EPC 4.0x controllers

The EPIS 4.0x on-board computer control unit - EPC forms the core of the on-board computer system (system) and includes the industrial PC, the message and communications board and the integrated (or intelligent) power supply unit board. These EPC 4.0x control units are placed in an "electronics cabinet" or "electronics mounting plate" from which the wiring for all information, check-in, communications and technology systems in the vehicle (if related to the on-board system) is carried out. 

Versions of EPCs

The following versions of PC-based vehicle controllers currently exist. These are

EPC 4.0C - in series production since July 2018 (developed in October 2017) and builds on and respects the previous versions. Thanks to the use of a new type of internal quad-core PC (or single-core), it reflects the new requirements applied in computing (use of SSD drives) and has also improved or added the necessary interfaces (Ethernet 1Gbit/s and USB 3.0). It is available in several versions, which are listed in this link. The different versions differ in the use of the IJN unit - it can include the IJN21, IJN22, IJN23 and IJN24). It is currently produced in 6 variants to replace the previous types with a more powerful solution.

EPC 4.0B - has been in production since December 2014 and builds on the EPC 4.0A. Thanks to a more modern concept (use of new components) and the integration of the radio inverter, it allows further improvement of new functions. It is available in three variants: basic EPC 4.0B, without radio station converter and radio modem EPC 4.0B1 and only without EPC 4.0B2. It includes IJN 22. Production will be discontinued in November 2019.

EPC 4.0A - has been in production since 2012. It has a less powerful IJN 21 unit and has some limited features. It is not intended for development projects. It is fully compatible or nearly compatible with the EPC 4.0B unit in size, function, I/O and software. Production will be discontinued in November 2019.

EPC 4.0 - no longer in production (it was produced between 2009 and 2013). After the beam is replaced, it can be replaced with newer types with which it is functionally, input/output and SW fully compatible (the exception is a different version of Linux OS).

Example of EPC 4.0C3 control unit wiring in a vehicle

The following is an example of the wiring of an EPC 4.0C3 system in a public transport vehicle (2018 solution):

Example of EPC 4.0C3 controller wiring in a public transport vehicle - RIS II solution.

1. The EPC 4.0C3 unit contains a radio inverter - no external
2. UCU 5.0 2L2WVG serves as a source of communications with the environment
3. ECU 08P3.1F5P optimized for in-cab communications serves as default switch
4. The driver's cab is equipped with VLP 08x35xE heading indicators
5. The system can include a front camera to capture events in front of the vehicle
6. The system can be equipped with APC vehicle occupancy monitoring with the new UCP 02 unit type (control is identical to the previous type)
7. The system shall have direct control of the BSV TR xx inductive turnout control
8. The other components are developed in the following section.

Example of the wiring of an EPC 4.0B control unit in a vehicle

The following is an example of the principle wiring of an EPC 4.0B control unit (on-board system - EPIS 4.0B computer) in a vehicle, where we are able to supply other components to the vehicles to create an optimised whole:

Principal wiring of the EPIS 4.0B on-board computer.

1. A radio inverter that performs the conversion of the on-board network voltage +24V to +12V with a sufficiently fast response (the EPC 4.0B version of the on-board computer can contain it inside the computer and no external power supply is needed).
2. EPW-58 antenna unit for uploading/downloading data to/from vehicles.
3. Internal LCD panels for VCS-type passengers in various designs and with remote recording capability.
4. VLP 20×160 - solution of external LED boards with full Czech text or other according to requirements.
5. VLP 20×120 internal vehicle LED panel for informing passengers inside vehicles.
6. VLP 20×128 - solution of external LED boards with full Czech text or other according to requirements.
7. VLP 20×32 - solution for external LED boards with full Czech text or other according to requirements.
8. EPNEV 3.1x stand-alone command receivers in many variants with different functions.
9. Vehicle communication units (ECU) for Ethernet distribution to modern components.
10. Keypads for manual switching or switching according to the selected destination (line).
11. External pressure loudspeakers on the vehicle either stand-alone or with a special bracket.
12. Trill speakers for door indication for the blind.
13. On-board transmitting coils for trams, trolleybuses and buses.
14. BSV on-board transmitting units for trolleybuses BSV-TR 14 and for trams - BSV-TR 12 or older BSV-TR 02.
15. Check-in units - e.g. our type EVK 5.0BP, which enables self-service passenger check-in with driver support.
16. Camera system - the camera system is connected to the on-board computer and this allows intelligent control and possibly even readout.
17. Passenger counting - APC system - the on-board computer acts as a database unit for collecting data on the number of passengers in the vehicle.
18. Communication via GSM network - the on-board computer can act as an intelligent router in the vehicle including a firewall when the EPG unit is connected.

Example of EPIS 4.0B2 with ticketing capability

Example of another type of connection - this time EPIS 4.0B2 with self-service passenger check-in at the driver's station using an EVK 5.0 BP validator and a connected GSM EPG 4.0 modem providing all data transmissions (dispatching, back office and bank clearing house).

Principle of the trolleybus with self-service passenger check-in at the driver.

The wiring diagram is further extended with:

1. EVK 5.0 BP validator allowing check-in with a contactless bank card or card of the carrier or coordinator.
2. GSM modem EPG 4.0x, which provides the above communications.