Traffic data ­ acquisition systems

Data gathering

In times of minimal rates of change in annual traffic development, the monitoring and classification of road traffic with accuracy class A1/1,050m in accordance with TLS 2012 is becoming increasingly important. Traffic Data Systems was the initiator of the 8+1 classification and the first manufacturer to offer detectors/classifiers with a valid A1/1,050m certificate by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt). The high accuracy is based on powerful algorithms and modern pattern recognition techniques which are used to evaluate vehicle signatures (traversal curves for vehicles over inductive loops). In addition to the storage of long-term and single vehicle (vbv) data, these can of course also be transmitted to sub-centres along with short-term data.

TMCS-IP

The TMCS-IP (Traffic Monitoring and Classification System) is a complete TLS (technical delivery requirements for route stations) remote monitoring station with integral function group FG1 (traffic monitoring/classification with inductive loops), optional FG2 (weigh-in-motion), optional FG6 (operational messages and control) and optional control module in compliance with TLS 2012.

All data versions for short-term, long-term and single vehicle (vbv) data according to TLS 2012 for 8+1 vehicle classification are supported (incl. 5+1 and 2+1). Additions for the transmission of vehicle data with SWISS 10, DK15 and NorSIKT (Level 4) classification have been defined and are already implemented.

The TMCS-IP can be connected to a field bus modem for top-hat-rail mounting via an RS232 connector, operated as an EAK (loop detection and classification unit, FG1) on a control module via an RS485 interface, or can communicate with a TLS sub-center via the integral modem (4G/LTE) or ethernet interface using TLS-over-IP. A touch display with a resolution of 800 × 480 pixels is provided for easy configuration and function checks and a PROFIBUS® interface is available as an option.

The third generation of TMCS-IP loop detectors are distinguished by their compact and modular design. Up to eight detector modules for double loops (16 channels) can be accommodated in the IP67 TMCS-IP enclosure.

As a result of the mode of operation with fixed loop frequencies, the frequency bandwidth required for fault-free operation of the inductive loop/detector combination is small, particularly compared with frequency-agile detectors which monitor vehicles based on frequency modulation.

The real-time modules can be operated with different loop geometries and cable lengths between the TMCS-IP and loop of more than 600m and the loops with a permissible resistance of more than 50Ω. Tuning and sensitivity adjustment are carried out automatically. Possible faults in the loop circuit (breakage, short-circuit) are continuously monitored and appropriate alarms transmitted to the central control center.

TDS 824-H

TDS 824-H

The TDS 824-H is an 8-channel detector/classifier, optionally for single loops with 5+1 classification including speed estimation1), and/or double loops with 8+1 classification, determinable on a lane-by-lane basis.

In the course of TLS suitability testing at the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), the system achieved accuracy class A1 in accordance with TLS 2012 for cable lengths of 50 m, 300 m and 1,050 m. Vehicle detection and classification works reliably at speeds up to 300 km/h, even when vehicles change lane.

The TDS 824-H module can be used as a stand-alone detector/classifier, which can be connected to a control unit using the SiTOS protocol, for example. Other transmission protocols can be implemented if required. One to four TDS 824-H can be used in combination with the TDS 821-H as an FG1-EAK.
A TLS-compliant control module, a UPS (TDS UPS) and an FG6-EAK are available as an option enabling the TDS 824-H to be used as part of a TLS remote monitoring station.

One to four TDS 824-H modules (32 channels) can be operated with a higher-level TDS 821-H CPU module (see separate brochure) as a TLS 2012-compliant remote monitoring station with optional UPS.

Available Q4/2024

TDS 821-H

The TDS 821-H CPU module is a higher-level processing unit which processes the data and manages communications with 1 to 4 TDS 824-H detector/classifier assemblies as an FG1-EAK in accordance with TLS 2012. A control module and a UPS (TDS UPS) are also available as options in order to provide a TLS-compliant remote monitoring station. The TDS 821-H, TDS 824-H and TDS UPS are structurally identical, and are designed for mounting on standard top-hat rails.

