven DC-DC conversion technology, replacing relay-based control circuits to ensure safe driving of DC signals. Based on the "fail-safe"principle, the module incorporates circuit self-testing and closed-loop drive control to guarantee secure and reliable operation. The intelligent control core employs a heterogeneous dual-channel (2oo2) architecture using System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to enhance security and mitigate common-cause failures. Experimental verification confirms that the proposed module delivers highly stable and programmable DC output voltage across a wide input range, demonstrating excellent voltage regulation and controllability via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The all-electronic design eliminates contact arcing and inrush current, while integrated real-time monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities ensure operational safety and reliability. These results underscore the module's strong potential for practical application in modern distributed trackside control systems, offering advantages in system simplification, maintenance reduction, and enhanced equipment longevity.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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