Traffic Signal Standards

1. Traffic Signal Standards Delivery: (0.5 minute) We have just heard about some new system deployments and case studies. I want to cover a little about the history of traffic signal controllers and where the industry is headed with respect to controller and cabinet standards. Then, I want switch over and discuss NTCIP Traffic Signal communication standards. NTCIP stands for National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol. Delivery: (0.5 minute) We have just heard about some new system deployments and case studies. I want to cover a little about the history of traffic signal controllers and where the industry is headed with respect to controller and cabinet standards. Then, I want switch over and discuss NTCIP Traffic Signal communication standards. NTCIP stands for National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol.

2. History Delivery: (0.5 minutes) You have likely heard of the Advanced Transportation Controller (ATC). The effort underway is bringing the transportation industry the next generation of multipurpose controller that combines best of the NEMA and 170 worlds. It is the descendant of line of what to used to be machines strictly used for traffic signals. Since the advent of the Type 170 controller and its ability to accept custom programs, this has begun to change. The Type 170 has been used for a variety of applications from ramp meters to irrigation control. Also with the coming of more advanced computing power and the use of higher level programming languages, the door for innovation has opened up. The ATC will likely be harnessed for many new transportation applications.Delivery: (0.5 minutes) You have likely heard of the Advanced Transportation Controller (ATC). The effort underway is bringing the transportation industry the next generation of multipurpose controller that combines best of the NEMA and 170 worlds. It is the descendant of line of what to used to be machines strictly used for traffic signals. Since the advent of the Type 170 controller and its ability to accept custom programs, this has begun to change. The Type 170 has been used for a variety of applications from ramp meters to irrigation control. Also with the coming of more advanced computing power and the use of higher level programming languages, the door for innovation has opened up. The ATC will likely be harnessed for many new transportation applications.

3. Slide #3 Traffic Controllers Timeline Delivery: (1 minute) Here is a timeline of traffic controllers. Electro-Mechanical-since 40s-without software NEMA TS 1 Standard – 1976 -with proprietary software NEMA TS 2 Standard – 1992 -with proprietary software NEMA TS-2 standard with NTCIP-1998 - with proprietary software but open communications 170 Family since the early 1980’s – purchase software from two outside vendors or develop software in-house ATC family, including 2070-90s- purchase software from over six outside vendors or develop software in-house Delivery: (1 minute) Here is a timeline of traffic controllers. Electro-Mechanical-since 40s-without software NEMA TS 1 Standard – 1976 -with proprietary software NEMA TS 2 Standard – 1992 -with proprietary software NEMA TS-2 standard with NTCIP-1998 - with proprietary software but open communications 170 Family since the early 1980’s – purchase software from two outside vendors or develop software in-house ATC family, including 2070-90s- purchase software from over six outside vendors or develop software in-house

4. Slide #4 Electro-Mechanical Controllers No standards in use No software needed Still exists, New York City, Chicago, … ( New York has over 11,000) Delivery: (1 minute) In the early days of traffic signal control, we used an electro-mechanical controllers. They have clock wheels and programming pins. In the early 1970’s there was an emergence of the modern traffic controllers that we know today—the NEMA and the 170-style controllers. New York city, with 11000 traffic signals, relied on electromechanical traffic controllers, but today they are engaged in developing and purchasing traffic controllers that are standards-based using NTCIP on a massive scale. Delivery: (1 minute) In the early days of traffic signal control, we used an electro-mechanical controllers. They have clock wheels and programming pins. In the early 1970’s there was an emergence of the modern traffic controllers that we know today—the NEMA and the 170-style controllers. New York city, with 11000 traffic signals, relied on electromechanical traffic controllers, but today they are engaged in developing and purchasing traffic controllers that are standards-based using NTCIP on a massive scale.

5. Slide #5 NEMA TS 1 & TS 2 Controllers Functional specification Includes vendor-dependent hardware & software Shelf mounted TS 1 standard pin-outs for A, B & C, but not D TS 2 provides for serial connection to cabinet Proprietary solutions for signal timing Wide variety of cabinet configurations Delivery: (0.5 minutes) The NEMA controllers have always provided a packaged deal that includes both hardware and software. For many users, a turn-key controller makes for easier procurement. The growing need for interconnected signals and centralized systems could only be met as long as a user keeps buying units from the same manufacturer. Without a standard “D” connector and common communication protocol, NEMA controllers did not talk to other NEMA controllers. Note on the slide, that the TS2 controller has a serial control connection to the cabinet equipment – this is being carried to the ATC standard. Delivery: (0.5 minutes) The NEMA controllers have always provided a packaged deal that includes both hardware and software. For many users, a turn-key controller makes for easier procurement. The growing need for interconnected signals and centralized systems could only be met as long as a user keeps buying units from the same manufacturer. Without a standard “D” connector and common communication protocol, NEMA controllers did not talk to other NEMA controllers. Note on the slide, that the TS2 controller has a serial control connection to the cabinet equipment – this is being carried to the ATC standard.

