ESC- / RSC-Tests

The aim of ESC/RSC tests is to demonstrate the technical compatibility of an on-board CCS subsystem (CCO) with a trackside CCS subsystem (CCT). This is done specifically for the respective area of application of a railway vehicle. The tests can be carried out either in a laboratory or under real trackside conditions on site.

ESC: ETCS system compatibility

ESC refers to the ETCS system compatibility. An ESC type is the value that is assigned to record the technical compatibility between an on-board ETCS subsystem and a section within an operational area. It is reported by the infrastructure managers to the European Railway Agency (ERA) and notified by the ERA. The required ESC types can then be found for each route section in the infrastructure register of the respective infrastructure manager, as well as under this link. As mentioned above, a vehicle must provide evidence of all ESC types in its planned area of use as part of the authorisation process. This verification is included in the inspection of the on-board subsystem during our EC conformity assessment as a Notified Body (NoBo).

The ESC test case catalogues provide general explanations of the test procedure and detailed test case descriptions. These test case catalogues are either already available or can be created by us as a Notified Body (NoBo).

The results of the ESC tests can also be used at the same time as proof of the compatibility of the ETCS on-board unit with the ETCS trackside equipment assigned to the respective ESC type in accordance with the CCS TSI.

RSC: radio system compatibility

RSC refers to radio system compatibility in relation to voice and/or data radio via GSM-R or FRMCS. Here, too, there are RSC types notified by the ERA, which are assigned to each track-side infrastructure and stored with individual test cases.  As a Notified Body (NoBo), we also use these as part of our EC conformity assessment for an on-board subsystem in accordance with the CCS TSI. In addition, the results are also included as part of the applicant's documentation as part of the vehicle approval process at the ERA.