ELECT 284 - Traffic Signal Controllers & Digital Systems

ELECT 284
3 units
Traffic Signal Controllers & Digital Systems
45 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ELECT 204.
Grading: letter grade.

Description

This is a course in digital logic and microprocessor controls as applied to Traffic Signal Systems. This hands-on course will include troubleshooting of digital traffic controllers. Course topics will include, but are not limited to, interface logic, electronics, and theory of system operation.

Transferability

Identifiers & Codes

Department: Trades & Industrial Technology
School: Trades & Applied Technology
Academic Level: Undergraduate
TOP Code: 093400 - Electronics and Electric Technology
CTE Status: Yes
SAM Code: C - Clearly Occupational
CIP Code: 47.0101 - Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General.
Credit or Noncredit: Credit

Class Size Max, Units, Hours

Class Size Maximum: 30
Lecture Hours: 2.5
Lab Hours: 1.5
Supplemental Hours: 0
Credit Units: 3
Out of Class Hours: 5
Weekly In-Class Hours: 4
Teaching Units: 4
Total Student Learning Hours: 216
Total Contact Hours: 126

Requisites & Limitations on Enrollment

Prerequisites: ELECT 204

Catalog Information

Grade Mode: Letter Grade
Are there Materials Fees for the course? No
Is the course repeatable? No

Student Learning Outcomes & Course Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes:
  • 1. Analyze and compare different traffic system controllers’ capabilities, response to system faults, and design a test plan for troubleshooting and repair.
Course Objectives:
1. Identify the components of a digital control system.
2. Assemble a single signal digital control system.
3. Assemble the necessary test equipment for system testing.
4. Measure and record timing and voltage values as they pertain to the controllers.
5. Analyze the operation of a controller and determine if it is functioning properly.

Course Content

Course Content:
1. Introduction to Digital & Microprocessor Systems.
a. Review of electrical concepts and components.
b. Basic Digital Logic, truth tables, voltage levels.

12 Hour(s)

2. Traffic Signal Controllers.
a. Introduction to controllers from various manufacturers.
b. Controller Component Identification.

8 Hour(s)

3. Signal Levels and Measurements in Digital Systems.
a. Propagation delay, voltage levels.
b. Use of Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Voltmeters.

8 Hour(s)

4. Components of a Microprocessor System.
a. Processor, memory, input/output, power supplies.

12 Hour(s)

5. Electronics for Control and Monitoring of Traffic Control Devices.
a. Input Electronics.
b. Output Electronics.

16 Hour(s)

6. Troubleshooting Input Electronics.
a. Typical faults, identification of problems.

4 Hour(s)

7. Troubleshooting Output Electronics.
a. Typical faults, identification of problems.

4 Hour(s)

8. Troubleshooting Traffic Signal Controllers.
a. Identifying problem source.
b. Best method for repairing problems.

8 Hour(s)

Methods of Instruction & Active Learning

Instructional Method(s):
  • Lecture
  • Laboratory / Studio / Shop / Clinical
  • Demonstration
  • Discussion
  • Technology
  • Video Presentation
  • Collaborative Learning
Examples: The instructor will lecture on course material during each class session by the instructor and include the theory necessary to understand the relevant concepts. Laboratory work will include troubleshooting a controller with faults inserted. Test equipment will be assembled and utilized in the repair process. The procedures necessary to successfully complete laboratory assignments will be demonstrated by the instructor actual equipment and hands-on demonstrations. Instructor-led group discussions addressing various solutions to troubleshooting and repairing problems will be conducted. Combination of delivery materials, video presentations and PowerPoint presentations will be used. All laboratory work is completed using industry standard traffic signal control equipment. Video presentations will be included as part of the class. Group lab projects and construction projects require the students to work in a collaborative environment.

Assignment for In and Out of Class

Assignment Types:
  • Substantial college level writing assignment, such as: essay(s), written homework, term/research paper, and/or other (Required).
  • Substantial college level reading assignment, such as: textbook, journal article(s), literature, and/or other (specify)
  • Lab or field activity, product, and/or report
  • Group Assignment
  • Reading Assignment
  • Portfolio
Examples: A research paper describing the various types of controller configurations and methods utilized in programming those controllers will be required. Readings will be assigned from textbook and on-line research. Topics covered will include the types of technologies utilized by traffic signal controllers. A lab report will be required for each lab activity including, but not limited to: - Development of a Traffic Signal Controller troubleshooting procedure. - Identification and documentation of inserted faults. - Proper utilization of test equipment. The class will be broken up into work groups for the purpose of troubleshooting a controller. Each group will be responsible for developing troubleshooting procedure and documenting the tests done on the controller and problems found. Students are required to read the textbook, lab manual and any online course materials. Students are required to maintain a portfolio with lecture notes, reading notes, definitions and lab results.

Methods of Evaluation

Written Evaluations:
  • Term or Other Paper(s)
  • Laboratory Report(s)
Computational or Non-Computational Problem Solving Demonstrations:
  • Exam(s)
  • Quizzes
  • Homework Problem(s)
Further Methods of Evaluation:
  • Skill Demonstrations such as class performances(s), fieldwork, performance exam(s)
  • Objective examinations, such as: multiple choice, true/false, matching items, completion
  • Portfolio
Examples: Students will be required to present a paper on the types of components found in a digital traffic signal controller. Each type of component will be identified and its function in the system will be described. Papers will be evaluated for accuracy, and compliance with industry standards.. Students will be required to perform the required research and document the results. The reports will be evaluated on their completeness, accuracy, and to industry standards. Exams will be given covering lecture materials and requiring students to synthesize system components and requirements in compliance with industry standards. Quizzes will be given requiring calculations such as propagation delay, output loading and capacitance and will be based on industry standards. Homework problems requiring calculations will be assigned to further test the student’s competence in performing these calculations in order to meet industry standards. A typical skill demonstration exam would require the student to troubleshoot and properly identify problems in a digital control system. The evaluation will include the proper location of faults as well as the student's ability to repair said faults to industry standards. Objective examinations will be used to evaluate a student's acquisition and understanding of key course concepts and vocabulary. A portfolio is required to be kept for all of the hands-on projects. It should include notes, diagrams of microprocessor timing sequences and system components. The portfolios will be evaluated on completeness and professional presentation.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibilty

Instruction through the Course Outline of Record includes approaches to teaching that promote inclusion and engagement with diverse bodies of students using methods that are inclusive of diverse perspectives, close equity gaps, and are accessible to all students. Teaching faculty participate in college-wide efforts to close equity gaps, such as course-level data validation in program planning, centers and communities for teaching, DEIA professional development activities, and Student Learning Outcomes assessment. Cyclical Routine Review of course objectives, outcomes, content, assignments, methods of evaluation, methods of instruction, representative textbooks and materials, and requisites allows faculty to explore how each element of the course outline illustrates inclusion and engagement with diverse student bodies. Course instruction is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, and is achieved through professional development support, and District accessibility procedures which guarantee accommodation so that all students can equally participate in learning opportunities. Design of instructional materials, including those hosted online in learning management systems, can be reviewed for accessibility through accountability systems such as the CVC@ONE's Peer Online Course Review and in collaboration with the college’s Instructional and Universal Designer, who assists faculty in the design and implementation of materials and strategies that meet best practices for Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Representative Textbooks and Materials

Representative Textbook:

Traffic Engineering, CourseSmart eTextbook. Roger P. Roess, Polytechnic University and Elena S. Prassas, Polytechnic University. 4th Edition. Prentice Hall. *2011.

*There is no updated version of this textbook.

Recommended Textbook:

http://www.itsa.org/

Modality