6. Slide #6 Type 170 & 179 Controllers Hardware specification Software is provided by others Rack mounted with standard modules Standard front panel Originally developed by public sector Very low cost – QPL approach Utilized older technology Delivery: (0.5 minutes) In 1978, along with the FHWA, NYSDOT & CALTRANS issued the "Type 170 Traffic Signal Controller System- Hardware Specification" (IP-78-16).   By standardizing the hardware, these units:   1) Allowed multiple software applications such as intersection control, Ramp metering, or On Street Master control. 2) Reduced maintenance costs and provided easier tests for initial acceptance and troubleshooting (you test the controller with the software STEP test, you only tested your signal control program once) 3) Both states provided their own software for these controllers and outside vendors such as BiTran Systems, Kentronics and Wapiti began to provide software for these units.  Delivery: (0.5 minutes) In 1978, along with the FHWA, NYSDOT & CALTRANS issued the "Type 170 Traffic Signal Controller System- Hardware Specification" (IP-78-16).   By standardizing the hardware, these units:   1) Allowed multiple software applications such as intersection control, Ramp metering, or On Street Master control. 2) Reduced maintenance costs and provided easier tests for initial acceptance and troubleshooting (you test the controller with the software STEP test, you only tested your signal control program once) 3) Both states provided their own software for these controllers and outside vendors such as BiTran Systems, Kentronics and Wapiti began to provide software for these units.  

7. Slide #7 Advanced Transportation Controllers The ATC is attempting to bring these two competing standards together while preserving the best of both. Delivery: (2 minutes) Today, we see the emergence of a new traffic signal controller standard. The ATC is being developed under the ITS Standards Program. Both users and manufacturers are working cooperatively to bring together the best concepts from the NEMA and 170 worlds to create a field controller platform that will serve many ITS functions. The real power of the concept is that either community can make use of this new hardware. It’s the best of both worlds. Delivery: (2 minutes) Today, we see the emergence of a new traffic signal controller standard. The ATC is being developed under the ITS Standards Program. Both users and manufacturers are working cooperatively to bring together the best concepts from the NEMA and 170 worlds to create a field controller platform that will serve many ITS functions. The real power of the concept is that either community can make use of this new hardware. It’s the best of both worlds.

8. Slide #8 ATC Program Goals Interchangeability between manufacturers Assured source of competitively priced controllers Better adaptability to advances in technology Cost effective and modular construction Minimize the level of hardware detail Ensure interoperability within systems Provide well defined controller testing requirements Delivery: (0.5 minutes) Program Goals for the ATC Interchangeability between manufacturers – Think PC Better adaptability to advances in technology – the 170 was not very adaptable Ensure interoperability within systems Provide well defined controller testing requirements Delivery: (0.5 minutes) Program Goals for the ATC Interchangeability between manufacturers – Think PC Better adaptability to advances in technology – the 170 was not very adaptable Ensure interoperability within systems Provide well defined controller testing requirements

9. Slide #9 ATC Program Goals (continued) Open architecture Hardware and software platform Support for multiple ITS applications Recoverable software investment Software portability between vendors / technology Enhanced availability of software applications Flexible hardware platform Better adaptation to new technology Promotes expandability for power users “Traffic control PC” Delivery: (0.5 minutes) This side is basically explaining that you can replace the controller and keep the software or replace the software and keep the controller. With a modular construction, you can buy an additional Input Module if you install more detection. Need more power for that new adaptive program? Just replace the CPU Module or add more memory. Think of the ATC as your “Traffic control PC” Delivery: (0.5 minutes) This side is basically explaining that you can replace the controller and keep the software or replace the software and keep the controller. With a modular construction, you can buy an additional Input Module if you install more detection. Need more power for that new adaptive program? Just replace the CPU Module or add more memory. Think of the ATC as your “Traffic control PC”

10. Slide #10 Potential ATC Applications Traffic Signal Traffic Surveillance Transit Communications Field Master Ramp Meter Variable/Dynamic Message Sign General ITS Beacons CCTV Cameras Roadway Weather Information Weigh in Motion Irrigation Control Lane Use Signals Delivery: (1 minute) Here is a list of the potential applications that the ATC could service. However, it is expected that the majority of these units will be put in to service as traffic signal controllers. Delivery: (1 minute) Here is a list of the potential applications that the ATC could service. However, it is expected that the majority of these units will be put in to service as traffic signal controllers.

