1. MOVITE 2012 Traffic Signal Workshop
History / Basic Operation
Detection
Battery Back Up’s
Fiber Communications
Inspections

2. MUTCD Chapter 4

3. ELECTRO – MECHANICAL
NEMA TS 1 and TS 2
170
2070
ATC / ITS
Key Components

4. Cabinets & Controllers:
ELECTRO – MECHANICAL
There are still many areas that use electro-mechanical controllers, the simple fixed time types are relatively easy to maintain and parts are still available through various sources.
These controllers work quite well in simple applications such as fixed time two phase intersections, mid block pedestrian signals and fire station signals.
Most of the simpler types operate similarly. A synchronous motor drives a dial or drum through a gear system; the size of the gear controls the cycle length.
Pins or keys on the dial close contacts which advance a camshaft, which in turn opens and closes contacts that are connected to the field terminals for the signal indications.
These units can be very dependable if properly maintained, lubed, and adjusted, being able to operate for more than a year between services.
There is very little inter-changeability of controllers or parts with these systems.

5. ELECTRO – MECHANICAL

6. Cabinets & Controllers:
PRE NEMA Solid State
The first solid state controllers were discrete component designs, but still using electro-mechanical logic and analog timing circuits.
The advent of these units created a need for electronics bench technicians in the traffic signal industry for maintenance and repair.
These units progressed to digital timing circuits and modular designs repairable by qualified electronics bench technicians.
Like the electro-mechanical controllers there was little or no interchangeablility and the cabinets were unique to the controllers.
There are still many of these devices in operation today.

7. NEMA TS-1

8. NEMA TS-1
Detector Rack
Monitor
Controller

9. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-1 (old)
This first NEMA standard implemented in 1976 defined the connectors and connections for 3 MS type connectors still used today in the current TS-1 standard.
The “A” connector contains all of the common unit items (power, 24vdc, logic gnd, etc.) all of the ring 1 controls and all of the phase 1 & 2 inputs and outputs.
The “B” connector contains the phases 3 & 4 items, and the “C” connector contains the phases 5 thru 8 items as well as the ring 2 items.

10. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-1 (old)
The concept was to have a 2 phase controller with 1 connector, a 3 or 4 phase with 2 connectors and an 8 phase with 3 connectors with corresponding 2. 4, and 8 phase cabinets.
Many of these controllers were modular in design, purchased with the modules necessary for the phases and features desired.
The inputs and outputs were defined and standardized with respect to electrical levels as well as basic functionality.
Coordination, communications, pre-empt and other auxiliary functions were not defined or standardized, inputs and outputs for these functions were through a manufacturer defined “D” connector.

11. NEMA TS-1 Controller D C B A

12. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-2
The first TS-2 Standard was approved and released in 1992 with revisions in 1998 and 2001.
Abbreviations used in the TS 2 Standard are;
BIU – Bus Interface Unit
CA – Controller Assembly (controller & cabinet)
CU – Controller Unit
DR – Detector Rack
MMU – Malfunction Management Unit
PC – Personal Computer
SDLC – Synchronous Data Link Control
TF – Terminals and Facilities

13. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-2
In simple terms, the major changes from TS1 to TS 2 are;
Elimination of the A, B, C, and D connectors and their associated cabinet wiring, with exchange of input & output information through the controller SDLC port and cabling to Bus Interface Units (BIU) located in the Terminals & Facilities panel and in the detector rack(s).
The BIUs in the TS-2 system perform the function of the input/output boards in a TS-1 controller.
24VDC power supply removed from the controller and replaced with a separate shelf mount unit.

14. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-2
The controller unit and the MMU through the SDLC, exchange information, performing redundant checks on each other.
The controller unit has access to MMU internal information, making enhanced event logging, remote intersection monitoring, and remote diagnostics feasible.
Because controller input and output terminals in the cabinet have been eliminated, troubleshooting is done through diagnostic programs in the controller. These programs can be quite different from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The system is expandable to a total 8 TF BIUs and 8 DET BIUs allowing for future use and manufacturer specific use.

