RFI Approval for GCF’s PAI-PL System

A radar eye for level crossing safety

Reliable, safe and… approved! On April 30, the GCF proprietary radar-based PAI-PL LCP v3.0 (Level Crossing Protection) system obtained the RFI approval certificate, an unquestionable attestation of the system’s efficiency and reliability.

“This is a truly important achievement,” comments Eng. Mattia Baraldi, Director of IS, TLC, R&D and AT Technology Divisions at GCF, “which confirms the actual reliability of the radar technology developed by GCF to ensure the safety of level crossings.”

Designed for the automatic control of level crossing transits, GCF’s PAI-PL LCP v3.0 is a SIL4 system of absolute safety which, thanks to radar technology, is able to operate even in extreme weather conditions and prevent the risk of collision between trains and any vehicles present within the level crossing.

The LCP system monitors the level crossing area through radar sensors installed on dedicated support poles, which are in turn connected to a fail-safe control logic interfacing with the Signalling System (IS). When the level crossing barriers close, the radar sensors scan the crossing area and, if an obstacle is detected, the system’s control logic does not issue the clearance signal to the signalling system, which then prevents the train from passing.

The use of automotive-derived radar technology (the same sensors used in autonomous vehicles), preferred by GCF over laser technology, allows the system to operate even in adverse weather conditions: heavy rain or snowfall, haze or fog—even in zero visibility—do not limit its effectiveness or undermine signal reliability. Moreover, unlike laser equipment that must be mounted on moving supports, radar sensors do not require delicate and critical mechanical supports, making the poles and the monitoring system more durable over time.

The compact size of the poles and yard components represents an additional advantage, making the Monitoring Subsystem (SSM) particularly flexible, allowing installation in various positions and ensuring applicability even in critical contexts.

Among the advantages offered by the PAI-PL LCP system is also the wide FOV (Field of View) of the radar sensors, enabling safe monitoring of areas up to 370 sqm—three times greater than the 105 sqm required by RFI specifications.

Qualified in compliance with RFI specification DTCSTSSSTB SR IS 05 001 C and compliant with the latest RFI standards DT ST SCCS IT IS 092 268 A (certifying its ability to interface with systems based on different technologies), the GCF proprietary LCP (Level Crossing Protection) system can now boast the RFI approval certificate (RFI.DTC.STA0011P20260000381) - a unique achievement for radar-based systems -an unquestionable attestation of its efficiency and reliability.

GCF and its commitment to level crossing safety

Palina radar

Immune a eventi atmosferici

Palina radar

Sensoristica Radar a 77GHz
Ampio campo visivo (FOV)

Segnalamento

Segnale di Via impedita

Armadio LCP

Interfaccia con segnalamento

Convoglio bloccato

Blocco treno automatico

Reference Object

privo di alimentazione
per autotaratura radar

Reference Object

privo di alimentazione
per autotaratura radar

Area monitorata

Area monitorata: fino a 370mq
Ostacoli rilevati: da 40 cm

Acquisizione video

IP camera
Streaming a server centrale

• Palina radar

  Immune a eventi atmosferici

• Palina radar

  Sensoristica Radar a 77GHz
  Ampio campo visivo (FOV)

• Segnalamento

  Segnale di Via impedita

• Armadio LCP

  Interfaccia con segnalamento

• Convoglio bloccato

  Blocco treno automatico

• Reference Object

  privo di alimentazione
  per autotaratura radar

• Reference Object

  privo di alimentazione
  per autotaratura radar

• Area monitorata

  Area monitorata: fino a 370mq
  Ostacoli rilevati: da 40 cm

• Acquisizione video

  IP camera
  Streaming a server centrale

GCF’s direct commitment in the design, production, installation and maintenance of PAI-PL devices has gained strong momentum in recent years, also thanks to strategic operations that have enabled the company to strengthen its production structures, integrate design and engineering expertise, and expand its offering portfolio in the signalling and railway safety sector, earning a leading role among industry players.

The recent evolution of this auxiliary technology - far less costly than building underpasses or overpasses - has allowed RFI to strongly boost the level crossing safety program by launching major Framework Agreements for the design and construction of PAI-PL systems across the entire national railway network.

To date, more than 50 GCF PAI-PL systems are already active on the RFI network, and the number of installations is expected to double by the end of the year, both on the RFI network, on former concessionary railways, and abroad.

Further insights: PAI-PL, technology serving safety

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