Wavetronix VDR24 Radar - Manual (Page 17)

Introduction and Overview
VDR24 Radar Detection System, Rev. 1.0 17
Radar Cross Section The relative signal strength of reflected radar emissions off of
a vehicle or structure. When measured and compared against
background signals, meaningful levels of reflected energy are
the first step in the detection analysis process.
Railroad Equipment For the purposes of the Island Radar detection system,
Railroad Equipment includes crossing controllers, relay logic,
and vital processors that utilize vehicle or train detection to
perform other functions such as changing the position of grade
crossing warning system gates or signal aspects for track
circuit dead sections.
RS-232 A one-to-one serial communication standard. For the
purposes of the Island Radar detection system, an RS-232
communication link is used to configure the radar sensors.
RS-485 A multi-drop serial communication standard. For the purposes
of the Island Radar detection system, RS-485 circuits are
used between the VDR24 Controller and the radar sensors.
An important attribute of RS-485 circuits is their ability to pass
high-speed communications reliably over long distances with
high immunity to electrical noise and interference.
Shield or Drain A common electrical conductor used to suppress noise and
interference in communication cables.
SmartSensor Manager – Rail
or SSM-Rail
A PC application for configuring the behavior of radar sensors
and establishing detection Lanes, Zones, and output
Channels.
SmartSensor-Matrix The general class of Wavetronix sensors containing multiple
solid-state radar sensors in a single package.
SmartSensor-Rail A specific firmware version of the SmartSensor-Matrix
hardware that contains performance features specially
intended for railroad applications.
XR Circuit Abbreviation for Crossing Relay Circuit, generally the primary
relay which, when de-energized by a train detection, causes
activation of the Crossing Warning System. Railroad failsafe
convention specifies that the XR relay contacts are closed
when the crossing is not intended to be activated and open
when the crossing is activated.
Zones For the purposes of the Island Radar detection system, Zones
are individual areas which, when a detection state is
confirmed, cause an associated output Channel or Channels
to be activated, opening the contacts associated with those
output Channels. See Channels and Lanes.