TIEFENBACH Tel.

: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

General Overview Standard Axle Counter Grade Crossing Controller

The Tiefenbach axle-counter grade crossing control system is ideal for locations with poor
ballast conditions, shunting sensitivity problems, or other situations which render traditional
track circuits problematic.

The failsafe axle counter grade crossing control unit provides a normally-closed relay output
to an existing fail-safe relay (XR) when the axle counter circuit is occupied, and closes the
circuit to the XR-relay when the axle counter circuits are clear. The axle counting circuits
utilize a count-in/count-out logic design providing a functionally equivalent “virtual track
circuit.” Axles counted into the system will result in an occupancy indication. All axles must
be counted out of the circuit (counted back to zero) before the system will enter the clear
(standard) position and re-energize the XR-relay.

The standard system is designed using three overlapping axle counter circuits with four
counting points (wheel sensors) mounted at the rails for detecting the presence of on-track
equipment. The wheel sensors will also indicate if they are loose or dislodged from the rail. If
such a failure mode occurs, the system will enter a failsafe mode and activate.

An axle counter crossing system with integrated flasher-rack to directly control flashers, bells,
gates and traffic light pre-emption circuits is also available upon request.

The standard hardware based control rack for interface to an existing XR relay (without constant warning)
consists of:

Three axle counter circuits, built in one 19” rack

AC-1 approach consisting of DSS-1 and DSS-2
AC-2 approach consisting of DSS 3 and DSS-4
Island circuit consisting of DSS-2 and DSS-3

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 1 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

System Start Position:

In quiescent (standby) mode all axle counter circuits are clear. The CL I & CL II LEDs are
illuminated on the ZB-8 counter modules. The CL and Oc3 LEDs are illuminated and the FF-
LED is off on the WST-8021/7 relay release modules. The system is ready to detect the
movement of any on-track equipment entering an axle-counter circuit.

Basic Function:

If a train moves across one of the double wheel sensors (DSS-1 or DSS-4), a signal pulse is
generated. This signal pulse is detected at the amplifier card, processed in the direction
detection unit and prepared for output to the various vital circuits.

If the direction of movement within the AC-1 or AC-2 approach circuits is determined to be
toward the crossing, the amplifier takes the processed individually signal impulses and feeds
them to their respective approach counter and WST relay release module. Each wheel flange
impulse increments the associated ZB8/115/3 binary counter module. All axles entering or
leaving the circuit will be displayed at the appropriate counter card.
Within the AC-1 or AC-2 approach circuits, the secondary optocoupler outputs from the
ZB8/115/3 counter module to the WST-8021/7 relay module are typically suppressed by an
FF relay contact until the first three axles are detected moving in the direction of the crossing.

After the programmed number (programmed at the amplifier board) of axles (i.e. wheel
flanges) are counted, the amplifier will switch off the latching optocoupler (AK) outputs to the
two S-relay’s located on the WST 8021/7 relay release card. This redundant path provides
two vital circuits controlling the relay logic, in addition to the normally-closed characteristics
of the relay circuit.

When the defined numbers of axles are counted-in, the amplifier AK-optocoupler outputs
switch off the S-relay coil voltages and the S-relays de-energize indicating the counter circuit
is occupied. Contacts from the S-relays open the circuit to the CL-relay, which is in the line to
the external XR-relay controlling the crossing signals. Additionally the S relay contact
energizes the FF relay which activates the secondary counter outputs and turns on counting
at the island counter module.

When the approach counter is activated, the CL1 & CL2 optocoupler outputs from the
counter module also opens the line to the CL-relay coil and the Oc1 and Oc2 optocoupler
outputs from the counter module activates the Oc1, Oc2 and CLH relays and deactivates the
Oc3 relay. The CLH and Oc3 contacts are also in the line to the external XR circuit, providing
yet another layer of safety. Any of these contacts in the line to the XR-relay can cause the
XR-relay to drop down. The XR-relay is then interfaced to the flasher/gate controller circuits.

