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

  • Benefits of traffic light synchronisation
    January 27, 2012
    Alicia Parkway corridor, located in Orange County, California, was part of Phase 1 of an inter-jurisdictional Traffic Light Synchronisation Programme (TLSP) in Orange County designed to increase mobility and overall drive quality while reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing average speeds and reducing travel times via the reduction in stops, the programme sought to reduce vehicle acceleration and deceleration events along the corridor; these have been identified as the leadin
  • Doha implements traffic control system
    November 21, 2012
    Expansion of ITS systems has accelerated in Qatar this year, with rapid deployment of a traffic control system in Doha. Less than 10 years from now an extensive system of ITS technology will be operating in Qatar, informing and directing users of the country’s roads. That can be stated with confidence for a number of reasons: the world’s richest country per capita will host the World Cup in 2022 and is understood to be planning to develop sophisticated systems of ITS for road safety and traffic managemen
  • Syracuse models post-industrial revival for US cities
    August 13, 2015
    A connective corridor in Syracuse, New York State, could be a model for other post-industrial cities, as David Crawford discovers. The aim of the city of Syracuse’ 5.6km-long Connective Corridor in Onandaga County in upstate New York is to create a model ‘complete street’ for use in wider regeneration schemes. Key transport-sector components are traffic calming, high-quality transit with accessible passenger information, plus walkability and bike-friendliness.
  • Driving forward cooperative intersection safety applications
    July 24, 2012
    Gregory Davis, FHWA, John Harding, NHTSA, and Mike Schagrin, ITS Joint Program Office (RITA) chart the course for cooperative intersection safety applications being pursued as part of the IntelliDrive programme. Crashes at intersections accounted for 8,703 highway fatalities in the US in 2008. Research and development is moving forward on IntelliDriveSM safety applications designed to help drivers avoid intersection accidents. These new safety systems could substantially drive down the highway death and inj