In times of minimal rates of change in annual traffic development, the monitoring and classification of road traffic with accuracy class A1/300m 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 A1/300m 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.

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.

The TDS 824 is a highly integrated 8-channel (4 double loops) inductive loop detector / classifier for increased requirements at permanent counting sites and traffic light installations, which are found, for example, in the vicinity of tram tracks, power lines, tunnels etc.

The system is available as a 3HE/4TE plug-in card (optionally 5TE) for 19″ racks as well as a DIN rail module and can be operated on more than 600m of telecommunication cable with one wire pair/loop (AWG 20). The detectors operate at more than 16 fixed frequencies (automatic frequency selection and alignment, no DIP switches), where the resistance of the loops may be more than 50Ω and the inductance of the loops incl. telecommunication cable up to 600µH. The TDS 824 uses a continuous measurement method (no time-multiplexing), which allows a more accurate analysis of the traversal curves, leading to more robust classification results.

In addition to the TLS 8+1, SWISS 10, DK15 and NorSIKT (Level 4) classifiers are available, which work on the basis of modern pattern recognition methods and also detect loop interruptions and short circuits.

The multi-colour LED matrix displays vehicle crossings on the inductive loops, classification results and system states. In addition, the system has a USB-C service interface on the front panel as well as optocoupler outputs and an isolated RS485 interface on the DIN 41612 connector.

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).