Only after the train has left the AC-3 island circuit, the counted axles at the island counter are
back to zero, and there are no other trains detected within the approach can the island circuit
become clear. When the approach and island counter modules have gone back to the clear
state their CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contacts pick back up closing the circuit to the XR-relay,
allowing it to close the circuit to the flasher/gate controller, releasing the crossing.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 2 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Reverse Movements:

Alternatively it is possible for the train to stop and change direction within an approach and
move away from the crossing. In such cases, direction of movement is detected and the
approach circuit axles are incremented back to zero, at which time the approach circuit can
clear and the CL, Oc3 and CLH relay contacts pick up closing the circuit to the XR-relay.

Note: Each individual axle counter circuit maintains its own count and must clear to return the
system to standby status. Optionally the approach counter circuit can be programmed to
switch off the circuit after 3 axles have been detected moving away from the crossing
providing the island counter circuit is clear.

Counting Sequence Example One:

In this example, we outline the operational sequences associated with the movement of a
train from the AC-1 counter circuit, through the AC-3 island circuit and out the opposite AC-2
approach counter circuit. Please see the track layout diagram above to review the location of
the counter circuits and associated wheel sensors.
Counter circuit DSS 1 and DSS 2:

Moving in the direction towards the street area we count axles in at DSS-1. As soon as axles
are detected, the system becomes occupied and the AC-1 binary counter increments as
each axle passes over DSS-1. As the train continues toward the island, it moves across
DSS-2. As the axles move across DSS-2 the AC-1 counter begins decrementing until
eventually, the AC-1 counter returns to zero, indicating the initial approach is clear.
Simultaneously at DSS-2 we began counting axles into the AC 3 island counter circuit.
However, because axles were counted simultaneously into the Island circuit, the crossing
remains active.
Island counter circuit DSS 2 and DSS 3:

As axles are counted into the AC-3 island circuit at DSS-2, the circuit becomes occupied. As
the train continues through the street and moves across DSS-3 these axles are counted out
of the AC-3 island circuit at DSS-3 and simultaneously into the opposite AC-2 approach
circuit. Once the last axle has left DSS-3 and all axles are back to zero in the AC-3 counter
circuit the AC-3 counter circuit becomes clear. Because direction is noted, and the train has
cleared the crossing, the XR is re-energized, clearing the crossing provided additional
equipment has not entered the AC-1 approach circuit moving toward the crossing.
Counter circuit DSS 3 and DSS 4:

When we moved across DSS-3 we started counting axles into the opposite AC-2 approach
circuit but since the system knows direction no output is generated to reactivate the crossing
as direction is away from the street area. The train continues moving away from street area
and finally moves across DSS-4 and axles are counted out of the AC-2 counter circuit. Once
all axles are counted back to zero the AC-2 approach circuit will be clear and the system
returns to standby mode.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 3 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Counting Sequence Example Two:

In this example, we will examine the sequence of operations associated with the movement
of a train from AC-2 approach circuit, through the AC-3 island circuit and out the opposite
AC-1 approach counter circuit.

Counter Circuit DSS4 and DSS 3:

As the train moves in the direction towards the street area and enters the AC-2 approach
circuit, we begin counting axles in at DSS-4. The binary counter associated with AC-2
increments as axles pass over DSS-4, which in turn activates the crossing. As axles begin
exiting the AC-2 approach at DSS-3, the AC-2 counter begins decrementing until eventually,
the AC-2 counter returns to zero, indicating the initial approach is clear.

Island counter circuit DSS 3 and DSS 2:

As axles exit the initial AC-2 approach circuit at DSS-3, they are also counted into the AC-3
island circuit at DSS-3 and the AC-3 island circuit becomes occupied. The train continues
through the street and moves across DSS-2. Axles begin counting out of the AC-3 island
circuit at DSS-2 and simultaneously begin counting into the opposite AC-1 approach circuit.
Once the last axle has left DSS-2 and all axles are back to zero in the AC-3 counter then the
AC-3 counter circuit becomes clear and the XR-circuit is re-energized provided additional
equipment has not entered the AC-2 approach circuit moving toward the crossing.