11. Slide #11 The ATC Family of Standards Controller Unit – 2070-ATC and the ATC Cabinet System Application Programming Interface (API) Application Software Delivery: (1 minutes) The ATC system has four major components: The controller unit is the main brain of the system and directs all of the functions of the installation The cabinet system provides support for operation of the controller, it includes all inputs, outputs, communications and power supply as well as protection from the elements. The Application Programming Interface is a piece of software that separates the application from the OS and hardware. The application is the actual program such as a traffic signal program or a VMS controller program. The ATC controller standards originated from the CalTrans 2070 specification. Consider the California standard as sort of first generation. Then, an effort was begun to enhance the original specification and make it generic, sort of removing CalTrans and creating a document that any state or agency could use. This is the 2070 ATC. Next, and effort was undertaken to make the 2070 ATC controller capable as TS2 controller with a serial cabinet bus and modular CPU and other features. This the the third generation of the ATC. The fourth generation is completing the API interface and providing and open architecture operating system such as Linux.Delivery: (1 minutes) The ATC system has four major components: The controller unit is the main brain of the system and directs all of the functions of the installation The cabinet system provides support for operation of the controller, it includes all inputs, outputs, communications and power supply as well as protection from the elements. The Application Programming Interface is a piece of software that separates the application from the OS and hardware. The application is the actual program such as a traffic signal program or a VMS controller program. The ATC controller standards originated from the CalTrans 2070 specification. Consider the California standard as sort of first generation. Then, an effort was begun to enhance the original specification and make it generic, sort of removing CalTrans and creating a document that any state or agency could use. This is the 2070 ATC. Next, and effort was undertaken to make the 2070 ATC controller capable as TS2 controller with a serial cabinet bus and modular CPU and other features. This the the third generation of the ATC. The fourth generation is completing the API interface and providing and open architecture operating system such as Linux.

12. Slide #12 NTCIP National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) Device level data dictionaries Communications protocols for transmission Based on existing standards Internet Protocols International Standards Organization (ISO) Open-Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers Data element definition uses ASN.1 language Delivery: (1 minute) Enough about the ATC hardware. We still need to make the hardware talk in a standard way. That is where the NTCIP comes to the rescue: NTCIP provides us with: Device level data dictionaries and communications protocols for data transmission. NTCIP is based on existing standards: Relying on proven Internet Protocols, it is based ISO (International Standards Organization) layers, and uses ASN.1 language for data description. Delivery: (1 minute) Enough about the ATC hardware. We still need to make the hardware talk in a standard way. That is where the NTCIP comes to the rescue: NTCIP provides us with: Device level data dictionaries and communications protocols for data transmission. NTCIP is based on existing standards: Relying on proven Internet Protocols, it is based ISO (International Standards Organization) layers, and uses ASN.1 language for data description.

13. Slide #13 ITS Standards Delivery: (1 minutes) ITS standards are really concerned with three things. Data element standards that define the meaning of data (similar to definitions of words in a dictionary). Message set standards that identify associated data elements for typical applications (like sentences composed of words). Communications standards that define the rules for moving the data and associated messages in the system. These rules define how the information is addressed, how it is routed through the communications infrastructure, and how it is packaged. Delivery: (1 minutes) ITS standards are really concerned with three things. Data element standards that define the meaning of data (similar to definitions of words in a dictionary). Message set standards that identify associated data elements for typical applications (like sentences composed of words). Communications standards that define the rules for moving the data and associated messages in the system. These rules define how the information is addressed, how it is routed through the communications infrastructure, and how it is packaged.

14. Slide #14 National ITS Architecture Delivery: (1 minutes) Here is the infamous ITS Architecture “sausage diagram”. In the upper right hand corner you see fixed communications. Traffic signals are typically supported by fixed communications. TEA-21 directs USDOT to develop, implement, and maintain a National ITS architecture and supporting standards and protocols to advance the widespread use of ITS technology, promoting interoperability and efficiency. The National ITS Architecture identifies subsystems and architecture flows. The architecture flows are are used to identify the exchange of information between subsystems. The Architecture helps to ensure nobody is left out of the ITS planning process.Delivery: (1 minutes) Here is the infamous ITS Architecture “sausage diagram”. In the upper right hand corner you see fixed communications. Traffic signals are typically supported by fixed communications. TEA-21 directs USDOT to develop, implement, and maintain a National ITS architecture and supporting standards and protocols to advance the widespread use of ITS technology, promoting interoperability and efficiency. The National ITS Architecture identifies subsystems and architecture flows. The architecture flows are are used to identify the exchange of information between subsystems. The Architecture helps to ensure nobody is left out of the ITS planning process.

15. Slide #15 Where do Traffic Signal Standards fit? Delivery: (0.5 minute) Traffic signals are identified in the highlighted area. Roadway to Traffic management via fixed communications. While it is common to interconnect signals with wireless telemetry, the architecture still considers communications to fixed devices as fixed communications. Delivery: (0.5 minute) Traffic signals are identified in the highlighted area. Roadway to Traffic management via fixed communications. While it is common to interconnect signals with wireless telemetry, the architecture still considers communications to fixed devices as fixed communications.

