TRAFFIC LIGHT SENSORS AND VEHICLE TRANSDUCER

Traffic signals are used to control the flow of vehicles through an intersection, which
can have devices that detect the presence of vehicles in a traffic lane. Detection increases the
efficiency of traffic signal operations. As part of optimum operation of traffic light
intersections, there are all sorts of technologies for detecting vehicles. Some of these
technologies are microwave and millimetre-wave radar, active LED infrared radar, video
image detection system (VIDS) and loop detector among others.
Because the traffic flow rates change from time to time, it is often desirable to adapt
the detector to the actual offered traffic light controller. Detectors that indicate the presence or
absence of vehicles are necessary for this type of control. With the information from these
detectors, the duration of phases, and/or the order of the phases can be changed.

Loop Detectors
Loop detectors are strands of wire embedded into the pavement in a rectangular or
round loop shape of standardized dimensions. It consists of an insulated electrical wire placed
on or below the road surface. When energized, the loop creates a magnetic field. When a
vehicle passes over the loop, the frequency of the magnetic field changes. A device in the
traffic signal controller cabinet detects this change in frequency and signals the traffic signal
controller to provide that vehicle with a green indication during the traffic signal cycle. The
loop is attached to a signal amplifier and a power source, creating an electromagnetic field in
the area of the loop.

The wire loop is excited at frequencies from 10 kHz to 200 kHz. In conjunction with
pull box electronics, the loop becomes an inductor, whose inductance decreases whenever a
vehicle or other larger metallic object passes over it or stops on it. The resulting inductance
change generates a signal to a controller.

Video Detection

Video detection uses cameras mounted on poles over the travel lanes. Machine vision
technology analyzes the video images and sends an electronic signal to the traffic signal
controller when a defined change in the imagery occurs.
Radar Detection
Radar detection uses microwave radar sensors mounted over the travel lanes. Energy
is sent from the radar unit to the traffic lane and the reflected energy is measured by a sensor.
A defined change in the reflected energy is used to signal the controller to serve that vehicle.

Active LED infrared radar

Infrared (IR) detectors operate on the same principles as microwave radars, but
transmit low power energy from light emitting diodes (LEDs) or from laser diodes. The
detector senses a portion of the reflected energy in its field of view. The distance of an object
from the detector is found by measuring the two-way travel time of the infrared pulse, from
the detector to the target and back.
The IR detector then focuses the rebound energy from vehicles and translates it into
electrical pulses. IR detectors can be used for passage of moving objects, presence or absence
of objects and detecting speed of objects. Active IR detectors can be mounted on bridge
overpasses or on existing poles. More than one IR unit can be mounted to a pole without
signal interference degrading performance. Units are typically mounted at heights between 15
and 30 feet .

Figure 2.1- Typical active IR detector.

 Figure 2.2- An installed active IR detector

Selection Considerations

Public agencies consider a range of factors in selecting the most appropriate vehicle
detection technology for a given location, including initial cost, accuracy, reliability and
ongoing maintenance requirements. A traffic signal is typically controlled by a controller
mounted on a concrete pad. Traffic controllers use the concept of phases, which are directions
of movement lumped together. For instance, a simple intersection may have two phases:
North/South, and East/West and these phases are either controlled by controllers fixed time
mode or detector which is through the use of transducers.

Although some electromechanical controllers are still in use, modern traffic

controllers are of programmable logic controller (PLC) technology. The typical controller
consists of miniature circuit breaker, power panel, programmable logic controller and the
dimming transformer.
PEDESTRIAN PUSH BUTTONS

Figure 2.4: Pedestrians push button installation.

The pedestrian push button assembly has a rigid frame having a piezoelectric material
of a solid state switch positioned across a central aperture, and an elastic sealing ring
positioned in a groove surrounding the piezoelectric material.
A button is secured to the rigid frame such that a seal contact portion of the button
sealable rests against the elastic sealing ring. A very small space separates an abutment
surface of the button and a stopper surface of the rigid frame, and an elastic pressure portion
of the button contacts the piezoelectric material.
When operated, the elastic sealing ring is sufficiently biased to urge the elastic
pressure portion against the piezoelectric material to generate a pulse signal which travels
through wires to the controller to announce the presence of a pedestrian at the junction. The
pedestrians push button is installed about 1.2 m from the surface of the ground on a traffic
light pole with the help of bolts and nuts .
TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLER
The miniature circuit-breaker provides efficient and reliable protection for traffic light
cables and the controller cabinet in traffic light installations. Three different tripping
characteristics provide the ideal solution for all applications from cable protection up to the
protection of controller cabinet . The power supply module takes 240 V ac and distributes 5 V
dc power to the PLCs Central Processing Unit, 24V dc to the transducers and 240 V ac to
both the dimming transformer and output devices. The dimming transformer is a single phase
240/110 V transformer, which in conjunction with the PLC reduces the illumination of the
signal heads in the evening. This usually affects the vision of drivers.

