Ansaldo STS USA (ASTS USA) is proud to introduce its new VitalNet™ PTC Solution product family and announce the shipment of the first MicroLok® II VitalNet™ CPU (VitalNet CPU), a Positive Train Control central processing unit for its MicroLok® II product line.

This is the first in a series of products that make up ASTS USA’s VitalNet PTC Solution. The VitalNet CPU provides Vital PTC compatibility that enables customers to leverage existing and new MicroLok II wayside signaling investments in concert with PTC implementation.

An existing MicroLok II CPU board is easily exchanged with a VitalNet CPU board, providing a PTC ready interface. The upgrade does not affect the existing MicroLok II interlocking logic and does not require a re-test of the application logic in most situations.

The VitalNet CPU boards are available for order and will be available for delivery to customers in volume quantities starting in October, 2009.

The federally mandated PTC implementation is the most significant and demanding train control program in the history of North American railroads. There are nearly 75,000 wayside locations that must be upgraded, and building upon an existing MicroLok II installed base with the VitalNet CPU provides PTC functionality with minimal labor costs.

ASTS USA is dedicated to helping the railroad industry meet its December, 2015 deadline for PTC implementation and provides a variety of products and solutions to meet the mandated safety critical requirements. All FRA required safety evaluation documentation is provided for the MicroLok II as well as other ASTS USA products and solutions.

ASTS USA is already implementing a completely integrated Vital PTC solution for signaled and dark territory on the Alaska Railroad.