Computer-based interlocking (CBI) is railway signalinterlocking implemented with computers and semiconductors, rather than using older technologies such as relays or mechanics. So it is a special subset (but most common implementation) of Solid State Interlocking systems today. In some countries were hybrid constructions established with logic cores from computers and electromechanical interfaces to lineside systems.
General
CBIs are mostly implemented in two parts:
a section that implements the safety and failsafe requirements, and
a second section that implements "non-vital" controls and indications.
Because the interlockings are traditionally grounded in national infrastructure, they are not fully transparent and standardised. Despite the global companies implementing it, the local implementation is often proprietary closed. The EU is trying to open the framework of information by customers by means of RailML, thereby reducing nonstandard efforts and longterm costs.
Brands
Different manufacturers have their own brands of CBI such as
When interfacing different brands of CBI equipment, it may be necessary to use relays of each regime, which are then hardwired from one to the other. This happens e.g. in the middle of the Channel Tunnel where French and British signalling equipment meet.
The network division of Deutsche Bahn (now DB InfraGo) has been creating a framework of standard interface definitions under the label DSTW [de] (for "digital" interlocking with full IPv6-based communication). A project group named EULYNX has defined a set of global interface definitions SCI-* (from Standard Communication Interface). These interfaces are defined with RailML terms. Ideally all partnering companies should transform their equipment along these standards and partial mixing of approved suppliers should be possible. The goal was to circumvent vendor lockin and private interfaces. These standards were adopted by other countries like Denmark and Norway for replacement projects of railway signalling. In Germany the mass rollout has not started in 2025.
Competition Rules
Since only some of the major signalling organisations make CBI equipment, it was agreed that to prevent other players being left out in the cold, CBI equipment would be made available to those players at cost.[citation needed]
