traffic signal

UK-based Downton Technology Limited (DTL) has collaborated with Newbury Electronics to develop a new LED interface that interacts with traffic signal heads and enforcement cameras.

The new system helps to monitor the red and amber aspects of LED traffic lights heads, and when these signal heads are detected operating correctly, the interface transmits notifications to the red light cameras.

DTL technical director Natasha Downton said: "The camera shall then detect and photograph a vehicle crossing the stop line of a light-controlled road junction.

"In order to do this, we have had to incorporate a number of sensors that can detect when the amber or red lights are illuminated, for how long each light is illuminated, and if light settings are complying with regional metrology requirements.

The new detection system replaces the existing ones that do not support LED traffic lights.

A contract electronic manufacturing (CEM) company, Newbury Electronics has used printed circuit board (PCB) development skills and DTL designs to create the new product.

"We have used our experience and skills to work with DTL to develop the PCBs required for the two-unit system."

DTL is currently manufacturing five such interface systems.

The LED traffic signal detector has been successfully trialled and approved, and can be used with a range of low-voltage (LV) traffic light heads.

Compliant with current UK Home Office requirements, the detectors have been deployed in the country.

Newbury Electronics MD Philip King said: "We have used our experience and skills to work with DTL to develop the PCBs required for the two-unit system, and to manufacture and assemble the PCBs and box build the systems, prior to testing them, using a DTL supplied test simulator."

Image: Traffic signal. Photo: courtesy of Newbury Electronics.