In order to limit the number of cables and wires circulating under the network, the common zone control module (MOC) allows decentralization of the commands and measurements to be carried out and will take charge of them. This universal module must be able to adapt to the particularities of each zone and thus be modular.

Features offered by the common module

The common management module for a network zone must adapt to the particular features of each zone and be upgradable. It also has :

• Eight slots to accommodate specific cards (block detection, electromagnetic switch controls, lighting controls, progressive traffic lights). These can be mixed and added as the area evolves ;
• A CAN communication card allowing it to be connected to the bus of the same name. Via this connection, the module receives instructions and returns information concerning the connected interface cards ;
• Several orders of WS2812B LED strips allowing, among other things, to light the interior of buildings with a minimum of wiring. This solution makes it possible in particular to add LEDs by connecting them in series following those already existing. A simple modification of the microcontroller parameters will allow them to be taken into account immediately. The LEDs of a strip can be controlled individually ;
• Several servomotor commands (turnouts, animations, etc.).

General operating principle of the MOC

The zone control module is modular according to the necessary needs. It will be composed of at least 2 printed circuits :

• piloting MOC;
• CAN bus connection card.

It is connected to the module network by five wires :

• Power supply +15V DC;
• Mass ;
• One of the two rail traction DCC connections (the same for all MOC modules);
• 2 wires (twisted pair) for CAN communication.

When the module is powered up, the microcontroller will review the connected interface cards and send this information to the network management module (MOG).

The different interface cards

At this stage, three different types of interface cards are developed :

• The block detection card (CDC): detects the presence of a train on two separate blocks in DCC (a MOC equipped with 8 CDC cards can detect the presence of a train on 16 different blocks) ;
• The switch control card (CCA): allows the control of an electromagnetic switch (a MOC equipped with 8 CCA cards can control 8 switches) ;
• The lighting control card (CCE) which allows the control of two series of bulbs or other 15V motor (a CCE card makes it possible, for example, to independently manage the ignition of two series of street lamps).