GSM-R device compatible with GSM-R voice unit and GSM-R data unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a GSM-R device compatible with a GSM-R voice unit and a GSM-R data unit. The GSM-R device comprises a GSM-R base plate and a GSM-R voice module in signal connection with the GSM-R base plate through an adapter plate. The GSM-R bottom plate is communicated with the control unit through an Ethernet bus to realize the processing of a GSM-R dispatching command and a wireless train number service; the GSM-R bottom plate is provided with a core plate for controlling a GSM-R voice module and a GPRS module; the GPRS module receives a dispatching command and train number data and transmits the dispatching command and the train number data to the switching unit through an Ethernet link; the GSM-R data unit is used for realizing control and data service bearing of the GPRS module; and the GSM-R voice module carries out voice input / output and carries out audio stream processing through the core board. Compared with the prior art, the method has the advantages that the hardware resource utilization rate is remarkably improved, the production cost is reduced, and meanwhile, equipment maintenance and upgrading are simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle communication equipment technology, and in particular to a GSM-R device compatible with both GSM-R voice units and GSM-R data units. Background Technology

[0002] The GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway) system, as a dedicated mobile communication standard for railways, is widely used in critical operations such as train dispatching, vehicle-to-ground communication, and train control, providing essential voice and data communication guarantees for railway operations. In traditional railway onboard communication equipment, voice and data services are typically implemented by two separate hardware modules: the GSM-R voice module handles real-time voice services such as voice calls and emergency calls, while the GPRS data module handles the transmission of non-real-time data services such as dispatching commands, wireless train numbers, and status data.

[0003] Currently, in railway vehicle-mounted communication equipment, voice and data services in the GSM-R system are typically implemented using separate hardware modules: voice communication is carried by a GSM-R voice module, and data communication is carried by a GPRS data module. Using different baseboard designs for the voice and data units leads to wasted hardware resources, insufficient system scalability, and an inability to adapt to future all-IP architecture upgrades. It also increases material procurement and maintenance costs and requires the development of additional adapter circuits. Furthermore, the dispersed drive and control logic of different modules results in low efficiency in debugging and troubleshooting.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a GSM-R vehicle communication device that is compatible with voice and data services, has a compact structure, unified control, and is easy to maintain, in order to improve the overall performance and reliability of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of scattered driver and control logic of existing GSM-R hardware modules, and low efficiency in debugging and troubleshooting, and to provide a GSM-R device that is compatible with GSM-R voice units and GSM-R data units.

[0006] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A GSM-R device compatible with GSM-R voice units and GSM-R data units, the GSM-R device including a GSM-R baseboard and a GSM-R voice module that is signal-connected to the GSM-R baseboard via an adapter board;

[0008] The GSM-R baseboard communicates with the control unit via an Ethernet bus to process GSM-R scheduling commands and wireless train number services. The GSM-R baseboard is equipped with the following:

[0009] The core board controls the GSM-R voice module and GPRS module via AT commands;

[0010] The GPRS module receives dispatch commands and train number data, which are encapsulated into IP data packets by the core board and transmitted to the switching unit via an Ethernet link.

[0011] The GSM-R data unit is compatible with GPRS modules and connects to the core board via a serial communication interface to control the GPRS module and carry data services.

[0012] The GSM-R voice module connects to the voice unit audio analog-to-digital conversion circuit via the voice module interface circuit on the GSM-R baseboard for voice input / output, and processes the audio stream through the core board.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the GSM-R voice unit in the GSM-R voice module adopts an audio codec, and the GSM-R voice module is connected to the GSM-R baseboard through the adapter board interface XS3 to establish an analog output channel;

[0014] The audio codec's I2S digital audio interfaces CODEC_LRC, CODEC_BCLK, CODEC_ADCDAT, and CODEC_DACDAT, along with the serial interfaces CSB / GPIO1, I2C3_SCL, and I2C3_SDA, are connected to the core board, which processes the audio stream. Multi-stage coupling capacitors and coils are then used to achieve high-frequency isolation and power supply filtering of the audio signal.

