A balise /bəˈliːz/ is an electronic beacon or transponder placed between the rails of a railway as part of an automatic train protection (ATP) system. The French word balise is used to distinguish these beacons from other kinds of beacons.[1]
Balises are used in the KVB signalling system installed on main lines of the French railway network, other than the high-speed Lignes à Grande Vitesse.
Balises constitute an integral part of the European Train Control System, where they serve as "beacons" giving the exact location of a train. The ETCS signalling system is gradually being introduced on railways throughout the European Union.[2]
Balises are also used in the Chinese Train Control System versions CTCS-2 and CTCS-3 installed on high-speed rail lines in China, which is based on the European Train Control System.
A balise which complies with the European Train Control System specification is called a Eurobalise.
- ^ "balise | Italian to English | Engineering (general)".
- ^ 'EC sets out ERTMS deployment deadlines,' http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//ec-sets-out-ertms-deployment-deadlines.html