Flirt interregional train

Source: CAN Newsletter December 2004

Stadler has equipped the entirely CANopen-based Flirt interregional train. In just 20 month, the Swiss company developed and produced this modular train. Peter Spuhler, CEO of Stadler, is convinced that the train will become a bestseller. The first order of the SBB (Swiss rail) covers 51 units with an additional option of 91 trains. Benedikt Weibel, Chairman of the SBB management board, said: “We are satisfied in all respects with the Flirt.”
The Flirt is based on traction converters featuring CANopen connectivity. The vehicles implement several CANopen networks and the train network is based on redundant CAN networks using power-line transmission. The passenger information system is also based on CANopen.

Ruf, the system integrator of the infotainment system, has equipped the on-board computer with software that monitors itself and communicates primarily with the individual displays in the passenger area or the train. The computer controls the passenger LED status displays and the remote-controlled activation and deactivation of the display monitors via CANopen. Apart from displaying still pictures, text or film, the computer can also transmit multi-media such as TV, video, DVD or radio programs. The connection to the train bus for door control and indication of train position is also realized via CANopen. The customized on-board computer also controls the automatic audio announcement of stations (via CAN layer 2 and audio Codec AC97) and coordinates the video cameras in the stations, which transmit pictures to the driver’s cabin online via Wireless LAN.
Flirt is the third train family that uses CANopen.