EUROBALISE S21 for TRAINGUARD

For Track-to-train Communication

EUROBALISE S21
Module for ETCS

The European Train Control System (ETCS) is being created on the basis of components with standardised interfaces.

As one of the ETCS pioneers Siemens has developed these interfaces and can therefore offer ETCS systems and com-

ponents: the TRAINGUARD product family. An important component of the TRAINGUARD product family is the

EUROBALISE S21.

Range of Applications The principal features of EUROBALISE S21

EUROBALISE S21 is highly versatile. With it,
Siemens satisfies all the demands resulting from
the functions of intermittent and variable line
data transmission. This predestines it world-wide
for use in main-line railways, mass transit and
light rail transport.
Because of its small dimensions and its low
weight EUROBALISE S21 it is easy to mount and
can be used even under tough operating
conditions and is immune to weathering effects
and maintenance-free.
EUROBALISE S21 is future-proof through ongoing
development to CENELEC standards.
at a glance
With EUROBALISE S21, Siemens is offering a high-
performance product with an extremely good
cost-performance ratio.
• EUROBALISE S21 from Siemens allows trouble-
free interoperation with components from
various manufacturers. It has been certified
and approved on the basis of the UNISIG-speci-
fied behaviour at its interfaces.
• EUROBALISE S21 permits highly reliable data
transmission for train speeds up to 500 kph.
• EUROBALISE S21 itself is only 4 cm high.
Thanks to proven foam embedding technology
and compact design, in-track application pre-
sents no problems. Mounted in the track bed
at the centre of the sleeper, it has plenty of
space and is optimally protected during opera-
tion and mechanical permanent way work.

• Each time a train passes, the EUROBALISE S21
with a permanently stored telegram transmits
the same data to the balise/loop antenna on
board the train. This data can be contactlessly
programmed across an air gap using a test and
programming unit (TPG). The unit does not
need to be plugged in.
• The EUROBALISE S21 transmitting variable data
according to the signal aspect is controlled by
an LEU S21 via a permanently attached cable.
EUROBALISE S21 transmits the telegram stored
in the LEU S21 to the balise/loop antenna on
board the train.
5 Balise/loop antenna
6 Receive-and-forward unit
7 European Vital Computer (EVC)(on-board computer)
8 DMI (driver-machine interface)
9 Odometer pulse generator
10 Radar
7 4
6 8
9 10
EUROBALISE S21 plus
EUROLOOP S21
EUROLOOP S21 increases line
capacity and improves safety.
EUROLOOP S21, a member of the
TRAINGUARD 100 family, is a con-
tinuous option complementing
EUROBALISE S21, which permits
semi-continuous data transfer to
the train. EUROLOOP S21,
an up to 1000 meter-long leaky
feeder, is laid at the base of the rail
web between the distant and main
signals in its standard application.
The advantage of the data transfer
is that the latest information is fed
to the train continuously, not
merely from a defined point.
With minimal modification to the
vehicles, EUROLOOP S21 allows
higher train speeds in the relevant
sections with greater safety.
Principle of operation
EUROBALISE S21 uses a transmission mode based
on inductive coupling and data transmission with
frequency shift keying – a technique employed
successfully for years by Siemens for train control
equipment.
When a train passes, the balise/loop antenna
activates the EUROBALISE S21 by emitting a low-
power signal. The EUROBALISE S21 uses this
power to transmit its information to the
balise/loop antenna. EUROBALISE S21 transmits
the data required for train control to the train
intermittently. This information is passed to the
on-board computer via a trainborne receive-and-
forward unit and to the DMI in the driver’s cab.
Different balise types are used for different appli-
cations.
Siemens uses EUROBALISE S21 of the
TRAINGUARD family as a fixed balise to transmit a
permanently stored telegram. Transparent balises
are used to transmit different telegrams depen-
ding on the signal aspect.
1 LEU S21
2 Fixed balise
3 Transparent balise
EUROLOOP S21 (optional)
5
4 2 3
1
Two for the Track
Fixed and Variable

Fixed balise
As a fixed balise, EUROBALISE S21 transmits a telegram
to a trainborne receive-and-forward unit via the
balise/loop antenna. The telegram contains operating
information and provides details of the location on the
line (reference point). The line data telegram is stored
permanently in the fixed balise. Line data telegrams can
be reprogrammed contactlessly by the user.

Transparent balise
All the signal codes corresponding to the possible
signal aspects and associated telegrams are stored in an
LEU S21 (lineside electronic unit) installed at the
trackside. In accordance with the signal aspect, the
appropriate telegram is selected and passed to the
transparent balise. This balise transmits the telegram via
the balise/loop antenna to a trainborne receive-and-
forward unit.
EUROBALISE S21
Technical Data

Speed range 0 kph to 500 kph

Power transmission frequency 27.095 MHz

Data transmission frequency 4.234 MHz

Data transmission rate 565 kbits/s

Type of modulation Frequency shift keying (FSK)

Overall telegram length 341 bits or 1023 bits (selectable)

Usable data length 210 bits or 830 bits (selectable)

EUROBALISE S21 programming contactless across an air gap by means

of TPG (test and programming unit)

LEU S21 – EUROBALISE S21 up to 500 m

operating distance

MTBF values as per SN 29500 Fixed balise: > 100 years

Transparent balise: 50 years

Mass 3.0 kg without cable

(fixed balise)
8.5 kg with 20 m cable
(transparent balise)

Ambient temperature range -40 °C to +70 °C

IP rating IP67 to EN 60529

Declarations of conformity
• Directive on “Radio Equipment and Telecommunications
Terminal Equipment” (99/5/EC)
• EMC Directive (89/336/EEC)
• Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
• Directive on the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed
rail system (96/48/EC)
 Reg. No. 001239 QM

Siemens AG
Transportation Systems
Rail Automation
P.O. Box 3327
D-38023 Braunschweig
Germany

Phone: (+ 49) (531) 226 2888

Fax: (+ 49) (531) 226 4888

www.siemens.com/transportation

Printed in Germany
KK0408056 311993 PA09041.5
Order No.: A19100-V100-B848-X-7600

The information in this document contains general

descriptions of the technical options available, which
do not always have to be present in individual cases.
The required features should therefore be specified in
each individual case at the time of closing the contract