Our inhouse engineering and software teams are always looking ahead to predicted and other safety critical improvements.
David Muse, Chief Technical Architect examines how our radical software technology can cushion the impact on train operating companies.
29 May 2026
Following the latest review by the RSSB, several previously optional requirements within the ASDO standard (RIS-2747-RST) have transgressed to become mandatory. Petard Rail’s advanced ASDO system’s product architecture already meets the new obligations.
Both of Petard’s ASDO (Automatic Selective Door Operation) and CSDE (correct side door enable) systems are approved to SIL 2. They are modular by design and as such, can be adapted to a train’s existing systems or new route geography.
CSDE certification, now a compulsory requirement for any ASDO system, is already provided as one of our ASDO product features. A fully automatic, power-operated exterior door opening system correlates with the length of a platform. This precision in-door control enhances overall efficiency during passenger boarding and alighting, enhancing passenger safety.
Our smart solution door system both predicts and adapts to the unique characteristics of each station platform. By harnessing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), odometry “dead reckoning” technologies, and real time data analysis, Petards’ ASDO ensures that the correct door pattern is released at every platform.
Variants of ASDO, both track-based and location-based GNSS, must now allow a combination of both. Petards’ system is an ideal advanced solution because it is already designed to provide for a hybrid function, where it is needed.
There are diverse ways to develop ASDO functionality. Most systems use a “ground-to-train” communication point to find when a train is passing through a station, from what direction and the platform it is arriving at.
Petards Rail’s system does not require existent rail track situated electronic beacons or transponders to function, although they can be integrated with existing, or new track infrastructure for added redundancy.
Our smart solution door system both predicts and adapts to the unique characteristics of each station platform. By harnessing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), odometry “dead reckoning” technologies, and real time data analysis, Petards’ ASDO ensures that the correct door pattern is released at every platform.
Variants of ASDO, both track-based and location-based GNSS, must now allow a combination of both. Petards’ system is an ideal advanced solution because it is already designed to provide for a hybrid function, where it is needed.
There are diverse ways to develop ASDO functionality. Most systems use a “ground-to-train” communication point to find when a train is passing through a station, from what direction and the platform it is arriving at.
Petards Rail’s system does not require existent rail track situated electronic beacons or transponders to function, although they can be integrated with existing, or new track infrastructure for added redundancy.
Using multiple sources of GNSS and odometry readouts, a train’s position can be decided accurately and meet Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) requirements. A beacon free system removes expensive infrastructure costs whilst the modular design of Petards’ ASDO and CSDE solutions allows the integration of DCO, CCTV and other systems which all use the same software platform. This in turn can help reduce costs for new and retrofit programmes.
Maria Walker, Business Development Manager commented: “Uniquely, Petards can perform mass remote updating of a train’s ASDO database. This enables it to run on new routes without the effort of manually updating each train on site, saving on critical time and resources.”
CSDE truly complements the functionality of the base ASDO system. Where ASDO focuses on the door release based on the platform length versus the train length, CSDE centres on enabling the correct side of the train for the arrival platform.
Always looking ahead to predicted and other safety critical improvements, Petards Rail is a leading UK supplier of intelligent train technology. In supporting the rail industry to navigate updated safety standards, we can provide our customers with technologically advanced rail solutions which prioritise the highest benchmarks for rail safety, passenger service and cost efficiencies.