Everything You Need To Know About Loop Detector

The inability of traffic light sensors to identify motorbikes frequently frustrates many motorcycle riders. The inductive loop is a road surface-embedded coil of wire that serves as a car sensor. An electronic technique in the traffic signal control cabinet sends a signal through the loop. The electrical signal will change as a mass of ferrous metal travels over the loop. The loop detectors notifies the computer that a vehicle is present if the shift sensed is large enough. In this post, you will read about the loop detector:

Different types of detectors

Depending on the use and functionality, different types of detectors are available. They come in various styles such as pressure, pushbutton, magnetic, magnetometer, inductive loop, radar, sound, radiofrequency, and light emission detectors. Out of all these, magnetometer and inductive loop types are frequently employed for various applications.

Reason why traffic engineers use inductive loop detectors

Since they are more accurate and have a more comprehensive range of uses than other types of detectors, inductive loop detectors are frequently utilised by traffic engineers. Applications for inductive loop detectors can be divided into six groups, which are listed below.

• Isolated intersection control

To control traffic flow at isolated crossroads without taking into account the operation of nearby street signals, inductive loop detectors can be utilised.

• Arterial intersection control

Using inductive loop detectors in open arterial networks ensures traffic advances along a roadway by displaying a series of green traffic signal lights.

• Closed network control

Within a predetermined area, like the city's Central Business District, inductive loop detectors in closed networks coordinate a network of intersection signals.

• Area-wide system control

All traffic lights in a particular area will function as one system under this type of system. Isolated intersecting network techniques can be used to control specific signals in this area.

• Priority vehicle system control

Buses, ambulances, and fire trucks can all be identified more constantly through congested crossings due to inductive loop detectors.

• Pedestrian signal control

Pushbuttons with inductive loop detectors can grant pedestrians the right of way in congested junctions when they have little opportunity to cross the signals.

Types of inductive loops

There are three types of inductive loops utilised in traffic signal operations. Here you will see the types of inductive loops used in traffic signals.

Pre-timed signals

Pre-timed control consists of a string of fixed-duration intervals. They continue an established, regular loop. Actuated signals can react to the presence of cars or people at the crossing, in contrast to pre-timed signals.

Actuated Signals

Actuated Signals must be activated by a vehicle on one or more approaches to service specific traffic phases or movements. They are furnished with loop detectors and the appropriate control logic to meet the demands.

Semi Actuated signals

Only the tiniest motions at an intersection are controlled by loop detection in a semi-actuated system. The principal road through movements' associated phases is non-actuated in operation. This means that no detection information is given to these phases.

Final words

Although the method used to detect inductive loops is relatively straightforward, it is crucial to understand how it functions and how many components interact. Hopefully, you have learned about the loop detector.