Figure 2.5: An installed traffic light controller

Figure 2.6: 40A miniature circuit breaker

 CHAPTER 3
SYSTEM HARDWARE

INTRODUCTION
The hardware part of this project is Programmable logic controller (PLC), Power
Pack, a traffic light model and pairs of Infra-Red Sensors. Festo FEC FC34 is the type of
PLC used in this project as the processor to control the traffic light. The four ways traffic
light model was constructed to display how this traffic light control system is running. This
traffic light model has a complete set of traffic light signal which are red, yellow and green as
well as pedestrian red and green lights, for traffic signal on each lane. Each lane also has one
limit switches represent as a sensor on the road. The sensors are placed on each lane to detect
the presence of a car at the junction. The right connection between PLC and traffic light
model is veryimportant in order to avoid problem or conflict when the program is transferred
to PLC.

FESTO FEC FC34 PLC CONFIGURATION

The main body of this PLC is power supply unit, Central processor unit and
input/output slot. The power supply unit receive the required PLC voltage which is 24Vdc.
For safety the voltage to PLC must be connected to the earth. The CPU covered by Analog
input/outputs lot, RS232 port, and processor. The inputs/outputs slots used for the system are
using digital input and output. There are limited slot for input and output port and can be used
for multiple inputs/outputs cards.
 Figure 3.1: Festo FEC FC34 PLC Configuration

TRAFFIC LIGHT MODEL

The four ways junction is developed using Woods, Steel, Bolts, Screws, Light
Emitting Diodes, Resistors and paints. In order to display the simulation of the traffic light
control system, each traffic light lane has a set of traffic light signal Red, Yellow, and
Green.
This traffic light signal operates similar like common traffic light signal in the INDIA.
It changes from red to red and amber to green and then yellow and after that back to red
signal. Each lane also has one limit switches represent as a sensor on the road. The sensor
used for the design of these traffic light system is an infra-red detector which as an infra-red
diode and transistor as a pair. The sensors are placed on each lane to detect and count the
number of cars through that lane. From this combination of sensor, we will know the
expected time for green signal on when each lane change to the green signal.
 Figure 3.2: Four (4)-way intersection diagram [7].

Figure 3.3: Project Hardware with FestoDidatic Power Supply Unit

HARDWARE WIRING
Once hardware is designed ladder diagrams are constructed to document thewiring.
For this project, existed PLC cabinet box are use and connect with the trafficlight model. The
wiring of the PLC is as shown in figure 3.4. The PLC and I/O card would be supplied with
DC Power Supply of 24V.The common for input card is 24Vdc and for output card is 0Vdc.
The PLC is connected to earth in order to avoid risk, hazards and damage to the PLC in case
of fault.

Figure 3.4: PLC cabinet box wiring

 The PLC input wiring address start with number I0.0 to I0.7 for every input card. The
other input card which is installed to the PLC socket will carry the address for this input card
as I1.0 to I1.3. The PLC outputs wiring address start with number O0.0 to O0.7 for every
output card.

Four infra-red sensors (detectors) are placed on 4 lanes coming to a junction, one per
lane. The sensor is placed at a distance away from the junction so that it doesnt get disturbed
by the vehicles stopping at the signal. These sensors are connected to the PLC, which counts
the pulses coming from the sensors.
SOFTWARE
INTRODUCTION TO FST SOFTWARE
FST-Programmer (Software) is a PLC programming tool for the creation, testing and
maintenance of programs associated FESTO PLCs. The FST software package supports the
configurations, programming and commissioning of the following devices:
CPX terminal with integrated Front End Controller
FEC Compact
FEC Standard
PS1 Professional
The FST software package is set-up on a Personal Computer (PC) in line with specific
requirements. You can:
install FST in the language of your choice,
install example files
de-install FST.

The FST operating interface

When FST is started, the FST program window appears. First, a logo appears in the
foreground which is then automatically hidden after a few seconds. Click on the logo make it
to close immediately.
The Tip of the Day window is then shown. In the bottom section of the window you will
see the Show Tips after on StartUp checkbox. Tick to stop the tips appearing.

Figure 4.0: Operating interface of the FST software [9]

FST uses what is referred to as the multiple document interface (MDI). A separate window
within the FST program window opens for each document. The document window can be
activated and arranged using the commands in the Window menu.The size and position of
the windows is saved between the FST sessions. If the screen resolution is changed, Windows
adjusts the size and position of the windows. The FST software package is an application for
the Windows operating system. As such, the program interface and operation are consistent
with the usual Windows standard. The buttons, menu bar, picture scroll bars etc. of the FST
software therefore behave as they do in most other Windows-based programs.

