| 摘要 |
A rail break or rail vehicle detection system (10) which includes a voltag e source (20), capable of voltage source compensation, is coupled to each of a plurality of zones (30), (32), (34), (36) within a block (24) of rail track (12) devoi d of insulated joints. A plurality of current sensors (38) are provided, each coupled to a respective voltage source (20) and configured to measure current flowing through the sensor (38) in response to changing voltage patterns. Each current sensor (38) is furthe r configured in one embodiment to determine and compare signatures based on current measurements to a predetermined decision surface to detect the presence of a rail vehicle or rail break on a predetermined block (24) of track (12). The volta ge source (20) or current sensor (38) can be adapted to control voltage levels and polarity of each voltage source (20). A method of communicating the presence or absence of a rail break or rail vehicle employs an in-rail TDMA communication scheme to synchronize, test and communicate directly between the sensors (38) without use of external controllers.
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