With its zentrak OBJECT CONTROLLER PLATFORM (UNIOC), voestalpine Railway Systems has developed a unified platform for controlling and monitoring a wide range of railway field elements. Designed to support the EULYNX standard, the platform combines functional safety, cybersecurity and operational flexibility within a common architecture.
The Idea Behind the zentrak OBJECT CONTROLLER PLATTFORM (UNIOC)
Rather than developing individual control systems for each application, zentrak UNIOC follows a platform-based concept. Multiple railway applications are built on a common technological foundation, allowing operators to benefit from consistent system architecture, simplified maintenance processes, and easier future upgrades.
By aligning the platform with EULYNX specifications, voestalpine Railway Systems supports a signalling environment in which field elements can be integrated through standardized communication interfaces. This creates greater freedom when selecting and replacing infrastructure components while helping railway organizations move towards more interoperable networks.
One Platform – Multiple Applications
A key feature of the zentrak UNIOC family is the shared use of core technologies. All platform variants are based on the same underlying architecture, including the operating environment, diagnostics framework, cybersecurity functions and safety-related components.
Based on this common platform, different field elements can be flexibly integrated through specially tailored application modules:
- zentrak UNIAC 2 – Object Controller for Train Detection System
For nearly 10 years, our axle counter has been delivering reliable and safe axle detection in railway operations worldwide. Constantly enhanced to address market expectations, now meets the latest cybersecurity requirements and EULYNX standards, serving as a key building block for zentrak UNIOC Object Controller solutions. - zentrak UNIOC P – Object Controller for Points
Control and monitor points based on EULYNX standards. In 2025, UniOC[P] became the first EULYNX Baseline 4 Release 3-compliant object controller in Europe to achieve CENELEC SIL4 certification from TÜV SÜD. It can be used in both new and existing signalling environments. - zentrak UNIOC IO – Object Controller for Generic Inputs and Outputs
Provides standardized safety-related digital input and output functions, enabling the integration of various field devices on a common platform. - zentrak UNIOC LS – Object Controller for Light Signals
Enables the safe control and monitoring of light signals while supporting remote diagnostics and status monitoring. - zentrak UNIOC LC – Object Controller for Level Crossings
Integrates level crossing functions such as barrier control, flashing warning lights and audible warning devices on a shared platform and connects them to higher-level systems via standardized EULYNX interfaces.
Cybersecurity Built in From the Start
The zentrak UNIOC platform was designed with security considerations integrated from the outset. In line with EULYNX requirements, cybersecurity mechanisms are implemented directly within the platform architecture to help protect communication channels, operational processes and critical infrastructure assets.
Combining cybersecurity and railway safety within a single platform contributes to a robust foundation for future digital signalling systems.
Rail Baltica: A Milestone Project for the zentrak OBJECT CONTROLLER PLATFORM
One of the first planned deployments of zentrak UNIOC P is Rail Baltica, one of Europe’s most ambitious railway projects.
Connecting Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw along a new high-speed line, the project is being designed for a highly digital and interoperable future. This makes Rail Baltica an ideal environment for EULYNX-based signalling solutions.
The zentrak UNIOC platform is the result of many years of experience in signalling technology, system engineering and cybersecurity. By bringing multiple field element applications together on a common platform and aligning them with EULYNX principles, voestalpine Railway Systems is helping to advance the transition towards more open, interoperable and future-ready railway infrastructure.
The successful certification of zentrak UNIOC P marks an important milestone and demonstrates the potential of standardized, platform-based signalling solutions for the railways of tomorrow.
This article was originally published by voestalpine Railway Systems.