15. Detectors Monitor Controller
NEMA TS-2
Detectors
Monitor
Controller

16. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-2
The TS 2 Type 1 Controller can only be used in a TS 2 Cabinet, it does not have a 24VDC power supply. With the exception of the 120VAC power input, all of it’s inputs and outputs are transmitted digitally to the BIUs through the SDLC Port and cabling .
The Type 1 Controller has 4 connectors;
Power Input – 10 pin - MS Type
Port 1 – 15 pin D type - SDLC
Port 2 – 25 pin D type – Interface to PC or Printer
Port 3 – 9 pin D type – 1200 baud, FSK serial port for on-street communications

17. Cabinets & Controllers:
NEMA TS-2
The TS-2 Type 2 Controller in addition to all of theTS-2 components and capability, has the TS-1 A, B, C, and D connectors as well as an internal 24VDC power supply making it downward compatible to operate in a NEMA TS-1 cabinet when properly programmed.
The TS-2 Type 2 does not have the Type 1 power connector, the power comes in through the A connector. When a Type 2 controller is installed in a TS-2 Cabinet, a power connector adapter may be needed.

18. NEMA TS-2

19. Cabinets & Controllers:
170
The Model 170 specification was developed by Caltrans and the New York State DOT to address needs for an "open systems" controller for transportation applications.
Unlike the NEMA standard, the Model 170 specifications defined controller hardware but not software functionality. The Model 170 approach allows software from any source to be loaded and executed on the controller.
The 170 can be used for functions other than a traffic signal controller such as variable message sign control, ramp metering systems, irrigation control etc.
All of the inputs and outputs are accessed through the 104 pin C1 connector while the C2, C20, C30, and C40 are used for communications. Although C1 pins are assigned as input or output, their specific function is determined by the software used.

20. 170 Controller

21. 170 Controller

22. Cabinets & Controllers:
170
The 170 cabinets are designed using standard 19” electronics rack systems with the components being of the plug-in design.
In addition to the controller a typical 170 cabinet has 1 or 2 input files which contain the detectors, ped isolators, EVP, and other input devices.
A power distribution assembly (PDA) which contains the circuit breakers, mercury contactor (N.C.), the model 204 flashers, and the model VDC power supply.
An output file which contains the model 210 CMU, the model 200 switch packs, and the model 205 transfer relays.
Many sizes and types of 170 Cabinets are available, from a small pole mount cabinet up to a 4 door 2 rack unit that can house a monitor for video detection, a UPS unit with batteries. communications equipment, surveillance camera equipment, master controller etc. in addition to the standard intersection controller and equipment.

23. 170 Cabinet Components
PDA
PDA
Output File
Output File
Back
Front

24. 170 Cabinet Components Controller Input Files Input Files PDA PDA Back
Front

25. 170 Output File

26. Cabinets & Controllers:
170
Input files utilize the standard 22/44 pin edge connector for the input devices, older models did not differentiate the numbered side of the card from the lettered side, having only 22 usable connections.
Newer models have what is called a “split input file” where both the lettered side and the numbered side are separated allowing for additional functions. At this point in time pins 19, 20, 21, and 22 have been assigned for communications to the input devices.

27. Input Files

28. Cabinets & Controllers:
2070
The ATC 2070 is a current generation "open systems" controller system and is recognized explicitly within this standard. It was originally developed as a replacement/upgrade of the Model 170. Its designers tried to mitigate some of the potential parts obsolescence issues associated with the Model 170.
The ATC 2070 also specifies the use of an operating system (OS-9) to separate the hardware from the application software. By specifying an O/S, the explicit mapping of user memory and field I/O, as was done with the Model 170, is no longer necessary.

29. Cabinets & Controllers:
2070
The ATC 2070 also specifies the use of an operating system (OS-9) to separate the hardware from the application software. By specifying an O/S, the explicit mapping of user memory and field I/O, as was done with the Model 170, is no longer necessary.
The O/S further extends the hardware/software independence through I/O and memory resource sharing capabilities. These capabilities allow multiple independent applications to be run simultaneously on a single controller unit in a multi-tasking mode.
The ATC 2070 standard also provides for greater subcomponent interchangeability and modularity than the Model 170. ATC 2070 component modules are defined through specification such that they are interchangeable among different manufacturers.

30. 2070 Controllers

31. Question Why does a traffic light turn red?

32. If you had to change in front of everyone, you'd turn red, too.

33. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
The Engine Board is the heart of an ATC. The CPU, all memory devices, serial interface devices and processor housekeeping circuits are located in the engine board, which shall be interchangeable between manufacturers.
The plug-in form factor and standardized connectorization of the engine board allow it to fit into the host module of any manufacturer’s controller to suit any particular application.
The overall ATC physical design allows for either rack mount or shelf mount cabinet configurations. The controller unit may be capable of being mounted in a rack cabinet including, but not limited to, cabinets adhering to the new ITS cabinet standard and the type , 336, etc. cabinet specifications. If used in a NEMA TS1 or TS 2 cabinet the unit shall be shelf mounted.

34. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
The functionality of an ATC will depend on the applications software loaded into it. Typical anticipated ITS applications to be hosted on the ATC are: Traffic Signal, Traffic Surveillance, Lane Control Signals, Communications, Field Masters, Ramp, Metering, Variable/Dynamic Message Signs, General ITS Beacons, Highway Rail Intersections, Speed Monitoring, Highway Advisory Radio, Freeway Lane Control, High Occupancy Vehicle Systems, Access Control, CCTV Cameras, Weigh in Motion Systems, Roadway Weather Systems, Irrigation Control.
The ATC when installed in an ITS cabinet properly equipped, can perform multiple functions from the list above. Currently there are units in the field running both local controller and on street master functions simultaneously.

35. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
The ATC / ITS cabinet melds concepts from both the NEMA and Model 170 traffic signal. From the Model 170 it takes the concept of rack-mounted subassemblies. From NEMA, it borrows the basic serial connections between the controller and subassemblies.
The cabinet provides the communications paths between the various subsystems, as well as a system to monitor their operation.
Further, the cabinet provides power supplies suitable for the various electronic subassemblies mounted throughout the cabinet. In general, the ITS cabinet is an extension of the original cabinet used for the Model 170 controller in that it is based upon the EIA/TIA standard 19-inch equipment rack.

36. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Each of the subassemblies is connected to the controller using a serial bus, similar to that used in the NEMA TS 2 Type 1 specification. Use of a serial interconnection between subassemblies allows for easy system expansion.
The system supports up to twenty-eight switch packs (load switches) in six and fourteen switch pack increments and ninety-six detector channels in twenty-four channel increments.
The ITS Cabinet is essentially a platform within which modular components may be added to serve a variety of ITS applications.

37. ASC / ITS Controllers

38. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
The major subsystems that may be installed in a cabinet housing are: Controller, Service Panel Assembly, Input Assembly(s), DC Power/Communications Assembly & Extension, Output Assembly(s), Raw/Clean AC Power Assembly & Extension, Power Distribution Assembly, Cabinet Monitoring System, Fiber Optic Splice Tray (optional)
The cabinet is constructed in a modular manner with power distribution and serial connectors conveniently located throughout the cabinet to facilitate a wide variety of configurations and future expansion.

39. ATC / ITS Components

40. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Input Assembly -
The input assembly provides services for the typical inductive loop detectors currently in use ,as well as other more advanced systems that might provide the controller with serial data instead of the typical contact closure.
Each assembly accommodates one Serial Interface Unit (SIU) to communicate with the controller. The rack has space for twelve two-channel detector units or six four-channel detector units. The system can address (i.e. the Serial Bus addressing structure supports) up to four of these assemblies. The detectors in the assembly can communicate to the controller in the form of either a contact closure or use of serial data strings.

41. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Input Assembly -
The back plane of this assembly includes a serial bus to transmit data to and from detectors. This serial data is then transmitted to the controller by a Serial Bus.
This allows for the use of “smart” detectors that can pass additional information such as vehicle classification, Automatic Vehicle Identification/Location information and speed information directly to the controller unit. Each slot provides general purpose power and input/output signals and a serial interface.
The input “slots” can also accommodate the standard collection of Model 170 or NEMA TS 2 type cards, including preemption devices, and isolation modules, using the contact closure interface.

42. Input Assembly
Input Assembly

43. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Output Assembly -
The output assembly handles the switching of 120 VAC power to the signal heads. There are two versions of this assembly, one to accommodate six switch packs and one for fourteen switch packs. It also has an SIU and an Auxiliary Monitor Unit (AMU). The AMU is described in more detail in a following section. The output assembly includes provisions for managing cabinet flash with Flash Transfer Relays and flash configuration jumpers. To support the AMU function of current monitoring, the output assembly includes current monitoring transformers for each switch pack.

44. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Output Assembly -
These current monitor transformers enable the detection of a “no- load” condition on a signal without having to wait for the signal to cycle. The system can address (i.e. the Serial Bus addressing structure supports) ten combinations of six switch and fourteen switch assemblies. For a maximum configuration the system can address two fourteen switch pack modules for a total of twenty-eight switch packs or physical channels, plus four virtual channels for a total of thirty-two logical channels.

