Track circuits as normally used in signaling systems work by applying an electrical current to the rails at one end of a track segment and by detecting the current at the other end. When used in a signal system for broken rail detection, a current received at the far end of a block is an indication that the track is safe. As an alternative to traditional track circuiting approaches, we propose using jointless AC and DC track circuits to develop a low-cost broken rail detection system, where installation of a traditional signal system is not economical. The pursuit of alternatives that don't require the installation of insulated joints is a worthwhile goal. Insulated joints represent a maintenance liability and a potential point of failure of the track and signal infrastructure. As a result, every insulated joint that can be eliminated further reduces the likelihood of an undetected broken rail failure.
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