UIC Leaflet 612-03: Standardizing the Digital Vision of the Train Driver

What is UIC Leaflet 612-03?

UIC Leaflet 612-03 is a cornerstone of modern rolling stock digitalization, titled “Driver’s machine interface (DMI) – Display systems.” It belongs to the 612 series, which collectively aims to harmonize the Driver’s Cab environment across different locomotive and train types.

Specifically, Leaflet 612-03 defines the functional and ergonomic requirements for the visual displays (screens) used by drivers. In an interoperable railway network, a driver trained in one country should be able to operate a locomotive from another manufacturer with minimal retraining because the information—such as speed, brake pipe pressure, and catenary voltage—is presented in a standardized logical format.

Screen Layout and Information Architecture

The leaflet prescribes a rigid structure for how screens are divided. This ensures that safety-critical data is always found in the same visual location. The standard layout typically includes:

• Monitoring Area: The central part of the screen showing real-time operational data like speed and traction/braking effort.
• Status Information: Dedicated zones for the status of doors, pantographs, and main circuit breakers.
• Input Area (Soft Keys): Standardized mapping for the physical or touch buttons surrounding the display, ensuring that the ‘Acknowledge’ or ‘Menu’ buttons are consistent across fleets.
• Messaging and Alarm Zone: A prioritized area for fault codes and system warnings, categorized by urgency.

Interoperability and ETCS Integration

One of the most critical applications of UIC 612-03 is its alignment with the ETCS (European Train Control System) DMI requirements. While ETCS has its own specific display rules (ERA_ERTMS_015560), UIC 612-03 ensures that the TCMS (Train Control and Management System) data coexists harmoniously with the signaling data, preventing driver distraction and “information overload.”

Technical Requirements for Display Hardware

Beyond software layout, the leaflet specifies the physical characteristics of the display hardware to ensure safety in all light conditions:

• Luminance and Contrast: Screens must be readable in direct sunlight and dimmable for night operation to prevent glare.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Mandatory to reduce reflections from cab lighting or windows.
• Color Accuracy: Specific chromaticity coordinates for “Safety Red,” “Warning Yellow,” and “Normal Green” to ensure no ambiguity in status reporting.

Comparison: UIC 612-03 vs. Legacy Analog Cabs