Counter circuit DSS-2 and DSS-1:

When we moved across DSS-2 we started counting axles into the AC-1 approach circuit.
However, no output is generated to reactivate the crossing because direction is identified as
away from the street. As the train continues moving away from street area, the axles are
counted out of the AC-1 counter circuit at DSS-1 until the AC-1 counter eventually returns to
zero and the system returns to the clear (standby) mode.

Note: These examples are based on a standard “approach-island-approach” crossing

system. Counting circuit configuration can vary depending on the track layout.

The Tiefenbach system allows the movement of more then one train inside an approach
area. All directions of movements into and out of an approach or at the island are possible,
including stopping and restarting if more than one sensor is located in the approach.

General fault conditions:

1. The system monitors all double wheel sensor (DSS) circuits to identify a short circuit,
open circuit, or a sensor, which is dislodged from the rail (fallen off or loose by more
than 1mm). In this case, the CL, CLH, and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to the
external XR-relay allowing it to activate the crossing.

2. If the system loses its input control voltage, the CL and Oc3 relay contacts open the
circuit to the external XR relay allowing it to activate the crossing.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 4 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
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3. If the 24V-DC output voltage from the DC-to-DC converters inside the system are
switched off or disconnected, the CL and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to the
external XR-relay allowing it to activate the crossing. If the 12V-DC output voltage
from the DC-to-DC converters inside the system are switched off or disconnected, the
CL and CLH relay contacts open the circuit to the external XR-relay allowing it to
activate the crossing.

4. If one or more circuit boards are pulled out of the rack, the CL and CLH relay contacts
open the circuit to the external XR-relay allowing it to activate the crossing.

5. Optional: Time-out functions for trains within an approach circuit can be provided. The
system can be designed with a time-out function, which de-energizes the output if
there has been no further movement detected across the double wheel sensors in the
approach and provided the island circuit does not become occupied. When the timer
completes its programmed time delay, the contact line to the XR-relay coil will close
and the XR will energize allowing the crossing to release. The time-out function will
not restart the system or suppress miscounted axles.

6. When implementing the time-out function and the system has timed out, if the train
begins moving again toward the crossing, any movement across any approach or
island sensor will cause the contact line to open the circuit to the XR-relay, allowing it
to de-energize and reactivate the crossing.

The internal timer will be reset with each movement across a double wheel sensor in
the direction towards the crossing. The time-out timer has eight selectable times in
the range from 30-seconds to 327-seconds. These times are set by DIP switches at
the back of the circuit board. See item 11 for allowable timer settings.

Note: If a train is in the island circuit the time-out function is always deactivated.

Note: With only one sensor in an approach we always disable the time-out function
for the approach circuit unless customer specified.

Note: It is recommended to place at least one additional wheel sensor in each

approach approximately half the distance between the first approach sensor and the
island sensor when using the optional time-out function. Without the additional
sensor it could be possible that a short train or light engine could enter the approach
circuit and stop between the approach sensor and island sensor thus having no way
to switch the system back-on until reaching the island circuit.

When the system times out with on-track equipment located between the approach
and island sensors, our system would not reactivate until occupancy was detected at
the next wheel sensor, which is located at the island. This could result in inadequate
warning times for equipment approaching the island sensors. This situation therefore
can be addressed by placing the additional sensor in the approach circuit, which will
allow the system to re-activate before the on-track equipment reaches the island
sensor, which is typically 25 to 50-feet from the edge of the roadway. Such situations
can also be addressed through appropriate operating rules.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 5 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

7. The CL relay contact will open the circuit to the XR relay if one internal DSS system is
damaged and the second internal DSS system at the same counting point has
detected 1, 3, or 5 pulses. This provides an additional level of safety by insuring that
a partially damaged sensor, which has not been dislodged from the rail can still
activate the system. The number of pulses can be set by a DIP switch located at the
amplifier/connection module.