[0015] The GSM-R baseboard outputs analog voice to the MIC interfaces GSMR-MIC+ and GSMR-MIC- of the audio codec. The GSM-R baseboard connects to the LIP and LIN pins of the audio codec via the GSMR-EAR+ and GSMR-EAR- interfaces, enabling the EAR analog input of the GSM-R voice module. The GSM-R voice module converts analog voice into digital signals and compresses them into a digital stream through the AD / DA pins of the audio codec. This stream is then transmitted to the control unit and MMI terminal via the RTP protocol. After decoding at the receiving end, the signal is converted back to an analog signal via DA conversion and output.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the GSM-R voice module is connected to the core board's serial communication interfaces SMX6UL_UART2_TX and SMX6UL_UART2_RX after level conversion via the serial communication interfaces GSMR-RXD and GSMR-TXD, so as to realize the adaptation of 5V and 3.3V serial communication signals and to realize the control of the core board and the GSM-R voice module.

[0017] The signal interfaces / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT of the GSM-R voice module are isolated by transistors and then connected to the signal interfaces GPIO-REST_GSMR and GPIO-PTT of the core board to enable the core board to control the signals / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT.

[0018] The core board achieves power reset of the GSM-R voice module by controlling the GSM-R voice module interface GSMR_PWR_RST.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the GSM-R data unit includes a communication chip, an RF front-end, and a SIM card interface circuit. The serial communication interface of the communication chip is connected to the serial communication interface of the core board through a level conversion chip to realize the adaptation of 1.8V and 3.3V serial communication signals, as well as the control of the GPRS module and the carrying of data services. The serial communication interfaces Debug_RXD and Debug_TXD of the communication chip are connected to the serial communication interface of the core board to realize the debugging function of the communication chip. The communication chip is also connected to the signal interface GPIO_PWRKEY of the core board through a shorting DIP switch to realize the switching control of the communication chip.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the GSM-R baseboard is also provided with a backplane interface. The backplane interface is used to receive external address signals, reset signals, Ethernet signals and power inputs, and respectively connect to the internal address signal circuit, reset signal circuit, network port circuit and power input circuit.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution, the address signal circuit module distinguishes different unit modules by different address signals, thereby realizing the addressing function;

[0022] The address signal ADDR is connected to the optocoupler through the backplane interface. After isolation, the addressing signals GPIO_ADDR0~3 are input to the core board to realize the addressing function of the address signal circuit.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, the reset signal circuit module is used to realize the total reset function of the GSM-R baseboard power supply; the RST signal sent by the external control unit is connected to the optocoupler through the backplane interface, and after isolation, the reset signal ALL_RST is input to the core board to realize the total power supply reset function.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution, the network port circuit adopts a dual-redundancy design to achieve high-bandwidth data transmission with the control unit and the switching unit;

[0025] The signal channel in the network port circuit is divided into two independent paths: transmission and reception. Both paths use differential transmission. The network port circuit achieves high-bandwidth data transmission through a network isolation transformer. The network transformer is equipped with a series protection resistor and a high-voltage protection capacitor on the core board side.

[0026] As a preferred technical solution, the USB circuit on the front panel of the GSM-R baseboard is used to implement functions including downloading device logs via USB flash drive, core board debugging serial port, and core board program download.

[0027] As a preferred technical solution, the GSM-R baseboard is equipped with a front panel LED circuit for displaying power, field strength, GPSR, and voice signal status.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1) The GSM-R device designed in this invention achieves a unified hardware platform for voice and data services. The core board centrally controls the voice and data modules via AT commands and communicates with external control units via an Ethernet bus, enabling efficient encapsulation and transmission of data such as scheduling commands and train numbers, thus improving system response speed and service processing capabilities. Furthermore, through its modular architecture design, this invention can be flexibly configured as a voice board, data board, or integrated voice and data board according to actual business needs. This significantly improves hardware resource utilization, reduces production costs, and simplifies equipment maintenance and upgrade processes.

[0030] 2) The GSM-R device designed in this invention better adapts to the requirements of IP-based architecture by integrating a GSM-R data unit compatible with existing GPRS modules into the core board. The GSM-R data unit, based on the EC600N communication chip, includes a complete RF front-end and SIM card interface, enabling digital transmission support for voice and data services and improving the overall stability and transmission efficiency of the communication system. Simultaneously, it facilitates compatibility with existing GSM-R service requirements while meeting the needs of 5G-R application services.

