NTCIP Publishes Object Definitions for Actuated Traffic Signal Controller Units - NTCIP 1202

February 12, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

NTCIP 1202 version 02 is a data dictionary standard that defines the data elements and conformance requirements for traffic signal controllers.

The first version was published as NEMA 3.5-1996, which then became NTCIP 1202:1997 v01.07. Version 02 was developed to add new features from lessons learned and to update the document format.

The NTCIP 1202 v02 standard is used for communicating between system nodes, such as between a traffic management center and the traffic signal controllers at roadway intersections.

The data in the standard are defined using specifications from the Internet and NTCIP 1202, and express a signal system’s operating parameters, functional controls and status information.

Some of the functions include:

• Signal phases.
• Detectors.
• Coordination.
• Preemption.
• Upload and download.
• Block object data for efficient device configuration.

NTCIP 1202 v02 also includes an information profile that provides a "checklist" for all the data elements related to both the traffic control and the communications functions an implementation needs.

The standard includes sections on consistency checking and operation. The consistency checking section defines how a controller unit checks to see if the data values in the various functions make sense when viewed from an overall perspective. The concept of operation defines how the sequence of information is exchanged between a management station and a controller unit.

Source: National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Protocol. (NTCIP).