8. If the axle counter system indicates a “minus axle” or a miscount, the system will stay
occupied (failsafe) and can only be reset by authorized personnel possessing the
reset key via the key switch located at the system front panel. After using the reset
key the system will be placed in its standby/ready position provided no faults exist
within the system.

9. If the input voltage from the batteries at the DC-to-DC converters drops down to less
than 8V-DC, the CL and Oc3 relay contacts will open the circuit to the XR-
relay, allowing it to drop down and reactivate the crossing.

10. If the voltage output from the DC-to-DC converter drops down to less than 8-VDC, the
CL and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to the XR-relay, allowing it to drop down
and reactivate the crossing.

11. Adjustable standard times for the time-out function (via terminal strip with
moveable jumpers) are as follows: 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120
seconds, 150 seconds, 180 seconds, 240 seconds, and 327 seconds

12. If a relay contact in the axle counting system does not reach its correct position either
during the switch-on or switch-off process, the system will go failsafe keeping the
circuit open to the XR-relay, the crossing will remain activated.

Alternative Movement scenarios:

Approach-Stop-Continue train movement towards island with no time-out function:

As on-track equipment moves across one of the approach sensors DSS-1 or DSS-4
towards the island circuit, the associated approach counter circuit will become
immediately occupied. The CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to the
XR relay, allowing it to drop down, activating the flasher circuit and crossing.
If the train has passed a wheel sensor and stops within the approach circuit, the CL,
CLH and Oc3 contact line will keep the circuit open until the train has moved through
the island counter circuit. Once the approach and island counter circuits become
clear their CL, CLH and Oc3 contact lines will pick up closing the circuit to the XR-
relay, allowing it to pick up and close the circuit to the flasher circuits to release the
crossing.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 6 / 14

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TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Approach-Stop-Continue train movement with time-out function:

As on-track equipment moves across one of the approach sensors DSS-1 or DSS-4
towards the island, the associated approach counter circuit will become immediately
occupied. The approach circuit CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to
the XR-relay, allowing it to drop down and activate the crossing and flashers.

If the on-track equipment has passed the approach wheel sensor within the approach
circuit but has not yet entered the island circuit after a specified period of time, the
approach circuit CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contacts will pick up, closing the circuit to the
XR-relay, allowing it to pick up and release the crossing. If the train starts again,
moving towards the island, the movement will be detected at either the approach or
island wheel sensor which will cause the output line to open the circuit to the XR-
relay, allowing it to drop down and reactivate the crossing.

If the train stops again short of the island, the approach CL, CLH and Oc3 relay
contacts will again pick-up, closing the circuit to the XR-relay after the appropriate
time-delay. The next switch on function will be activated with approach or island
sensor depending on the length of the train in the approach and provided the
movement continues toward the street.

On/Off switching dependent on direction (3 axle back disabled - no time-out function):

The train moves across one of the approach sensors DSS-1 or DSS-4 towards the island.
The associated approach counter circuit immediately becomes occupied and the CL, CLH
and Oc3 relay contacts open the circuit to the XR-relay, allowing it to drop down and activate
the crossing.

If the train changes direction within the approach this will be detected at the wheel sensor
being moved over. If the counter circuit is occupied by only one train (and there are no other
approach or island counter circuits occupied by parked or moving trains), the approach
circuits CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contacts will be closed to the XR-relay only after the train has
completely exited the approach counter circuit and the associated approach axle counter has
returned to zero.

On/Off switching dependent on direction (3-axle back enabled - no time-out function):

As the train moves across one of the approach sensors DSS-1 or DSS-4 towards the island,
the associated approach counter circuits immediately becomes occupied, and the CL, Oc3
and CLH relay contacts open the circuit to the XR-relay, allowing it to drop down and activate
the crossing.

