Knorr-Bremse’s acquisition of KB Signaling a year and a half ago kicked off the comprehensive expansion of the company’s rail signaling business. Now the Control, Command & Signaling (CCS) business unit has been successfully integrated into the Group – combining deep industry expertise with engineering excellence.
At the center of KB Signaling’s product portfolio is the AFTC5™, a next-generation audio-frequency track circuit system. Replacing traditional relay-based designs, the AFTC5 uses a microprocessor-based control system built around just three programmable components: transmitter, receiver and power supply. “By taking a digital approach, we’ve been able to create a system that’s simpler, smarter and expandable,” explains Pete Rogers, Director of Projects at KB Signaling. “It’s built for today but ready for tomorrow.”
The AFTC5 system also includes another function with huge potential for the future: “It can process train speed commands, enabling operators to safely reduce headways and boost line capacity.” At the same time, it remains backward compatible, allowing phased upgrades without the need for full system replacement.
In one of its most high-profile projects, KB Signaling is equipping a local transport network in a US city with 26 AFTC5 systems – the city’s two central metro routes. “We have narrow work windows, so every step – from hardware swap to commissioning – has to be meticulously executed,” says Rogers. To minimize service disruption, KB Signaling and its general contractor Barletta perform installations at weekends only.
Modular solutions for major rail projects
KB Signaling’s innovations are also gaining traction beyond North America. The company is currently delivering solutions in countries aligned with CENELEC standards – such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom – while collaborating closely with Zelisko and other Knorr-Bremse entities to align technology platforms across regions.
This approach is a key aspect of the KB Signaling philosophy, which focuses primarily on solutions that are compatible with existing infrastructure. “This model makes us an ideal partner for rail operators, system integrators and transportation companies that need modular solutions for major rail projects,” explains Jeff Baker, Managing Director of KB Signaling. The company’s products are divided into track-based and trainbased solutions. Many of them form part of what is known as the Wayside System Data Management Module (WSDMM™) – a platform that significantly enhances rail network digitalization and data intelligence.
KB Signaling: New product highlights
Rail TempEst™: An innovative software solution that enables existing rail infrastructure to measure rail temperature and longitudinal force in real time without using additional sensors.
IXC-R20™: The industry’s first redundant solid-state crossing warning device controller, offering seamless failover functionality for even greater safety and reliability while remaining maximally compatible with existing systems.
Electro Code™ 6 (EC6™): An advanced digital track circuit with multiple features, such as highly precise train detection and support for data-driven analysis of the condition of the ballast bed and rail integrity.
The KB Signaling Certified Developer Program: The program extends the WSDMM software ecosystem to include applications developed by partners, making it possible to replace legacy components with software-based solutions.