Asymmetric DCC

The Digital Command Control signal present on the rails is symmetrical, meaning the pulses on either rail are of equal amplitude. Asymmetrical means that one is not the same amplitude as the other. By insertion of a device between a segment of track and the power bus, an asymmetrical waveform can be created. Certain multifunction decoders are capable of detecting the lack of symmetry and acting upon that. An asymmetrical signal allows for a degree of automation, where a train may or may not stop at a signal or platform depending on direction.
== How Asymmetrical DCC Works ==
The Digital Command Control waveform is symmetrical, meaning the pulses on Rails A and B are equal in amplitude. 
To create the asymmetrical waveform, the DCC signal to one rail is fed through a circuit consisting of four diodes in series, with another reverse biased diode connected in parallel. When current flows through a forward biased diode, a voltage drop of approximately 700mV occurs. This results in the amplitude of the signal being reduced (or clipped) by 2.8V by the four forward biased diodes. The single diode connected in reverse completes the circuit when it is forward biased, allowing current to pass through the load and return to the booster. This circuit works because the booster applies a positive voltage to one rail while grounding the other.
Consider 16V (assuming no loss across the decoder) as the track voltage. With Rail B (Blue) energized the amplitude of the signal on the red rail is 16 − 2.8 = +13.2V as the current returns through the four (forward biased) diodes to the booster. When Rail A (Green) energized, the amplitude would be +15.3V (16 − 0.7) as the current flows through the single forward biased diode, returning via the blue rail. The amplitudes would no longer be symmetrical in nature. This is possible because the four diodes in series created a 2.8V voltage drop. 
The waveform shows the voltage between the two rails. The first part shows a normal waveform, the second a waveform with positive asymmetry and finally, a waveform with negative symmetry. The difference can be used to determine if the modified signal is from the left or right rail, or in more practical terms, assuming the asymmetric signal is always on the right rail from the driver's perspective, "which direction is the locomotive facing?"
A compatible multifunction decoder has additional circuitry which compares the amplitude of the pulses on the rails. If one is less than the other by a pre-determined amount, a signal will be generated and sent to the multifunction decoder's microcontroller. This will trigger the braking routine. Additional CVs enable selecting left or right rail, for additional operational possibilities. 
AsymmetricDCCDiodes.png|Circuit to provide Asymmetrical DCC. The right rail in the direction of travel is gapped. It is possible to use a switch to bypass the diodes, connecting the gapped section directly to the DCC bus, allowing the Asymmetric DCC signal to be used as needed.
Asymmetry.gif|Resulting amplitudes of the DCC signal, which are no longer symmetric. The rail with the reduced pulse amplitude determines if the decoder will react or not. 
===Applications===
Asymmetrical DCC is not used on the entire layout. It is only used on short, isolated sections of track. The diode module often has a connection for a bypass switch, so the user can activate or deactivate this feature. Multifunction Decoders which support these features are required.
==== Constant Stopping Distance ====
This feature (if available) allows a fixed stopping distance regardless of vehicle speed. When activated, the locomotive will come to a stop, within that distance. Pressing a Brake button or setting the speed to 0 triggers this feature. At slow speeds the result is prototypical.
=== Automatic Brake Control ===
 
When the train enters the track section with the clipped DCC waveform, the multifunction decoder senses the presence of the asymmetrical waveform and brings the train to a stop. Such as automatically stopping at the station platform. Or in the case of a terminal, before it runs out of track.
This feature could be used in conjunction with a signalling system so the train does not enter a section when the signal is red, or stops before a diamond crossing without intervention. This would allow some automation where trains will not collide accidentally. 
Another application is by wiring the diode module so it is controlled by a turnout, allowing a train to enter a passing siding and stop if the switch rails are not set correctly, instead of fouling the points and derailing. Or the train cannot leave that track until the switch is correctly aligned. When everything is aligned correctly, the module will be bypassed and the train can move again.
====Devices for Asymmetric DCC====
Lenz offers multifunction decoders as well as the following modules:
* BM1: Basic stop module
* BM2: Offers more sophisticated braking control for a single block, also actuates block signals and/or panel display LEDs.
* BM3: Controls a series of blocks, initiating braking if the next block is occupied. Can actuate block signals and/or panel display LEDs, and provides digital feedback.
** BM3K: Same as the BM3, intended for use with reversing sections.
*LG100 Brake Generator
** The brake module LG100 serves to provide prototypical slowing and stopping of digital locomotives in front of a 'red' signal. 
The LG100 generates the control signals for a booster, just like the command station LZ100. The LG100 does not have an amplified output for connection to the track. For operation, a booster such as the LV100/LV102/LV103 or LV200 with is needed. Trains in both directions will stop.
===Constructing a Diode Module for Asymmetric DCC===
DCC_DiodeCircuit.jpg|Schematic for a Diode Module
DCC_Diode_Modules.png|Modules with a test version mounted on a terminal strip
DCC_Diode_Installed-2.png|Completed module installed on layout
As shown in the image at the beginning of the article, the diode module consists of five diodes.
One can construct their own modules using commonly available parts. The basic specifications are a diode with a PIV of at least 50V, and a current capacity of 3A or more. Any generic rectifier diode will do. An example would be a 1N5400 –1N5408 series diode, rated at VFWD = 1V, IFWD = 3A, PIV = 400V. This type of diode is available at low cost. For best results a fast-switching diode, such as a Schottky diode, should be used. Slow diodes may not attenuate the signal enough for the decoder work. While the schematic shows 4 diodes in series, it is acceptable to add another diode if needed to get the waveform required.
==== How Does it Work? ==== 
When current flows from the booster through the single diode to the track, a 0.7V drop is introduced into the signal. When the phase inversion occurs, current flows through the four diodes in series, and a 2.8V drop occurs. The decoder compares the two pulses and seeing one is much lower than the other in amplitude, initiates the stopping process.
It is acceptable to connect a toggle switch or relay across the diode module (in parallel) to allow the module to be bypassed if the automatic brake is not required at that time.
Remember: Multifunction Decoders which do not support Asymmetric DCC will ignore the altered DCC signal and continue on their way. If the track ends at the edge of the layout, a dead section would be a good idea, as well as some form of barrier.
=== Asymmetrical DCC in Operation ===
== See Also ==
* Automatic Brake Control
* Brake District: A form of power district that can be used for stopping a train automatically.
=== External Links ===
Lenz Patent Application (US): Method and apparatus for automatic train control in a digitally controlled model railroad system:
* PDF
Abstract
:A method for automatic train control in a digitally controlled model railroad system includes detecting a polarity change of a track voltage applied to the track by means of a digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track. The track voltage being a modulated control voltage which is normally symmetric and asymmetric in galvanically isolated track sections. After each detection of a change of polarity, the voltage level of the control voltage applied to the track is sampled independently for each rail of the track by means of the digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track. The voltage values sampled for each rail of the track are compared to each other and evaluated with regard to any asymmetry occurring in the amplitude of the track voltage with reference to each rail of the track. Depending on the result of the evaluation, the travel operation of the motor vehicle is influenced that is otherwise controlled by the digital control system.
Category: Multifunction Decoder
Category:Automation
Category: Electronics
Category:Lenz
Category:CV
Category:Multifunction Decoder Features