MEP™ is a state-of-the-art, retrofittable upgrade for legacy DC traction locomotives equipped with DC Generator or Alternator Excitation Control.
It replaces traditional, slower-responding analogue relay-based controls with high-speed microprocessor-based digital control.
The MEP™ solution incorporates 26 newly added sensors that measure critical parameters previously unavailable in legacy systems.
By combining high-speed digital control and precise real-time measurement, MEP™ delivers:
- Up to 20% higher haulage capability
- Up to 10% fuel savings
- Improved traction performance, equipment protection, and reliability
The result: smarter control, better efficiency, and a major leap forward in modernising existing locomotive fleets — already proven across 5,000+ locomotives worldwide.
What is MEP™
The Microprocessor Engine and Propulsion Control System (MEP™) is a 32-bit, high-performance platform that replaces conventional electro-mechanical excitation systems. It delivers complete traction, propulsion, and engine control for DC-traction locomotives with intelligent diagnostics, advanced fault protection, and real-time monitoring.
Conventional systems depend on slow relay logic and manual adjustments that restrict performance.
MEP™ introduces adaptive digital control that reacts instantly to load, slip, and traction variations—delivering higher reliability and operational efficiency.
Why Upgrade to MEP™
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Higher Haulage: Boosts tractive effort by up to 20%.
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Fuel Efficiency: 6–10% reduction in fuel consumption.
- Integrated AESS: Built-in Auto Engine Start/Stop—no separate unit required.
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Better Adhesion: Up to 45% improvement with intelligent slip detection and automatic sanding.
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Extended Equipment Life: Protects alternators, traction motors, and auxiliaries from overloads.
- Reduced Maintenance: Logs 250+ fault types with modular, plug-in assemblies for quick service.
How the MEP™ Works
At the heart of MEP™ is a digital control unit that continuously monitors locomotive performance through a network of sensors.
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Sense: Collects data from traction motors, alternators, temperature, and pressure sensors.
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Decide: Processes these inputs using real-time control algorithms to maintain optimal excitation and traction.
- Act: Adjusts power delivery, manages braking transitions, and safeguards critical components.
This closed-loop control ensures precise traction management, faster slip recovery, and smooth transitions across varying loads.
System Architecture
The MEP™ package includes everything needed for full locomotive integration:
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Main Control Unit: Modular plug-in cards for easy maintenance and quick replacement.
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Driver Display (TFT/VFD): Displays traction, engine, and diagnostic data in real time.
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Sensor Suite: Monitors current, voltage, temperature, and traction motor speed.
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Remote Monitoring (LocoNet™): Enables cloud-based fleet analytics, GPS tracking, and remote diagnostics
Key Advantages
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Real-time digital excitation and propulsion control
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Intelligent traction motor isolation—keeps locomotive operational even with up to five defective motors
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Automatic wheel-diameter calibration and locked-axle detection
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Extended battery and blower life through smart load management
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Predictive maintenance via continuous monitoring and fault logging
Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 74 VDC nominal (20–130 VDC) with full electrical protection. |
| Mode | Constant HP operation with inbuilt load control. |
| Slip Detection | Through traction motor RPM sensors. |
| Fault Diagnostics | Real-time fault detection, logging, and diagnostic alerts. Monitoring of over 250 types of faults. |
| Display | TFT touch or VFD. |
| Communication | USB (configuration/data), CAN, RS-485. |
| Diagnostics | Fault logging with timestamps; self-test and load-box testing. |
| Traction Alternator Control | PWM-based digital excitation with full galvanic isolation and fault protection. |
Global Deployments
With over 5,000 installations worldwide, MEP™ powers locomotive fleets across India, the USA, Africa, and Southeast Asia — delivering reliability and performance on models such as EMD GT46-MAC, GE U20C, ALCO YDM4, GE Class 88, and AD3400



