Automatic Phase Inversion

Summary: Automatic Phase Inversion corrects phase mismatches between track sections such as cross overs and reverse loops. Also called Auto-reverse, but it does not reverse the direction of a train.

See the Video.

Description

Phase Inversion or Auto Reverse is an electronic feature found in some boosters. If the phase between two power districts controlled by different boosters does not match, a short will occur. To prevent that, both rails are gapped to isolate one power district from the other. When a metal wheel bridges the gap, a phase mismatch causes a short to occur. The auto-reverse circuit detects that event and flips (inverts) the phases so they match. Fleischmann/Roco use the term Auto Inversion which is more accurate in describing what happens.

For adjacent power districts, only one booster should have this feature enabled, preventing an endless loop of phase changes between two boosters.

Digital Command Control does not have signals of different polarity on the rails. The direction of travel is determined by the instructions sent to the multifunction decoder within the locomotive.

Automatic phase inversion devices are available to implement phase matching on a reverse loop. They can be part of a power management device, or a stand-alone unit from suppliers such as Digitrax, DCC Specialties, Lenz, NCE and others.

If a train enters a reverse loop or balloon track, at the turnout's point rails Rail A will connect to Rail B through the turnout's wiring. To prevent this, there must be double gaps on the track loop.

The AR1 will detect a phase mismatch across a gap in the rails, such as that found in a reverse loop or turntable, and instantly correct the situation. Any situation where Rail A connects to Rail B results in a short circuit. This also causes a short when two booster districts are out of phase.

Digital Command Control and Polarity

Digital Command Control has no concept of polarity. Despite what many assert, there are no negative voltages present on the rails, nor do the rails possess a specific polarity.

A short occurs when two rails are bridged by a conductor, resulting in current flowing from High to Low.

The correct term, as per the NMRA Digital Command Control standards, is Phase. The rails maintain a phase relationship, where one rail is always the opposite state of the other. Each rail has two distinct states, or phases: High (Energized/On) and Low (0/Off). When one rail is high, the other is low, and vice versa.

The NMRA does define a rail as positive, yet that definition is subjective as it is determined by the direction the locomotive is facing.

Isn't Digital Command Control using Alternating Current

No. Alternating Current is an analog signal with a constantly changing amplitude and polarity, with respect to a ground reference. DCC is digital, it only has two logical states, On and Off.

Digitrax AR1 Auto Reversers. Tips and setup tricks.

For an old Model Railroader like me, one of the biggest advances that DCC has given the hobby, is the ability to run a train on any track in any direction! Prior to this, changing lines would often require a multitude of switches and complicated wiring, and reversing loops were a nightmare, especially if you wanted the train to keep running through the loop!! Now, it's as easy as installing a Auto reverser, a few insulated fishplates and off you go! But before you rush into wiring your reverser, here are a few tips to help you get trouble free performance and prevent any issues down the track. We're going into class so I expect your best behavior and full attention... LOL

Further Reading

• Common Returns are needed to make multiple boosters work properly together. Power management devices as well as auto reversers may require a common return connection as well.
• Reverse Sections