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

  • Lack of communication jeopardises road weather information
    February 3, 2012
    A lack of communications means that the case for more widespread use of road weather information systems is still not happening, says Vaisala's Jon Tarleton. More effective exchanges up and down the political scale are needed, he adds
  • The case for integrating urban traffic control and parking
    February 3, 2012
    Although urban traffic control and parking management are inextricably linked in so many ways, there remain fundamental differences which undermine closer integration. Car parking guidance systems can have a significant, positive impact on congestion in town and city centres, however conflicting business models still stand in the way of the more profound integration of car parking management and Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems.
  • ‘Free’ power for signs, shelters and so much more
    March 17, 2016
    David Crawford looks at the sunny side of the street. Solar power has been relatively slow in entering the transport sector, but a current blossoming of activity bodes well for the large-scale harnessing of an alternative energy that is zero-emission at source and, in practical terms, infinitely renewable. Traffic management and traveller information systems, and actual vehicles, are all emerging as areas for deployment. Meanwhile roads themselves are being viewed as new-style, fossil fuel-free ‘power stati
  • Big data bonus for Dublin’s buses
    August 19, 2014
    Dublin’s smart research partnership speeds buses More than 50% of people travelling into and across the Irish capital rely on public transport, and four out of 10 these use buses meaning Dublin Bus carries some 120 million passengers a year.