45. ATC / ITS Output Files

46. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Power Distribution Assembly (PDA) -
The PDA provides clean protected power to the various devices and subassemblies within the cabinet assembly. This assembly also houses flasher control relays, signal power contactor, and the Cabinet Monitor Unit (CMU). The PDA also houses two low voltage DC power supplies. One provides power to 24 VDC devices, the other to 12 VDC devices. Each of these power supplies is packaged as a slide-out subassembly.

47. Power Distribution Assembly (PDA)

48. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Cabinet Monitoring System
The cabinet monitoring system provides a fail-safe mechanism for the entire collection of subassemblies. The system for the ATC is a departure from its predecessors in that it has been split into sub components, the Cabinet Monitor Unit (CMU) and the Auxiliary Monitor Unit (AMU).
The real power of this architecture is that it allows the user a much greater degree of flexibility in cabinet configurations than previously possible. The use of serial communications to the CMU is a very powerful concept.

49. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Cabinet Monitoring System -
Serial communications to multiple CMUs allow for the response to a conflict at a single intersection and not impact other intersections / ramps / etc. operated by the same controller. Therefore, one intersection could go to flash independently of the others, provided that each cabinet (or each independent output assembly) has a PDA within which a CMU is installed.
Cabinet Monitor Unit (CMU)
The CMU is housed in the PDA. There should only be one of these installed in each cabinet, or each grouping of output assemblies. It is the main processor unit of the cabinet monitoring system. It monitors main cabinet functions, such as the condition of cabinet power, door status, and status of the flasher.

50. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Cabinet Monitor Unit (CMU)
It communicates with the AMUs located in the output assemblies and compares requested actions (from the controller) with the actual cabinet operation (switch pack outputs) to detect errors, conflicts, and other anomalies.
It can then direct the cabinet to a flashing or fail-safe condition. The configuration and operational characteristics of the CMU is determined by software.
This programming may be customized to user needs and desires. There is also a specific reporting format, in order to address the minimum mandatory functionality of this unit. The minimum functionality is at least that provided by the NEMA TS 2 Malfunction Monitoring Unit.

51. Cabinets & Controllers:
ATC / ITS
Cabinet Communications Systems -
The controller communicates with the various cabinet subassemblies via a serial bus arrangement. There are three separate serial buses employed. These buses are similar to those used in the NEMA TS 2 specification and communicate using a Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) protocol.
Serial Interface Unit (SIU) / Bus Interface Unit (BIU)
The SIU functions as the cabinet communications and control unit. The SIU communicates with the ATC Controller Unit through a Serial Bus via the Modular Bus Assembly. A SIU is needed for each input assembly and each output assembly connected to the ATC Controller Unit.

52. Serial Interface Unit (SIU) / Bus Interface Unit (BIU)
SDLC Hub

53. SUI’s / BUI’s
BIU
BIU

54. Standard Signal Components:
MONITORS
To minimize litigation issues, it is highly recommended that all monitors be periodically tested on an automated test set that can provide documentation. The test set should also have documented calibration that is current.
Conflict monitor channels do not necessarily coincide with controller phases, this relationship is determined by cabinet wiring and load switch output assignments.
It is recommended that unused don’t walk or red load switch outputs such as left turn reds be connected to AC + to prevent unwanted monitor tripping, particularly in a TS 2 Cabinet.

55. Standard Signal Components:
MONITORS
All monitors perform 3 basic functions; 24VDC Power Supply Monitor, CVM (NEMA) Watchdog (170) monitors an output from the controller indicating it’s proper operation, and Conflicting field outputs.
Monitor manufacturers have added many useful features not required by standards and specifications such as minimum clearance monitoring, dual indications, fault memory etc.
Because of the liability aspects as well as the liberal warranty / repair policies of the monitor manufacturers, it is usually better to return monitors to the manufacturer for repair.

