UNE-EN 50657-2017 PDF

Full title and description

UNE-EN 50657:2017 — Railways applications — Rolling stock applications — Software on board rolling stock. This is the Spanish adoption (UNE) of the European standard EN 50657:2017, which defines process and technical requirements for development of on-board rolling-stock software (application programs, operating systems, firmware and related tools).

Abstract

EN/UNE 50657:2017 specifies lifecycle, process and technical requirements for software developed for programmable electronic systems used on rolling stock. It applies to both safety-related and non-safety-related software (including application code, operating systems, firmware and support tools), addresses the use of pre-existing software and configurable application data, and outlines applicability to programmable components where exhaustive testing is not feasible. The standard excludes signalling equipment software installed on board trains and software that is fully segregated from rolling stock functions.

General information

• Status: Originally published as a European standard adopted nationally (UNE). Subsequently amended (A1:2023) and later superseded/replaced in some national contexts by newer EN requirements (see notes below).
• Publication date: 1 September 2017 (EN approval in 2017).
• Publisher: Asociación Española de Normalización (UNE adoption of the European standard EN 50657).
• ICS / categories: ICS 35.080 (software development and documentation); ICS 35.240.60 (IT applications in transport); also referenced in railway software application categories.
• Edition / version: EN 50657:2017 (adopted as UNE‑EN 50657:2017); Amendment A1 published 2023.
• Number of pages: 142 pages.

Scope

The standard applies exclusively to software and the interaction between that software and the system of which it is part, for use in rolling stock applications. It covers development processes and technical requirements for safety-related and non-safety-related software (including high- and low-level application programming, operating systems, firmware and support tools). Software that forms part of signalling/control equipment installed on board trains is excluded, as is software that is completely segregated from rolling-stock functions. EN 50657 also addresses use of pre-existing software and configurable application data, and gives guidance where programmable logic (e.g., FPGA/CPLD) cannot be exhaustively tested.

Key topics and requirements

• Software lifecycle requirements: planning, requirements specification, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, release and maintenance.
• Software assurance and quality activities: verification, validation, testing, documentation and configuration management to demonstrate fitness for purpose.
• Safety classification and applicability to both safety-related and non-safety-related on-board software.
• Requirements for use and control of pre-existing software and third‑party tools (including conditions for reuse and assessment).
• Guidance on architecture, component design, interfaces and integration with hardware and other on-board systems.
• Considerations for programmable logic and embedded firmware where exhaustive input-state testing is not practicable.
• Documentation deliverables and evidence needed for compliance and later maintenance/upgrades.

Typical use and users

Used by rolling-stock manufacturers, on-board systems software developers, integrators, suppliers of embedded and safety-related software, maintenance and engineering teams, assessment and certification bodies, and procurement teams specifying software requirements for trains and other rail vehicles. The standard is applied when establishing development processes, supplier contracts, conformity evidence and maintenance practices for on-board software.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other railway and safety standards such as EN 50128 (software for railway control systems), EN 50126 (RAMS for railway applications), EN 50129 (safety-related electronic systems for signalling), EN 50155 (rolling stock electronic equipment), and newer or replacement EN-level documents addressing software development (for example EN 50716 as a later development in the railway software requirements domain).

Keywords

railway, rolling stock, on-board software, software lifecycle, firmware, safety-related software, software assurance, EN 50657, UNE-EN, pre-existing software, programmable logic, FPGA, CPLD

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UNE-EN 50657:2017 (identical to EN 50657:2017) is a European standard adopted nationally in Spain that sets process and technical requirements for software used on board rolling stock (trains and rail vehicles).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the software lifecycle and technical requirements for development of safety-related and non‑safety-related on-board software (applications, OS, firmware, tools), rules for reuse of pre-existing software and guidance for programmable components where exhaustive testing is not feasible. It excludes signalling equipment software installed on board trains and software fully segregated from operational rolling-stock functions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Rolling-stock manufacturers, software suppliers for trains, systems integrators, maintainers, certification and assessment bodies, and procurers that set requirements for on-board software development and evidence of conformity.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: EN 50657:2017 was published in 2017 and later received an amendment (A1) in 2023. In some national and normative contexts it has been succeeded or replaced by later EN-level documents addressing railway software requirements (for example EN 50716 as published/standardized in subsequent years). Users should verify the current national status and whether later EN replacements apply in their country before relying on this edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the family of railway software and safety standards and is typically referenced alongside EN 50128, EN 50126 and EN 50129 and other rolling-stock standards that together address RAMS, software assurance and hardware requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Railway software, rolling stock, on‑board software, software lifecycle, software assurance, firmware, EN 50657, pre-existing software, programmable logic, safety-related software.