The RCD Distributed Control Remote Module allows controlling various field elements by capturing a series of digital and analogue signals coming from spatially distributed points called nodes.

The nodes communicate with the RCD through a fibre optics ring tolerant to failures or by a bus per twisted pair, thereby using a LonWork communications protocol.

Specifically, the RCD allows controlling the isolation switches of catenary systems and substations, for both conventional as well as high-speed railway infrastructures.

The RCD includes the control module, the communications subsystem with the Control Centre, the user graphic interface, a personalisation device, a data storage device and a communications module with the field bus.

An RCD controls up to a total of 50 input/output nodes. The base node consists of 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs, and it can be expanded by modules with 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs, modules with 4 analogue inputs, or modules with 8 analogue inputs, up to a maximum of 6 modules.

The innovation of the product is centred on security as regards possible breakdowns, coexistence with proprietary protocols and maintenance. Indeed, the RCD has equipment duality given that the bus elements are tolerant to failures, it implements open communications protocols such as the IEC 870, and it allows the minimum maintenance that it requires to be performed by non-specialised personnel.

The product complies with all applicable CENELEC regulations, and it is installed, depending on its interior or exterior location, on racks that respect the various standards in force: IP 55, DIN41 494 and IEC 297-3.