[0031] 3) The dual Ethernet architecture design adopted by the GSM-R baseboard in this invention can better support future functional expansion and meet the broadband requirements of railway communication. At the same time, the CPU of the GSM-R baseboard processes the audio stream and communicates with the MMI through the Ethernet bus of the GSM-R baseboard to realize the audio stream processing of GSM-R voice services. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of a GSM-R device compatible with both GSM-R voice and GSM-R data units, according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a front view of the GSM-R base plate of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the GSM-R baseboard circuit module of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is the circuit diagram for a GSM-R voice unit.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram for a GSM-R data unit.

[0037] The numbers in the diagram indicate: 1. GSM-R baseboard, 2. Core board, 3. Adapter board, 4. GSM-R voice module, 5. GPRS module. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are based on the technical solution of the present invention and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] This invention proposes a GSM-R device compatible with both GSM-R voice and GSM-R data units. The GSM-R baseboard 1 is based on the SMX6UL core board and is responsible for the unified scheduling and signaling processing of voice and data services.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the GSM-R baseboard 1 communicates with the control unit via an Ethernet bus to process GSM-R scheduling commands and wireless train number services. The core board 2 controls the voice module and GPRS module 5 via AT commands, adapting to the dual-mode communication requirements of GSM-R and 5G-R. The GPRS module 5 receives scheduling commands and train number data, which are then encapsulated into IP data packets by the core board 2 and transmitted to the switching unit via dual redundant Ethernet links. The GSM-R baseboard 1 adopts a modular design, where the reset signal circuit module performs a total power reset. The address signal circuit module distinguishes different unit modules using different address signals, enabling addressing. Dual 100Mbps Ethernet ports provide redundancy, enabling high-bandwidth data transmission with the control unit and switching unit. The GSM-R voice module 4 connects to the voice unit's audio analog-to-digital conversion circuit via the voice module interface circuit, supporting voice input / output, and the audio stream is processed by the core board 2 of the GSM-R baseboard 1. The GSM-R data unit is compatible with existing GPRS module 5 and connects to core board 2 via a serial communication interface to control GPRS module 5 and carry data services. The front panel USB circuit enables functions such as downloading device logs via USB flash drive, debugging serial port functions on core board 2, and downloading core board programs. The front panel LED circuit displays the status of power, field strength, GPS, and voice signals. The 13.8V power supply circuit connects the 13.8V provided by the backplane interface circuit to GSM-R baseboard 1, and then converts it to 5V, 3.3V, and 12V voltages through a voltage conversion circuit to power the various modules on GSM-R baseboard 1.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown in the schematic, the backplane interface circuit is connected to the backplane via a 96-pin male connector (DIN41612 96PIN) to receive 13.8V power and signals. The RST signal from the control unit is connected to an optocoupler via a 96-pin male connector (DIN41612 96PIN). After isolation, the ALL_RST signal is input to core board 2 to achieve the 12V power supply master reset function. The ADDR signal is also connected to an optocoupler via a DIN41612 96PIN. After isolation, the GPIO_ADDR0~3 signals are input to core board 2 to achieve the addressing function of the address signal circuit. The core component of the dual 100Mbps Ethernet circuit is the H1102NL network isolation