Skip to main content

Siemens’ Plus+ simplifies signalised intersection wiring

The latest innovation from Siemens comes under the Plus+ banner and encompasses its third generation digitised traffic control system which features distributed intelligence and simplifies cabling. In place of up to 300 wire cores on a single signalised intersection, the Plus+ system uses just four cables arranged in a system of rings, arms and spurs. The four wires, two power (48V) and two data, are used to connect ‘intelligent nodes’ in each traffic light head to be connected to the central controller, re
June 2, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The latest innovation from 189 Siemens comes under the Plus+ banner and encompasses its third generation digitised traffic control system which features distributed intelligence and simplifies cabling.


In place of up to 300 wire cores on a single signalised intersection, the Plus+ system uses just four cables arranged in a system of rings, arms and spurs. The four wires, two power (48V) and two data, are used to connect ‘intelligent nodes’ in each traffic light head to be connected to the central controller, retaining functionality while minimising wiring and greatly simplifying installation.

Beyond reducing the ducting requirements to a single duct for each run, the ring configuration means that if a cable is severed the power and data can flow the ‘other way’ round the ring to reach the controller and therefore minimise or eliminate outages.  And if a traffic light pole is knocked over, the head(s) it carries will be automatically isolated, allowing the remaining lights to function as normal.

Cost reductions of up to 20% are possible and many existing sensors (loops, push button and so on) can be connected to the system.

The company is already working on pre-wiring traffic light heads in order that electrical installation at the roadside is reduced to connecting only four wires.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Aptiv: we need overhaul of AV nervous system
    August 20, 2019
    Autonomous vehicles are changing a lot of things: Aptiv’s Christian Schäfer suggests that we need to look again at traditional approaches to vehicle architecture to find viable options for the future
  • Wireless bridges widen options for ITS upgrades
    December 9, 2014
    Antaira Technologies’ marketing engineer Brian Roth explains why the increasing capacity of wireless bridges is reducing the cost of expanding and upgrading ITS networks. With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, the need for efficient transportation of both people and goods has never been greater and that pressure is unlikely to ease any time soon. Indeed in many regions of the world the rate of urbanisation is still increasing as the demand for rural workers continues to decline.
  • Siemens to unveil new traffic control system at Traffex 2017
    March 9, 2017
    Siemens will unveil Plus+, a new generation of traffic controller and signals at Traffex 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham next month. The new solution includes newly designed and dedicated on-street equipment and fully integrated design, configuration and installation tools, ensuring the most efficient traffic signal implementation available today. The Plus+ system uses advanced technology to distribute intelligence and control around the intersection, rather than it all being centrally located in the contro
  • Machine vision’s transport offerings move on apace
    June 30, 2016
    Colin Sowman considers some of the latest advances in camera technology and transport-related vision technology applications. Vision technology in the transportation sector is moving apace as technical developments on both the hardware and software sides combine to make cameras more multifunctional with a single digital camera now able to cover a multitude of tasks.