If the train changes direction within the approach, this will be detected at one of the wheel
sensors. Provided there are no other approach or island counter circuits occupied by parked
or moving trains, the approach circuit CL, Oc3 and CLH relay contacts will be closed to the
XR-relay after the train’s third axle has moved past an approach sensor in the direction away
from the street. If using the third axle back function, we also use the third axle to protect the
grade crossing switch off function in case of a pendulum movement of the train.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 7 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Example:

A train stops and the cars bump together. Shortly thereafter, the train starts, taking-
up the slack. As a result, one axle moves across a wheel sensor in the direction
away from the island. If we used only the first axle count in the direction away from
the crossing, the system would switch off prematurely. Therefore, the system can be
programmed to respond on the third axle back to prevent undesired deactivation
under such movements.

Simultaneous movements into different counter circuits:

If an additional train moves into a different counter circuit, this will be detected and handled in
a manner that insures the grade crossing controller will not be switched off if only one train
has energized the output for the switch-on function. In other words, there is no switch-off
function if one of the trains changes direction, has stopped or activated the standard time-out
(if enabled), if the additional train in another approach circuit is moving towards the island.
This is possible because all the approach circuit relays are connected in series with the
output line to the XR, therefore if one circuit drops the control line the XR remains open
allowing the crossing to remain activated. In this way the system is able to handle a second
train in a different counter circuit as a separate movement.

Example: In the event of simultaneous movements into opposite approach circuits,

with the optional time-out and 3 axles back functions disabled, the following scenario
applies: The first train enters the AC-1 approach and then stops. The AC-1 approach
circuit CL, CLH and Oc3 contacts in the line to the XR-relay will remain open since
AC-1 counter circuit time-out function is disabled.

If a second train enters the opposite AC-2 approach the crossing will continue to stay
activated because the AC-1 circuit cannot time out and because the AC-2 circuit
output line has also opened to the XR-relay.

If the second train then stops and backs away from the crossing exiting the AC-2
approach counter circuit, the AC-2 counter circuit becomes clear because all axles in
its circuit are back to zero. The AC-2 circuits CL, CLH and Oc3 contacts pick up but
the crossing still remains activated because the AC-1 counter circuit has remained
occupied; the AC 1 contact line continuing to keep the circuit open to the XR-relay.

If the first train then starts to move towards the crossing, eventually leaving the island
circuit, first the AC-1 counter circuit clears after all axles have exited its circuit and its
CL, CLH and Oc3 contact line close but the island contact lines remain open, once all
axles have exited the AC-3 island circuit returning the island counter to zero and its
CL, CLH and Oc3 close the circuit to the XR-relay, allowing the crossing to de-
activate.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 8 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Simultaneous movements into different counter circuits (Additional Scenarios):

-------------------------------
Example: In the event of movements into opposite approach counter circuits with the
optional time-out and 3-axles back functions enabled, the following sequence occurs:
First, the on-track equipment is detected at the AC-1 approach and the associated
AC-1 circuit output line to the XR-relay opens allowing it to activate the crossing. The
train then stops and the AC-1 approach circuit time-out sequence starts. Shortly
thereafter, a second train enters the opposite AC-2 approach circuit. The AC-2
approach counter circuits CL, CLH and Oc3 relay contact lines open to the XR-relay,
thus the crossing is not able to release, even if the opposite AC-1 counter circuit time-
out sequence elapses and its output line closed to the XR relay. In other words, the
initial train-1 time-out function was overridden by the second train's movement into
the opposite counter circuit since its contact lines are in series to the XR-relay. If
either approach circuits contacts open, the circuit line to the XR will stay open.

Example: In the case of simultaneous movements into the same axle counter circuit
including activation of the time out function, the following scenario applies: The first
train activates the counter circuit and the crossing is activated, it then stops,
beginning the time-out sequence. Shortly thereafter, a second train follows, entering
the same counter circuit.

When the second train enters the circuit, the timing function will be reset because
each movement across a wheel sensor restarts the timer sequence and cancels the
older remaining time. The system keeps open the circuit to the XR-relay and the
crossing remains activated.