transformer, which, combined with peripheral circuits, forms a complete signal channel to achieve high-bandwidth data transmission. The most critical signal channel in the circuit is divided into two independent paths: transmit (NTX+_1 and NTX-_1) and receive (NRX+_1 and NRX-_1), both using differential transmission. This symmetrical design effectively ensures signal integrity and suppresses common-mode interference. As a core isolation component, the network transformer not only achieves electrical isolation but also performs important functions such as impedance matching and signal level conversion. A protective device consisting of a 1000pF / 2kV high-voltage capacitor and a 1MΩ resistor connected in series is added to both sides of the core board. This combination effectively filters out common-mode noise and provides a safe discharge path for electrostatic discharge, enabling the interface to withstand a transient voltage of 2kV.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown in the schematic diagram, in this embodiment, the voice unit module uses the WM8983 audio codec. The device's I2S digital audio interface (CODEC_LRC, CODEC_BCLK, CODEC_ADCDAT, CODEC_DACDAT) and serial interface (CSB / GPIO1, I2C3_SCL, I2C3_SDA) are connected to the core board 2, enabling the processing of the audio stream through the core board 2. Multi-stage coupling capacitors and coils are used to achieve high-frequency isolation and power supply filtering of the audio signal, thereby achieving sound stability. The GSM-R voice unit is connected to the GSM-R baseboard 1 via the XS3 (2x16) interface on the adapter board 3, and an analog output channel is established through LOUT1 to output analog voice to the MIC (GSMR-MIC+, GSMR-MIC-) of the GSM-R voice unit. It is then connected to the LIP and LIN pins of the WM8983 device via the (GSMR-EAR+, GSMR-EAR-) interface to achieve the EAR analog input of the voice module. The GSM-R voice module 4 converts analog voice into digital signals via the AD / DA pins of the WM8983 audio codec. It then compresses the digital signal using the G.711A law (PCMA) algorithm and transmits it to the control unit and MMI terminal via the RTP protocol. At the receiving end, the signal is decoded and converted back to an analog signal via DA conversion. This process enables the mutual conversion between analog and digital voice, meeting the needs of GSM-R voice communication. The GSM-R voice module 4 connects to the core board 2's serial communication interfaces (SMX6UL_UART2_TX, SMX6UL_UART2_RX) via serial communication interfaces (GSMR-RXD, GSMR-TXD) and a level conversion chip TXB0104PWR. This enables 5V and 3.3V serial communication signal adaptation and control between the core board 2 and the GSM-R voice module 4. The signal interfaces ( / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT) are isolated by transistors and connected to the signal interfaces (GPIO-REST_GSMR and GPIO-PTT) of core board 2, enabling core board 2 to control the signals ( / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT). Core board 2 controls the GSMR_PWR_RST interface to perform the power reset function for the GSM-R voice unit.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown in the schematic diagram, in this embodiment, the GSM-R data unit is compatible with the existing GPRS module 5, using EC600N as its core. It includes a complete RF front-end and SIM card interface circuit. The module's serial communication interfaces (MAIN_RXD_EC600N, MAIN_TXD_EC600N) are connected to the core board 2's serial communication interfaces (SMX6UL_UART1_TX, SMX6UL_UART1_RX) via a level conversion chip TXB0104PWR, enabling 1.8V and 3.3V serial communication signal adaptation and control of the GPRS module 5, as well as data service carrying. Simultaneously, the Debug_RXD_EC600N and Debug_TXD_EC600N serial communication interfaces enable debugging of the EC600N chip. Soft-switching control of the EC600N chip is achieved through the core board signal interface (GPIO_PWRKEY), while the NET_STATUS / USB_BOOT pin enables emergency firmware upgrade mode.

