Glossary of Terms

170, 2070, TS-1, TS-2Types of solid-state signal controllers

APUAutomatic Processing Unit

ATCSAdaptive Traffic Control System

AWG (American Wire Gauge)Standardized wire gauge system

CALTRANS 170A type of traffic signal controller cabinet

CAT-5eCategory 5 Ethernet cables; 350 MHz; 24 AWG solid copper; Polyolefin insulation, UV and oil resistant PVC jacket

CCD Sensing ElementHelps cameras identify specific images

DOTDepartment of Transportation

GapNo tunnel is occurring and any phase can be served

Gapped outTraffic on a given phase that has thinned out sufficiently to stop serving it

GPSGlobal Positioning System

GUI (Graphical User Interface)The visual interface that a user sees and interacts with

I/O BoardsInput Output boards

ICEAInsulated Cable Engineers Association

IEEEInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IMSAInternational Municipal Signal Association

InSyncAn adaptive traffic control system that utilizes innovative artificial intelligence to optimize the flow of traffic at both isolated intersections and arterial networks. It is able to “filter and prioritize” requests for a green light from real-time traffic demand and influence the existing traffic signal controller. It is 100-percent compatible with existing hardware and works seamlessly with all solid-state (vs. old electromechanical) traffic signal controllers. No additional hardware or detection methods are required to deploy InSync.

IP AddressA group of four numbers that uniquely defines an item on a network. For example: 192.168.10.10

IPInternet Protocol. Also called TCP/IP

ITEInstitute of Transportation Engineers

ITSIntelligent Transportation Systems

Job Special ProvisionsA specification (spec) sheet that details the description, materials, components and services associated with a product.

LANLocal area network (ethernet)

MAC (Media access control)Related to the data link for ethernet communications

MOEMeasures of Effectiveness

MPOMetropolitan Planning Organization

MUTCDManual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

NEMA Controller Unit and Type 170Two common signal cabinet systems

NEMANational Electrical Manufacturers Association

PeriodThe time between successive tunnels

Phase Control Load CenterThe signal controller

PhasesThe various traffic movements permitted by a green traffic signal. Typically, there are eight phases at an intersection (1-8.) The left-turn movements are designated odd numbers (1,3,5,7) while the through movements are designated even numbers (2,4,6,8).

Power Cable14 AWG 3 conductor; comply w/ IMSA Specification 19-1

Power SupplyLike a laptop power supply, it connects the 110v power strip with InSync

RETMARadio Electronics Television Manufacturers Association

RG Pigtail CableConnects InSync “calls” with the signal controller’s back panel

RJ-45 (8P8C) ConnectorA type of Ethernet plug (10BaseT Ethernet pinnings)

RPORural Planning Organization

RS232 Serial Communications StandardsA jack for phone-type cable

SwitchA device that provides more Ethernet connection ports

TMC (Turning Movement Count)Counts of cars on each phase

TMCTraffic Management Center

TOCTraffic Operations Center

TraCent (Traffic Central System)A unique, user-friendly software that can be used to observe, configure, coordinate and modify InSync products. It permits simultaneous viewing of multiple video feeds from cameras. All InSync configurations can be monitored by installing TraCent on any computer on the traffic signal network.

TransformerA device that reduces 110v current to 24v (for cameras) and provides them with power

TransitionThe “chaos” in traffic when one static timing plan yields to another

Tunnel or green bandWithin InSync, this is the recurring period of time that a light is green at a particular intersection. These times are synchronized between intersections so that a driver inside the tunnel will arrive at the next intersection while it is also green.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)A mechanism for connecting peripherals to a computer, such as keyboards, GPS units, etc…

WANWide area network (Ethernet)

Wireless sensors (pucks)Wireless radio-based units that can be embedded into pavement instead of the wired inductive loops. Expected 10-year lifespan. An access unit collects the data at the cabinet and communicates via the Ethernet.

General Traffic Terms:

http://us60study.com/Highways/Projects/US60_Study/Glossary.asp

Wikipedia articles on:

Intelligent transportation systemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_transportation_systems

Traffic congestionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_congestion

Traffic lightshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_lights

Traffic light control and coordinationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_light_control_and_coordination