• The new “List import” function is available for headers and POUs

This function makes it possible to import a list of variables directly into the project (e.g. list created by Excel)

• Import and export of configured PLC-Config nodes
Each CAN node can be exported separately. This enables the user to create a library of CAN nodes and to import the same nodes into different projects.

• Configurable detection of “Back Jumps” and “Unused Variables”

• Improved integration of “Visual Source Safe” and “Subversion”, and better support for ULibs in separate projects.
The ULibs can now be handled separately by the project and then integrated into the project. The separate ULib projects permit better version management of all elements.

• The “Content Assist” function helps you to write codes faster and more exactly.
A list of existing variables starting with the same letters is automatically displayed using the Ctrl & Space key combination.

• Automatic MOS update during the download of a project (external call on WDLD no longer needed).
If the MOS on the CPU is not identical to that on the CAP1131, the correct MOS is placed directly on the CPU after being confirmed.

• Improvement in global variable declaration.
If the variables are defined with addresses (%IX0.0.0.0), these can be transferred into PLC-Config automatically.

• Improved task pool editor
Double-clicking Task_Pool opens a window for simplifying setting the parameters of tasks.

• Automatic naming of FBD instances in the FBD editor
When a new FB is implemented, a name is automatically assigned to it.

• Sorting variables in the header by clicking on Class, Identifier, Type, Initial or Comment

• Alphabetical sorting of objects in the “Entry Data Monitoring” and “Monitor Header”

• ”Group” view for POU implementation and improved organization

• Expanded menu bar with new icons
Window organization horizontal, vertical or cascade. COM Port parameter settings

• Doubling the capacity of ST and C-editor to 64K
The MOS now contains the CPU 831-TG and the expansion modules AIT731-TG/12B, AAT731-TG/12B, CDT731-TG
TOP now also supports the CPU 831-TG.
New versions of the following software tools will be in the new release: CAP1131, ULib1131, WDLD1131, SysComPC, TOP1131, OPC1131, MOS.
The new release of Symphony® 5.3 will be available in the first quarter of 2009.

Additional to the existing 16-Bit modules Selectron offers now an input- and output module with 12-bit signal conditioning for the MAS 73x-T series for this requirement.

1. The input module AIT 731-TG/12B has 8 analog inputs that are divided into two electrically isolated groups (2 x 4 AIs).
   The analog inputs are grounded (single-ended) and have a signal range of ±10 V / ±20 mA.
   The resolution is 12 bit signed, corresponding to a step width of 5 mV or 10 µA.
2. The AAT 731-TG/12B input and output module has 2 x 2 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs.
   These groups are electrically isolated from one another and from the logic unit.
   The analog inputs are grounded (single-ended) and have a signal range of ±10 V / ±20 mA.
   The resolution is 12 bit signed, corresponding to a step width of 5 mV or 10 µA.
   The analog outputs are also single-ended and have a signal range of ±10 V / 0…+20 mA.
   The resolution is 12 bit signed, corresponding to a step width of 5 mV or 10 µA.

Both modules can be used for standard applications such as fill level monitoring, pressure acquisition, etc. in 12-bit resolution.

Is our alternative solution in the analog area the right platform for your application?
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• WTB/CAN (GWC 531-TF)
• WTB/MVB (GWM 531-TF)

With these two gateways, Selectron Systems AG provides now any combination of different train- and vehicle bus systems such as Wire Train Bus (WTB), Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB), CAN-Powerline Bus and CANopen Bus.

 
(click to enlarge)

The combination of WTB and CANopen can be interesting not only for refurbishment projects in order to connect an existing WTB system with the CANopen bus system but also for new projects where WTB is required as train bus in combination with an easy handling and price sensitive vehicle bus system such as CANopen.

Integrating these two gateways into the Selectron TCMS (Train Communication and Monitoring System) we can now provide a wide range of train and vehicle bus systems:  

(click to enlarge)

The configuration of the gateways as well as the development of the software application are supported by Selectron Systems AG. You will also be well and detailed advised to find the best and most efficient solution for your project.

Now, we are interested in your opinion. Do you think you could use these gateways in your project? Please let us know your point of view.

On computers that are running with Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, you may be unable to open Help files that require the Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) program. This article discusses a download that resolves this problem.

Introduction
Ever since Windows 3.1, Microsoft included the Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) with new releases. WinHlp32.exe is used to view 32-bit Help files that have the “.hlp” file name extension. Starting with the release of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has decided to no longer include WinHlp32.exe as a component of the Windows operating system. Microsoft made this decision because WinHlp32.exe has not had a major update for many years, and it does not meet Microsoft’s standards for all new Microsoft programs. Microsoft realizes that this may cause some difficulties for customers who want to upgrade to Windows Vista or to Windows Server 2008 but still rely on 32-bit “.hlp” files. Therefore, Microsoft is making WinHlp32.exe available as a download from the Microsoft Download Center.

System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows Vista Business; Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Business N; Windows Vista Enterprise; Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Basic; Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Basic N; Windows Vista Home Premium; Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Starter; Windows Vista Starter N; Windows Vista Ultimate; Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition

The Windows Help program is available for Windows Vista only.