56. Standard Signal Components:
MONITORS
NEMA TS-1 CMU
3, 6, 12 and 18 channel conflict monitors with 4 inputs per channel, green, yellow, red, and walk.
3 channel units used with 2 phase controllers & cabinets
6 channel units used with 4 phase controllers & cabinets
12 channel units used with 8 phase controllers & cabinets
18 channel units are for special applications such as multiple overlaps, these units are seldom used.
Controller Voltage Monitor (CVM) monitors an output from the controller verifying controller self checks.
24 VDC 1 and 24 VDC 2

57. Standard Signal Components:
MONITORS
NEMA TS-2 MMU
16 channel monitor with 3 inputs per channel, peds use their own channels.
This unit is downward compatible with and configures itself as a 12 channel, 4 inputs per channel when installed in a TS-1 cabinet, and the “type select” input is not connected or at a logic high as TS-1 cabinets are usually wired.
When used in a TS-2 cabinet, the controller communicates with the monitor through the SDLC port, verifying that the monitor is “seeing” at the field terminals what the controller is putting out, adding another layer of safety.
Per TS-2 standards the MMU channels are wired to the corresponding load switch. MMU channel 1 to Load Switch 1 etc.
The SDLC port can not be tested by a monitor tester or a BIU tester, this function may be checked in a functioning cabinet or returned to the manufacturer if suspected bad.

58. NEMA Monitors

59. Standard Signal Components:
MONITORS
Type 170 CMU
The model 210 is a 16 channel monitor like all 170 components is a plug in type module.
Typical channel assignments are; channels 1-8 to 1-8 phases, 9-12 to 1-4 overlaps, and to ped respectively.
The program board contains a matrix of diodes, allowable phases are programmed by removing the appropriate diodes.
Like the NEMA monitors, units with extended features such as dual indication monitoring, absent or short clearance monitoring, fault memory, etc. are available.

60. 170 / 2010 / 2018 Monitors

61. Standard Signal Components:
POWER SUPPLIES
NEMA TS-1
Auxiliary 12 VDC or 24 VDC Used for card racks, communications equipment, video detection
Controller internal 24 VDC capable of 500 ma. Used primarily for load switches
Pedestrian push button Isolation (usually 12VAC)
NEMA TS-2
Stand alone shelf mount, has the following outputs
24 VDC Used for load switches and BIU power
12VDC Used for detection rack
12VAC Pedestrian push button Isolation (thru BIU)
Line frequency reference for BIU

62. NEMA Power Supply

63. Standard Signal Components:
POWER SUPPLIES
TYPE 170
The model VDC power supply is a stand alone rack mounted unit located in the PDA assembly.
This unit is used to power the load switches, detectors and other input devices as well as any other auxiliary equipment requiring 24 VDC.
The 206 is a regulated power supply capable of 5 amperes.

64. Power Supplies (170)
Model 206 L
Model 206
Model 206 L
Model 206

65. Standard Signal Components:
LOAD SWITCHES
Load switches provide the interface from low voltage controller signals to high voltage (120 VAC) field connections to illuminate the desired signal indication.
Typical load switches have 3 LED’s on the front, these indications relate to the inputs to the load switch from the controller. Those with 6 indications also display the load switch output.
Problems with load switches can be complete failure placing outputs on all the time at 120 VAC or can be leakage problems with voltage ranging anywhere from 1 VAC up to 120 VAC on the output.
Older load switches designed for use with the heavier load of incandescent lamps sometimes have excessive leakage when used with lighter load of LEDs causing intermittent monitor tripping.

66. Standard Signal Components:
LOAD SWITCHES
Switching from ON to OFF occurs in the range of 6 to 16 VDC.
Load switches are interchangeable between NEMA TS-1, TS-2, and 170
The use of zero crossing switching circuits allows the use of much lower rated components to control the high inrush current of incandescent lamps.
Most load switches use a triac to control the 120 VAC outputs.

67. Loadswitches

68. Standard Signal Components:
Flashers
Meets NEMA TS1, TS2, and Type 170 requirements.
Operating Voltage Range: 60 to 135 VAC
Dual Circuit Operation
Provides 56 Flashes/Minute

69. Flashers

70. Standard Signal Components:
BIU
The Bus Interface Unit (BIU) is a component of the NEMA TS 2 Controller/cabinet assembly.
The BIU performs the interface between port 1 at the controller and the Terminal Facilities (TF), Detector racks, and other devices.
Its functions include controlling load switch outputs, detector resets, communicating with inductive loop detectors and other devices, and the conditioning and conversion of the TF and loop detector call inputs for the controller.
The BIU will not be damaged by insertion or removal with power applied to the rack.
Communications to the controller is through the SDLC port.
Addressing of the BIU is determined by the wiring or jumper configuration of the slot it is plugged into.

71. BIU’s

73. Questions?