Interlocking Logic and Switch Machines

RSC 105 introduces the critical concepts of interlocking, a safety-critical system designed to prevent conflicting movements in rail operations. The course begins with the fundamentals of relay logic, progressing to the architectural design and operational characteristics of modern processor-based interlocking systems. Students will learn how these systems ensure safe train movements through the implementation of route locking, signal control, and detection circuits. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding the various types of switch machines, their installation, adjustment, and troubleshooting. Through theoretical instruction and practical exercises, technicians will develop the skills necessary to interpret interlocking circuit diagrams, diagnose common faults, and perform routine maintenance on these essential components of railway infrastructure.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

RSC 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Interlocking Principles and Safetylecture

02Lesson 2: Fundamental Electrical and Electronic Components for Signalinglecture

03Lesson 3: Basic Relay Logic and Circuit Design for Interlockinglecture

04Hands-on Lab: Constructing Basic Interlocking Logic Circuitslab

05Lesson 5: Understanding Route Locking and Signal Aspectslecture

06Lesson 6: Introduction to Processor-Based Interlocking Systemslecture

07Lesson 7: Data Communication Protocols in Modern Interlockinglecture

08Hands-on Lab: Programming Basic Interlocking Logic in a Simulated Environmentlab

09Lesson 9: Principles and Types of Switch Machineslecture

10Lesson 10: Installation, Adjustment, and Maintenance of Switch Machineslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Inspecting and Adjusting a Switch Machinelab

12Lesson 12: Troubleshooting Interlocking Systems and Switch Machineslecture

13Lesson 13: Advanced Concepts in Interlocking System Diagnosticslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Designing and Testing an Interlocking Segmentassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Interlocking Principles and Safety","Week 2: Lesson 2: Fundamental Electrical and Electronic Components for Signaling","Week 3: Lesson 3: Basic Relay Logic and Circuit Design for Interlocking","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Constructing Basic Interlocking Logic Circuits","Week 5: Lesson 5: Understanding Route Locking and Signal Aspects","Week 6: Lesson 6: Introduction to Processor-Based Interlocking Systems","Week 7: Lesson 7: Data Communication Protocols in Modern Interlocking","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Programming Basic Interlocking Logic in a Simulated Environment","Week 9: Lesson 9: Principles and Types of Switch Machines","Week 10: Lesson 10: Installation, Adjustment, and Maintenance of Switch Machines","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Inspecting and Adjusting a Switch Machine","Week 12: Lesson 12: Troubleshooting Interlocking Systems and Switch Machines","Week 13: Lesson 13: Advanced Concepts in Interlocking System Diagnostics","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Designing and Testing an Interlocking Segment"]