Aldridge Traffic Controllers Road Traffic Signal Control Systems

ATC is an Australian-based company that designs, manufactures and delivers leading-edge, electronically based traffic signal control products. ATC is also involved in the design and supply of turn-key urban traffic management control (UTMC) systems and traffic light signal controllers (TLSC).

Traffic signal controller

The ATSC4 is the latest generation traffic signal controller developed to meet the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW Australia specification TSC4. The controller is fully SCATS compatible, can operate independently in isolated mode, connected to SCATS or in flexi-link mode to provide time of day coordination.

The ATSC4 has a laptop interface to the controller allowing for easy analysis of controller operation using live graphical displays. These displays show intersection design, live signal group operation, timing functions, communications monitor and detector operations.

The controller is designed for all weather conditions, has vandal-proof housing, modular construction for ease of maintenance, and will function under all power voltages including extra low voltage (ELV).

Uninterruptible power supply systems

ATC has developed two strategies to deal with the loss of power to traffic lights. ATC delivers the traditional solution for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) by providing an additional external cabinet adjacent to the traffic signal controller, which is perfect for large intersections. This UPS cabinet (ECUPS) will maintain power to all signal groups, for intersections up to 24 signal groups and supporting a maximum total load of 2,000VA (1,400W) for up to 4.5hrs.

To cater for smaller intersections, ATC has developed an internal UPS traffic signal controller. This is an ATSC4 controller with the UPS and batteries installed within the cabinet. The internal controller UPS (ICUPS) model is designed as a compact, integrated single cabinet solution and uses GEL batteries that work over a wide temperature range.

Warning sign controllers for railway level crossings

The AWSC4 advanced warning sign controller is a new generation of advanced warning systems to warn road users of a railway level crossing currently in use and therefore to prepare to stop. This product was developed to address an increase in road user fatalities at railway level crossings.

The product is available in two models: the standard model for sites with available power and the solar version for railway crossings in remote areas. The standard model of the product is an easy to deploy solution that minimizes the amount of civil works to install. Solar-powered sites require additional installation work.

Each model is capable of driving from one to four signs fitted with two extra-low voltage yellow aspect LED lanterns and low power units. An independent flasher unit interfaces to the railway train detection system and is activated when a train is detected approaching the road crossing. The flashing signals will continue to flash until a train has cleared the railway crossing.

Coordinated adaptive traffic system

The Sydney coordinated adaptive traffic system (SCATS) is a computer-based area-wide traffic management system that includes hardware, software, and a unique control philosophy.

The system operates in real-time, adjusting signal timing, splits, cycle lengths and offsets in response to variations in traffic demand and system capacity as they occur. SCATS uses data collected from the road network traffic sensors to adjust, in real-time, the cycle lengths, splits and offsets. This real-time response to the variations in traffic flow and density allows SCATS to provide continuous adjustments and fine tuning to give the maximum benefit to smooth traffic flow.

SCATS has the unique advantage of being designed and developed by the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW (RTA) in Australia by traffic engineers, who are also an end user of the application.