16. Slide #16 NTCIP Traffic Signal Standard NTCIP defines communications standards applicable to traffic signal controllers Users define controller specifications Users define system operational characteristics Delivery: (1 minute) The NTCIP standards are a part of the National ITS Architecture. The NTCIP ASC Data Dictionary (NTCIP 1202 – Object Definitions for Actuated Signal Controllers) defines individual pieces of information that : · represents a minimal database · provide status · represent the control inputs that would traditionally be found on backpanel. Functional requirements should still be specified or referenced to another standard such as NEMA TS 2, or the 2070 ATC. The exact means of how a traffic signal is integrated or used in a system should be defined by the user or system integrator. Put this in your specification. Delivery: (1 minute) The NTCIP standards are a part of the National ITS Architecture. The NTCIP ASC Data Dictionary (NTCIP 1202 – Object Definitions for Actuated Signal Controllers) defines individual pieces of information that : · represents a minimal database · provide status · represent the control inputs that would traditionally be found on backpanel. Functional requirements should still be specified or referenced to another standard such as NEMA TS 2, or the 2070 ATC. The exact means of how a traffic signal is integrated or used in a system should be defined by the user or system integrator. Put this in your specification.

17. Slide #17 List of Required Traffic Signal Standards Dictionaries NTCIP 1201 – Global Object Definitions NTCIP 1202 – Actuated Signal Controller Protocols NTCIP 2301 – AP-Simple Transportation Management Framework (STMF) Profile NTCIP 2101 / 2102 – Subnet Profiles NTCIP 2201 / 2202 – Transport Profiles Delivery: (2 Minutes) Dictionaries define: “What you say” Protocols define: “How you say it”   In order to procure traffic signal devices using these standards you need to use a set of standards defining various data and formats depending on your requirements and communications system. There are several NTCIP standards that would be used in deploying a signal in the field. These include the “Object Definition” standards at the information level, the AP-STMF standard at the application level, and any appropriate combination of transport and subnetwork level standards in order to meet the system design. Delivery: (2 Minutes) Dictionaries define: “What you say” Protocols define: “How you say it”   In order to procure traffic signal devices using these standards you need to use a set of standards defining various data and formats depending on your requirements and communications system. There are several NTCIP standards that would be used in deploying a signal in the field. These include the “Object Definition” standards at the information level, the AP-STMF standard at the application level, and any appropriate combination of transport and subnetwork level standards in order to meet the system design.

18. Slide #18 Bringing Things Together In general, NTCIP Uses modular standards Covers multiple devices Devices will need multiple compatible standards Simply specifying “NTCIP-Compliant” is not enough….. Delivery: (2 Minutes) Everyone should be aware that “NTCIP Compliant” is an ambiguous term. The NTCIP is a complex set of standards; a device minimally compliant with any one of the NTCIP standards could claim “NTCIP Compliance,” but this would not provide the necessary conformance to ensure interoperability. The NTCIP covers multiple devices, multiple links, and technical issues at various levels in the communications stack. When discussing the compliance of a device, users need look at the details if interoperability is desired. Delivery: (2 Minutes) Everyone should be aware that “NTCIP Compliant” is an ambiguous term. The NTCIP is a complex set of standards; a device minimally compliant with any one of the NTCIP standards could claim “NTCIP Compliance,” but this would not provide the necessary conformance to ensure interoperability. The NTCIP covers multiple devices, multiple links, and technical issues at various levels in the communications stack. When discussing the compliance of a device, users need look at the details if interoperability is desired.

19. Slide #19 Web Resources www.ntcip.org NTCIP Guide, Case Studies, Library http://www.standards.its.dot.gov/standards.htm Standards list, details, fact sheets Standards Development Organizations www.ite.org www.ite.org/standards/atc/ www.nema.org www.aashto.org Delivery: (0.5 minutes) This slide lists many of the available resources with information about NTCIP. www.NTCIP.org and various other web sites Check out the NTCIP Guide - a primer on NTCIP NTCIP Case Studies – reviews various lead NTCIP implementations for lessons learned NTCIP Fact Sheets – provides a high-level overview of specific standards Many of the standards are free for download. Drafts of the standards have always been free. And, please hold your questions until the end. Thanks.Delivery: (0.5 minutes) This slide lists many of the available resources with information about NTCIP. www.NTCIP.org and various other web sites Check out the NTCIP Guide - a primer on NTCIP NTCIP Case Studies – reviews various lead NTCIP implementations for lessons learned NTCIP Fact Sheets – provides a high-level overview of specific standards Many of the standards are free for download. Drafts of the standards have always been free. And, please hold your questions until the end. Thanks.