Installation
To install the correct version of this update, you must know your Windows version. Additionally, you must be logged on to Windows as an administrator. If you are not sure which Windows version is installed, or if you need help verifying that you are an administrator, click here to verify your environment. Then, download the correct update by clicking one of the following links.

Download WinHlp32.exe for Windows Vista
To obtain the WinHlp32.exe download for Windows Vista. visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=82148

The new CPU 831-TG makes the Selectron® MAS controller family ready for today’s challenges.

• The module offers a cycle time that is at least three times faster than our current solution. All interfaces are serviced more rapidly and extensive program code is processed faster.
• An expansion bus for connecting up to 12 modules with digital and analog input/output signals for connecting sensors and actuators
• An expansion bus for connecting additional communication modules such as CAN.
• Two electrically isolated interfaces for flexible interface connection of CANopen vehicle bus systems
• Ethernet interface with M12 connection suitable for railway applications for setting up rapid communication pathways with a wide bandwidth
• Serial interface as a combination of RS232/RS485/422 for connecting equipment such as GPS, GSM, terminal, etc.
• SD memory card for backup and straightforward program change

The new high-end solution will be available beginning of 2009.
Is our high-end solution for rail vehicle control units the right platform for your application?
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The concept facilitates engineering, startup and maintenance for the user. As well as the hardware, an ingenious user library is available for this purpose. The controller has a number of input/output signals tailored to the application.
Project planning and development times are efficiently reduced, startup procedures can be quickly and easily realised, while diagnostic functions optimize maintenance and monitoring. This leads to save application costs.

All of the modules are integrated into Selectron’s software tools (Symphony®).

The new Selectron® MAS 68x-T controller family is specifically designed for use in rail vehicle subsystems and offers an efficient solution compared to our modular system because the compact controller is precisely tailored to the subsystem with the appropriate number of input/output signals.

Three variants will be available beginning of 2009.
Is our comprehensive automation solution for rail vehicle manufacturers subsystems such as doors, lavatory, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) the right platform for your application?
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The Controller Area Network (CAN) was originally developed for automotive applications. It is nowadays a bus system which is widely used in Train, Industry and Building projects.
This bus system allows a very efficient and cost effective networking of modules over a long distance. The CAN hardware and software protocol secure a very stable communication suitable for hard environment projects with high safety requirements.
This “very stable communication” is usually depending on the “work quality” such as the respect of “rules” during the implementation of the CAN network.

CAN malfunctions are often caused by improper use of the bus terminating resistors, by wrong bitrates for the used cable lengths or by a poor cabling.
After years of experience based on different projects in the Train business, the Selectron Systems engineers acquired a huge “Know-How” concerning the implementation of those CAN networks.
In order to help you being efficient in the cabling of your network, those engineers wrote a guideline based on their experience and described the different concepts and points to take care of in such an implementation.
This guideline is available by request at the following email address: support@selectron.ch

Don’t hesitate to ask your questions, the Selectron Systems engineer will be glad to share their knowledge.

In order to keep this document up-to-date and improve its quality, we would really appreciate to receive you comments and adaptation propositions.

Furthermore, damaged wheels impair the quality of the rails in the long term. In order to prevent this, an electronic device is required: wheel slide protection. In automobiles, this function is known as ABS (anti-lock braking system). 

The new CPU 731-TG and CDT 731-TG modules are combined into an electronic wheel slide protection system in accordance with UIC 541-05*.

Electronic speed sensors register the rotation speed of the wheelsets.

 The wheel slide protection valves are activated for venting the brake pressure based on the deceleration and slip speed calculated in the CPU.

The wheel slide protection control unit compares the wheel deceleration with the switching thresholds preprogrammed in the CPU. Depending on the switching thresholds, the wheel slide protection valves are activated accordingly to block the compressed air supply to the brake cylinder or to reduce the brake cylinder pressure. Evaluating the deceleration only cannot reliably prevent the wheelsets from blocking. As a result, the slip speed is also calculated. In order to calculate the wheel slip, the speed of the vehicle must be determined or, if the vehicle speed is not measured directly, then it must be estimated with sufficient accuracy.

Safe condition of a train during normal operation is considered as ”rail vehicle stationary“. 

On the other hand a wheel slide protection system in “axle blocked” condition is performing the  technical function of “release brake“. Therefore safety-critical intervention is performed inside the brake system. As a result, the Selectron wheel slide protection units MAS 73x-TG are designed according to safety-relevant standards such as EN 61508, EN 50126 and EN 50128.  Selectron pursues the policy of  a “wheel slide protection island”, i.e. it only implements truly safety-relevant functions with certified modules where it is used.

This has the following advantages:
-  Existing train control and management systems can easily be expanded with a
    wheel slide protection system.
-  The complexity of vehicle acceptance is significantly reduced
-  It is an inexpensive solution because only the level of safety actually required by the
    application is implemented
- Clearly defined system limits regarding safety perspectives of the wheel slide
   protection controller

The CDT 731-TG counter module can measure the speed of max. 4 axles. This means up to 4 pulse encoders can be connected. The system is configured for vehicles up to 200 km/h. The counter module controls max. 2 wheel slide protection valves per modul according to SIL 2 with functions for parameter settings of the activation and lock times.

Do you have further questions, any remarks or statements? Please do not hesitate to reply.

* UIC homologation in preparation