Available Q4/2024

TDS 824-R

The 19-inch TDS 824-R module (3U/4HP) is an 8-channel detector/classifier, optionally for single loops with 5+1 classification including speed estimation, and/or double loops with 8+1 classification, determinable on a lane-by-lane basis.

In the course of TLS suitability testing at the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), the system achieved accuracy class A1 in accordance with TLS 2012 for cable lengths of 50 m, 300 m and 1,050 m. Vehicle detection and classification works reliably at speeds up to 300 km/h, even when vehicles change lane.

The 19-inch TDS 824-R module can be used as a stand-alone detector/classifier in 19-inch housings, which can be connected to a control unit using the SiTOS protocol, for example. Other transmission protocols can be implemented if required. One to four TDS 824-R can be used in combination with the TDS 821-U/R (rack version) as an FG1-EAK. A TLS-compliant control module, a UPS (TDS UPS) and an FG6-EAK are available as an option enabling the TDS 824-R to be used as part of a TLS remote monitoring station.

One to four TDS 824-R modules (32 channels) can be operated with a TDS 821-U/R CPU module (see separate brochure) in a 19-inch rack as a TLS 2012-compliant remote monitoring station with optional UPS.

Available Q4/2024

TDS 821-U/R

The 19-inch TDS 821-U/R CPU module (3U/8HP) is a higher-level processing unit which processes the data and manages communications with 1 to 4 TDS 824-R detector/classifier assemblies as an FG1-EAK in accordance with TLS 2012. A control module and a UPS (TDS UPS) are also available as options in order to provide a TLS-compliant remote monitoring station. The TDS 821-U/R, TDS 824-R and TDS UPS are structurally identical, and are designed for mounting in a 19-inch rack.

General Information

Along with the TMCS-IP, the TDS 820R and TDS 821R systems, which have been in operation since the beginning of the 1990s can also be brought up to the latest state-of-the-art and connected using modern detectors/classifiers and communications media (4G, AUSA, fibre optic cable).

Technical specification

Our systems are available as a stand-alone FG1-EAK with various interfaces. The function group FG1 outputs interval-controlled short-term and long-term traffic flow data, which can be parameterised from a sub-centre via a remote connection or on site.

Technical specificationsTMCS-IPTDS 824-HTDS 821-HTDS 824-RVDK 900TDS 821-U/R
Number of channels2 to 162 to 82 to 82
8+1 (TLS 2012) classifier
SWISS 10 classifier
DK 15 classifier
NorSIKT (Level 4) classifier
Colour touch displayoptional
LED matrix
Continuous meassurements
Fixed loop frequencies
Max. feeder cable (incl. Telephone cable)1,050m1,050m1,050m300m
4G modem (LTE)
5G modemoptionaloptionaloptional
NarrowBand-IoT modemoptionaloptionaloptional
USB Flash Drive (front accessible)
Function group 1 (FG1)
Function group 2 (FG2)optional
Function group 3 (FG3)optionaloptionaloptional
Function group 6 (FG6)optionaloptionaloptional
Control module (SM)optionaloptionaloptional
FG1 std/ltd DE block (79)
FG1 vbv DE block (63)
TC57/TLSoIP
RS232 interface
RS485 interface
Ethernet interface
WIM-DSP interface
USB-A interface22
USB-C interface
Integrated UPS (Li-Ion battery)optionaloptionaloptionaloptionaloptional
Battery buffered RTC
Temperature range -30 °C/+75 °C (with UPS -20°C/+60°C)
Protection class IP67
Hat rail module
Dimensions in mm315 x 150 x 59105x40x142105x40x1423HE/4TE3HE/4TE3HE/8TE
63TE rack
84TE rack
Mean power6W3W6W3W6W
BASt, German Federal Highway Research Institute approval (accuracy class A1 for 50m, 300m and 1,050m)300m

TLS = technical delivery requirements for route stations
Function groups in accordance with TLS 2012
Control modules in accordance with TLS 2012


Subject to technical changes. Special solutions for individual projects possible.