Figure 4.1: PLC Programming Tools [10].

4.2 Project Workspace
The project workspace can display a ladder program, the symbol table of that program
or the Statement List view. The details displayed depend upon the selection made in the
project workspace. When a new project is created or a new PLC added to a project, an empty
ladder is automatically displayed on the right-hand side to the project workspace.
The symbol table and Mnemonics view must be explicitly selected to be displayed. All views
can be opened at the same time and can be selected via options associated with the window
menu. PLC program instruction can be entered as a graphical representation in ladder form.
Programs can be created, edited, and monitored in the ladder diagram view. The figure below
shows the diagram workspace appearance:
 Figure 4.2:Workspace Appearance
[1] Title bar [2] Menu bar [3] Toolbar [4] Project window [5] Program editor window
[6] Workspace [7] Reduce to symbol [8] Status Bar

4.3 Program Development.

Prior to the construction of a ladder logic diagram, program flowchart is ideal for aprocess
that has sequential steps. The steps will be executed in a simple order that may change as the
result of some simple decisions. The block symbol is connected using arrow to indicate the
sequence of the steps and different types of program actions. The other functions may be used
but are not necessary for most PLC applications. The concept of controlling a traffic light
control system is introduced, which is the systematic approach of control system design using
a PLC. The operation procedure of the systemapproach is shown in the figure below:
Figure 4.3: Programmable Control Design Flow Chart [10].
4.4 Programming the PLC
The Festo FEC FC34 PLC is programmed according to the different variants using the
following programming software: FST FEC/IPC in Statement List and Ladder diagram,
which is largely based on the FST software for the FPC 100 or Multiprogwt in accordance
with IEC 1131-3. An RS232 cable is required in order to connect the PLC to the serial port at
the PC. A new project is created when a program is about to be written to the controller task.
Once created, it is saved to the current project directory. Before creating a new project, the
required project directory is set-up. When a new project is created, any project already open
automatically closes.

In practice, programming is mostly started by entering the inputs and outputs into the
allocation list. The allocation list can be found in the Project Window below:

Figure 4.4: Project window

The allocation list consists of operands that match the physical input and output addresses or
configurations of the PLC to the names of the devices attached to it. Note each symbol and its
associated comments is used to identify the I/O it represents.
 Figure 4.5: Example of Allocation List.

4.41 The Ladder Diagram Program

Ladder diagram LDR for short is a graphic-based programming language developed from
the circuit diagram. The diagram of a LDR program is therefore similar to the diagram of a
circuit diagram in relation to the diagram of logical links. However, for the LDR diagram,
new symbols have been introduced for contacts and coils that are better suited for displaying
on a monitor. Due to the similarities with circuit diagrams, the LDR diagramprogram is
frequently preferred by developers who are familiar with relay technology. If a circuit
diagram already exists for a control task, it can usually be transferred to a LDR program. A
LDR diagram is based on two vertical lines. In the transfer sense, the left line is linked to the
voltage source and the right is earthed. Between them, the LDR diagram is compiled in the
form of horizontally arranged rungs with contacts, coils and other LDR symbols.Rungs
consist of a condition part and an executive part. The left side of a rung represents the
condition part, which contains the logical and/or arithmetical links, e.g. in the form of
contacts and parallel branches. The right side of a rung represents the executive part. This is
where the action to be executedis programmed, e.g. in the form of coils. A rung in the LDR
therefore usually reads from left to right.As an example, the diagram below shows a small
section of a LDR program in the online display.When the FST software is in online mode,
contacts and coils and all lines that report 1 signal are highlighted in blue. Operands that
report 1 signal are tagged with ON, Operands that report 0 signal with OFF.
[1] Condition part [2] Executive part [3] Operand [4] Coil symbols
[5] Parallel branch in the condition part [6] Contact symbols
[7] Rung 2 [8] Rung 1
Figure 4.6: LDR program (online display)

4.42 Running the Ladder Program on the PLC

When the LDR program is ready, clicking on the Build Project iconwill compile the program.
The FST software does not always agree with everything written down. A syntax check,
which searches the program for formal errors, is performed during compilation. Any error
which requires debugging will be displayed in the status bar. If there is no error, you may
proceed to go online and communicate with your PLC. This is
set automatically if the PLC can communicate effectively with the PC using the RS232 port.
The next step would be to transfer the program to the PLC. Click on Download Project icon.
The message Download Complete must be given in the message window.

Figure 4.7: Transfer of Program to PLC

The controller after download is set to RUN status or configured to run automatically. In any
case, if the RUN LED is green, then the controller is already operating in the RUN mode. If
the LED is orange, then the controller must be set to RUN using the RUN/STOP slide switch.
If it is red, that indicates an error in the program. Then, the devices could be checked whether
it is been controlled as programmed.