If the second train made a movement into the circuit during the first train’s running
time-out sequence, then stopped and backed out, then the approach CL, CLH and
Oc3 relay contact line will close to the XR-relay after the third axle back. Any new
movement of either train toward the island will cause the system to switch back on
and open the circuit to the XR relay, activating the crossing.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 9 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Standard Axle Counting Crossing Controller Panel View

Standard Strike-in/Strike-out Counter Circuit and Wheel Sensor Layout

1.1 Outdoor installation

DSS (double wheel sensors)

The DSS delimit the axle-counting circuit. The double wheel sensors are designed with dual
detection systems for identifying the direction of movement and they are galvanically isolated
from each other. The detection process is contact-free. Wheel flanges are sensed through
the altering of the internal resistance of the two sensor systems contained within the DSS.
This results in a voltage change, which is detected and processed by the input amplifier
cards at the equipment rack.

The DSS are fitted on the inside of the web of the rail. With a new rail they are fitted
approximately 45-mm below the top of the rail using bore holes and M13 tight-fit bolts in the
neutral zone of the web of the rail.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 10 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

1.2 Indoor installation (train detection rack)

The axle-counting group monitors and controls the following train detection functions:

• The Input Amplifier Card (4AB/10/1105…) performs the following functions:

- Connects the double wheel sensors to the system and provides DC supply voltage to
the wheel sensor.
- Provides individual evaluating channels for substantial system independence.
- Provides individual outputs for each evaluating channel to control associated vital
circuits.
- Monitors the double wheel sensors for a broken cable conductor or short circuit or an
off-rail condition. In such cases, the optocoupler control line is opened to the relay
release card.
- Conducts signal processing functions in the form of interference pulse suppression,
pulse lengthening, and speed and direction analysis.
- Performs analog-to-digital signal conversion to covert the analogous input signal to a
binary output signal for the axle counter.

Programming options include:

- The evaluation card can be programmed for a specific speed range for each wheel
sensor. Outputs to the counter circuit are then dependent on the speed programmed.
- The evaluation card can be programmed to activate at once, 1st, 2nd or 3rd axles.
- The evaluation card can be programmed to activate on 1, 2, 3 or 5 individual pulses
from any one sub-system within a wheel sensor (in the event of partial sensor failure).

• The Axle Counter module (ZB8/115/3) performs the following functions:

- Contains additional interference pulse suppression and is accordingly designed with

two independent counting channels.
- Process signals from the input-amplifier module in the direction identification unit to
provide counting-in or counting-out pulses. Compression and swaying movements,
which can occur simultaneously at two double wheel sensors are processed and
recognized only if they are in the correct flank sequence.
- Provides a locking feature upon detection of a “minus axle count.”
- Locks the axle counting and produces a busy signal when a negative comparison
result occurs between the in-counter and the out-counter.
- Provides an axle-counter busy fault (counter remains occupied) in the event of a
double wheel sensor cable conductor fault or wheel sensor has come loose or
detached from the rail.
- Detects a voltage fault and stores it to provide a ‘busy’ signal (counter remains
occupied).
- Triggers the axle counter clear signal when the counted-in and counted-out axles are
equal and the counter indicates zero (0) axles.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 11 / 14

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TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
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• The Relay Release module (WST 8021/7) performs the following functions:

- Checks the equalization of the two axle counter channels.

- Opens the internal SI and SII relay lines after processing an input from the counting
of a complete axle or axles across the wheel sensor.
- Provides the output relay chain which interfaces to the external XR circuit or flasher
rack. The contact line opens when counter circuit is occupied, the contact line closes
when counter circuit is clear.
- Opens the circuit to the F-138 traffic light preemption safety relay (if used) when the
two axle counter channels are not equal.
- Closes the circuit to the F-138 traffic light preemption safety relay (if used) when the
two axle counter channels are equal and no other wheel sensors are occupied.
- Provides the blocking of counting at the island counter module until the correct
number of axles has been counted into an approach. This allows for setting the system
to not activate if a two axle maintenance vehicle enters the crossing.

