ETCS On-board Unit Safety Testing: Saboteurs, Testing Strategy and Results

Leonardo Jesus Valdivia
University of Navarra

Gonzalo Solas
University of Navarra

Javier Añorga
University of Navarra

Saioa Arrizabalaga
University of Navarra

Iñigo Adin
University of Navarra

Jaizki Mendizabal
University of Navarra

Abstract

It is necessary to verify the faults tolerance of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on-board unit even if these faults are uncommon. Traditional test methods defined and used in ETCS do not allow to check this, so it is necessary to develop a new mechanism of tests. This paper presents the design and implementation of a saboteur applied to the railway sector. The main purpose of the saboteur is the fault injection in the communication interfaces. By means of a virtual laboratory it is possible to simulate actual train journeys to test the ETCS on-board unit. Making use of the saboteurs and the virtual laboratory it is possible to analyse the behaviour of the train in the presence of unexpected faults, and to verify that the decisions taken are correct to ensure the required safety level. Therefore, this work shows a testing strategy based on different kinds of train journeys when faults are injected, and the analysis of the results.