System and method for broken rail and train detection

A system for detecting a rail break or presence of a rail vehicle in a block of a rail track devoid of insulated joints, the block of the rail track comprising a plurality of zones, the system comprising:

• a plurality of voltage sources, each coupled to one of the plurality of zones;
• and
• a plurality of current sensors, each coupled to a respective voltage source and configured to sense current flowing through the current sensor in response to changing voltage patterns generated by the plurality of voltage sources, and further configured to generate a plurality of signatures based on the sensed current, wherein the changing voltage patterns are generated through the plurality of voltage sources by sequentially applying a desired voltage via each voltage source while all remaining voltage sources apply zero volts.

A method of in-rail communication in a block of rail track devoid of insulated joints, the method comprising:

• transmitting and receiving via a rail track, communication frames in a synchronized format between a plurality of sensors that are responsive to voltage pattern changes along desired portions of the block of rail track;
• and
• monitoring the communication frames to determine the presence of a rail break or rail vehicle in the block of rail track, wherein the voltage patterns changes are generated through the plurality of voltage sources by sequentially applying a desired voltage via each voltage source while all remaining voltage sources apply zero volts.