• The Axle-Counter Reset Card (AK19/115/7) performs the following functions:

- Resets the axle-counting circuit in the event of defective counting-in or counting-out,

a voltage fault (even after the supply voltage has been switched on), a minus axle
count, or a cable conductor fault, provided the fault or faults no longer exists.
- Receives control input from the axle-counter normal-position key ACR (interfaced to
the ACR 1.1 and ACR 1.2 relays) to start an operating sequence producing a signal
sequence which returns the occupied axle-counting circuit to the normal position
(clear) if not faults exist. In addition it checks the axle counter card by counting in and
out two axles.

• The DC-to-DC converters perform the following functions:

- Provides the 12-VDC supply voltage for the Input-Amplifier Cards (connection
modules), the Axle Counter, and related 12V sensing/control functions.
- Provides 24-VDC supply voltage for the relay card or cards.
- The output voltages are separated from each other and from the network galvanically.

• The fuse card performs the following functions:

- Fuses the input line to the two DC-to-DC converters.

- Fuses the load side of the DC-to-DC converters in series with various subsystems.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 12 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Technical data/operating conditions

-Outdoor Installation-

Capability to withstand electrical stresses

Electrical influence in the double wheel sensor 250 Veff (permanent influence)
(DWS) outdoor installation 1.5 Veff (short-term influence)
EMV 3.1 kVtransient

Complies with European Standard EN 50121-4

The DSS is resistant to interference from return traction currents, magnetic track brakes,
eddy-current brakes and magnetized wheel-sets. It is highly resistant to lightning or catenary
short circuit (to ground) faults. The DSS can withstand a test AC voltage of 2-kV to earth or
1kV between the systems.

Capability to withstand climatic stresses

Ambient temperature: +80°C to –40°C

Moisture: Water with temporary immersion IP67

Air pressure: 700 to 1,320 hPa (equivalent to 0-

2,200 m amsl)

Capability to withstand mechanical stresses

Oscillations: 60 g at a frequency band of 25-30 Hz

Load: <200 kg in a vertical direction

2.1.4. Mechanical requirements

The DSS does not contravene the normal clearance gauge stipulated by the EBO (Federal
Railroad Office). The DSS reliably detects each axle passing over it or coming to a halt over
it, irrespective of speed and with regard to the permissible track gauges and wear and tear of
the rails.

Minimum wheel diameter: 300 mm

Maximum wheel diameter: 1,000 mm
Length of wheel flange: 25–36 mm
Minimum wheelbase: 700 mm
Passing-over speed: <350 km/h
Passing-over speed: <120 km/h*

*with a wheel diameter of 300 mm and a wheelbase of 700 mm

Notes:

1. The DSS is watertight and dust-tight (protective system IP67 in accordance with DIN
40050).
2. Deposits of snow, ice, oil or dirt have no effect on the functionality of the DSS.

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 13 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes
TIEFENBACH Tel.: (618) 993-8513
810 Skyline Drive Fax: (618) 993-8403
Marion, IL. 62959
www.tiefenbach.com e-mail: tiefenbach@tiefenbach.com

Technical data/operating conditions

-Indoor Installation-

Capability to withstand electrical stresses

Electrical influence in the 250 Veff (permanent influence)

indoor installation (evaluation): 1.5 Veff (short-term influence)
2.3 kVtransient

EMV: Layout under EN 50121-4

Voltage supply: AC: 110 - 230 V 50 Hz (187 V – 264 V)

DC: 20 V – 72 V

Capability to withstand climatic stresses

Ambient temperature: +60°C to –25°C

Moisture: 10%-75% relative air moisture

Air pressure: 700-1,320 hPa (equivalent to 0-

2,200 m amsl)

Capability to withstand mechanical stresses

Oscillations: 60 to 55 Hz, 5 g, 20 mmss

Shock: 10 g

Standard Hardware Based Axle Counter Crossing Controller Page 14 / 14

We reserve the right to make technical or typographical error changes