ITS Teknik, a specialist in traffic solutions, has adopted the Anybus Wireless Bridge to improve traffic flow management. The technology enables efficient wireless communication between traffic systems, minimizing disruptions and ensuring smoother operations. This integration supports ITS Teknik in maintaining traffic efficiency and reliability.
ITS Teknik
ITS Teknik is a market-leading Danish company specializing in traffic safety, planning, and registration solutions that enhance road safety and efficiency. By collaborating with top global traffic equipment suppliers, ITS Teknik offers a comprehensive product portfolio that includes traffic signals, advanced intelligent transportation systems (ITS), signal systems, bicycle barometers, green wave technology for cyclists, weigh-in-motion sensors, parking guidance systems, speed indicators, automated traffic controls, number plate scanners, lane signals, and dynamic message signs.
Traffic signaling systems
A key area for ITS Teknik is traffic signaling systems, where their most advanced range uses radar from the German manufacturer smartmicro. These 24 GHz radars detect the position and speed of every road user within their coverage area. They can track up to 256 objects across multiple lanes. This data supports real-time traffic management, helping optimize signal control and improve safety.
The Challenge: Connecting radars
While smartmicro provides the radar, it does not include a built-in communication solution, so ITS Teknik needed a way to transmit data from the radar to the control cabinet. Lars Jakobsen, ITS Teknik Vice Director, explains: “The standard method is to send communication over a cable, but for existing intersections, installing new cables isn’t easy. In some places, we’re not allowed to dig, and even when it’s permitted, we have to close the road or at least one lane, which obviously disrupts traffic. Plus, digging is costly—it requires hiring subcontractors, and you’re never sure what you’ll find underground, so it’s hard to provide accurate estimates to our customers.”
The Solution: Anybus Wireless Bridge II Serial
Wireless technology provides an effective solution to these challenges. “Wireless is a very attractive option because we can use the existing poles to install the radar and then connect it wirelessly to the control cabinet. It’s quicker, cheaper, and far less disruptive,” explains Lars.
To find a wireless solution, ITS Teknik partnered with HMS Networks, who recommended the Anybus Wireless Bridge II, designed for establishing reliable point-to-point wireless connections. Industrial sensors often rely on serial communication due to its simplicity and reliability. In this case, the radar sensor uses RS-422, a serial interface fully supported by the Anybus Wireless Bridge II.
Anybus Wireless Bridge II Serial
How it works
The Anybus Wireless Bridge II is connected to the radar via a single serial cable, supplying both power and transmitting data. A second bridge is installed within the control cabinet and connected to ITS’s interface card. The two bridges are paired over Bluetooth, enabling wireless communication between the radar and the control cabinet.
The Anybus Wireless Bridge II (1.) is connected to the radar (2.) via a single serial cable and paired with another Anybus Wireless Bridge II in the control cabinet.
Each Anybus Wireless Bridge II is connected to the control cabinet via a serial cable.
Reliable connections are critical for accurate traffic actuation. Lars explains, “You need to predict a vehicle’s position, speed, proximity to the stop line, and the exact moment to change the signal from green to yellow to red. It’s about timing the signal change to the split second.”
The project has proven successful, with Anybus Wireless Bridges installed in 300 intersections, totaling 1,600 units supporting 800 radars.