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A GSM-R device compatible with a GSM-R voice unit and a GSM-R data unit, characterized in that, The GSM-R device comprises a GSM-R baseboard (1) and a GSM-R voice module (4) connected with the GSM-R baseboard (1) through an adapter board (3); The GSM-R baseboard (1) is connected with a control unit through an Ethernet bus to realize processing of GSM-R dispatching commands and wireless train number services, and the GSM-R baseboard (1) is provided with: a core board (2) for controlling the GSM-R voice module (4) and a GPRS module (5) through AT instructions; The GPRS module (5) receives dispatching commands and train number data, which are packaged into IP data packets by the core board (2) and transmitted to the switching unit through an Ethernet link; A GSM-R data unit compatible with the GPRS module (5) is connected with the core board (2) through a serial communication interface to realize control of the GPRS module (5) and data service bearing; The GSM-R voice module (4) is provided with a GSM-R voice unit, which is connected with a voice unit audio analog-digital conversion circuit through a voice module interface circuit provided on the GSM-R baseboard (1) to realize voice input / output, and the audio stream is processed through the core board (2).

2. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GSM-R voice unit in the GSM-R voice module (4) adopts an audio codec, the GSM-R voice module (4) is connected to the GSM-R baseboard (1) through an adapter board (3) interface XS3 and an analog output channel is established; I2S digital audio interfaces CODEC_LRC, CODEC_BCLK, CODEC_ADCDAT and CODEC_DACDAT of the audio codec and serial communication interfaces CSB / GPIO1, I2C3_SCL and I2C3_SDA are connected to the core board (2) to process the audio stream through the core board (2); Then, audio signal high-frequency isolation and power filtering are realized through multi-stage coupling capacitors and coils; The GSM-R baseboard (1) outputs analog voice to MIC interfaces GSMR-MIC+ and GSMR-MIC- of the audio codec; the GSM-R baseboard (1) is connected to LIP and LIN pins of the audio codec through GSMR-EAR+ and GSMR-EAR- interfaces to realize EAR analog input of the GSM-R voice module (4); the GSM-R voice module (4) converts analog voice into digital signals and compresses them into digital streams through AD / DA pins of the audio codec, and the digital streams are transmitted to the control unit and the MMI terminal through the RTP protocol, and the analog signals are output after being decoded and DA converted at the receiving end; 3. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The GSM-R voice module (4) is connected with serial communication interfaces SMX6UL_UART2_TX and SMX6UL_UART2_RX of the core board (2) after level conversion through serial communication interfaces GSMR-RXD and GSMR-TXD to realize 5V and 3.3V serial communication signal adaptation and control of the core board (2) and the GSM-R voice module (4). The signal interface / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT of the GSM-R voice module (4) is connected with the signal interface GPIO-REST_GSMR and GPIO-PTT of the core board (2) through triode isolation, so as to realize the control of the core board (2) on the signal / GSMR-REST and / GSMR-PTT. The core board (2) controls the interface GSMR_PWR_RST of the GSM-R voice module (4), so as to realize the power reset of the GSM-R voice module (4).

4. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GSM-R data unit comprises a communication chip, a radio frequency front end and a SIM card interface circuit; the serial communication interface of the communication chip is connected with the serial communication interface of the core board (2) through a level conversion chip, so as to realize the adaptation of 1.8V and 3.3V serial communication signals and the control and data service bearing of the GPRS module (5); the serial communication interface Debug_RXD and Debug_TXD of the communication chip is connected with the serial communication interface of the core board (2), so as to realize the debugging function of the communication chip; the communication chip is also connected with the signal interface GPIO_PWRKEY of the core board (2) through a short-circuit dial switch, so as to realize the switch control of the communication chip.

5. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GSM-R bottom plate (1) is also provided with a backboard interface, which is used for receiving external address signals, reset signals, Ethernet signals and power inputs, and is connected with the address signal circuit, the reset signal circuit, the network port circuit and the power input circuit in the GSM-R bottom plate (1) respectively.

6. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The address signal circuit distinguishes different unit modules by different address signals, so as to realize the addressing function; the address signal ADDR is connected to the optical coupling device through the backboard interface, and the GPIO_ADDR0-3 signals in the addressing signal are input to the core board (2) after isolation of the optical coupling device, so as to realize the addressing function of the address signal circuit.

7. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reset signal circuit is used for realizing the total reset function of the power supply of the GSM-R bottom plate (1); the RST signal sent by the external control unit is connected to the optical coupling device through the backboard interface, and the reset signal ALL_RST is input to the core board (2) after isolation of the optical coupling device, so as to realize the total reset function of the power supply.

8. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The network port circuit adopts a double-path redundancy design, which is used for realizing high-bandwidth data transmission with the control unit and the exchange unit. The signal channels in the network port circuit are divided into two independent paths for transmission and reception, both of which adopt differential transmission mode; the network port circuit realizes high-bandwidth data transmission through a network isolation transformer, and the network isolation transformer is provided with a series protection resistor and a high-voltage protection capacitor on the side of the core board (2).

9. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel of the GSM-R bottom plate (1) is provided with a USB circuit, which is used for realizing the functions of U disk downloading device log, core board debugging serial port and core board program downloading.

10. The GSM-R equipment compatible with the GSM-R voice unit and the GSM-R data unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel of the GSM-R bottom plate (1) is provided with an LED circuit, which is used for displaying the power supply, field strength, GPSR and voice signal state.

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