VEHICLE DENSITY BASED SMART TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

USING PLC

2019-2023

A Dissertation submitted to
Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal
Towards partial fulfilment of the degree of

B. Tech
In
Electrical Engineering

Guide-1: Guide-2:
PROF. SARITA VIJAYVARGIYA PROF. DEEPESH SURYAVANSHI

Submitted By:
MANSI GAHARWAR – 0863EE191028
UMANG MEWARA – 0863EE191049
SHUBHANSHI PATEL – 0863EE191046

Department of Electrical Engineering

Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research, Indore
Indore (M.P.)-452010

1
 Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research, Indore

2019-2023

RECOMMENDATION

We are pleased to recommend that the desertion work entitled VEHICLE

DENSITY BASED SMART TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM USING PLC
Carried out by Mansi Gaharwar(0863EE191028), Umang Mewara
(0863EE191049), Shubhanshi Patel(0863EE191046) in partial fulfilment for
degree of Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering of Rajiv Gandhi
Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal (M.P.) during the year 2017-2021. This
project has been approved as it satisfies the academic requirement in respect of
project work prescribe for the B.Tech.

Prof. Yamini Nimonkar Dr. Dipali Sarvate

Assistant Professor, EE Head of Department, EE

2
 Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research,
Indore

2019-2023

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Major work entitled VEHICLE DENSITY BASED
SMART TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM USING PLC submitted by Mansi
Gaharwar(0863EE191028), Umang Mewara(0863EE191049), Shubhanshi
Patel(0863EE191046) towards the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the
award of the degree of B. Tech in Electrical Engineering is satisfactory
account of his work based on syllabus and is approved for the degree of B. Tech
in Electrical Engineering.

Internal Examiner External Examiner

.............................. ...............................

Date: -................... Date: -......................

3
Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research,
Indore

2019-2023

DECLARATION

In accordance with the requirement for degree of B. Tech in Electrical

Engineering. Mansi Gaharwar(0863EE191028), Umang
Mewara(0863EE191049), Shubhanshi Patel(0863EE191046) present this report
entitled VEHICLE DENSITY BASED SMART TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM
USING PLC .This project completed under the supervision of Prof. Sarita
Vijayvargiya and I declare that the work presented in the report is my own
original work and all references taken are duly acknowledged in the text and to
the best of my knowledge, this material has not been submitted in whole or in
part of degree either at this institute or any other institute or elsewhere.
Mansi Gaharwar
0863EE1910298
Umang Mewara
0863EE191049
Shubhanshi Patel
0863EE191046

4
Dedicated to my beloved family,
Respected guides
&
friends

5
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

There is a race for survival in the present world competition in which they have the desire to
succeed in order to come forward. The project is like a bridge between theoretical and
practical work. With this desire we joined the B. Tech.
From the bottom of our heart, we would like to pay our courteous thanks to our memorable,
studious, and inspirational supervisors Prof. Dipesh Suryavanshi and Prof. Yamini
Nimonkar for their precious guidance, innovative ideas and for guiding us towards nice
direction for my future. They always encouraged us to work hard and without their help, this
project cannot become a real.
We distend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dipali Sarvate (HOD) whose continuous appreciation
and encouragement made this work possible.
We are also grateful to all the professors and lab assistants who has permitted us for making
the minor project.
We manifest our sincere thanks to the faculty members of Electrical Engineering Department,
those who have taught me different courses which helped me in this work.
We want to thank our family and their consolation, without which our study won't be
conceivable.
We are grateful to our friends who directly and indirectly have been always helping and
encouraging us through out of year.
We would like to thank to all employees of Electrical Engineering Department, PIEMR
Indore for their interminable help.

Mansi Gaharwar
0863EE1910298
Umang Mewara
0863EE191049
Shubhanshi Patel
0863EE191046

6
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Vehicle Density Based Smart Traffic Control Using PLC

1
2. Recommendation
2
3. Certificate
3
4. Declaration
4
5. Dedication
5
6. Acknowledgement
6
7. Table of Contents
7
8. List of figures
8
9. Abstract
9
10. Introduction
10
10.1. What is traffic signal?
10
10.2. What is PLC?
11
10.3. Objective of the project
12
11. Chapter 1 – Literature Review
14
12. Chapter 2 – Component Description
17
13. Programmable Logic Controller
17
13.1. PLC basics & history
18
13.2. Working of PLC
18
13.3. Physical structure of PLC
20
13.4. Rack and Chassis
20
13.5. Power supply module
21

7
 13.6. CPU module & memory
21
13.7. Input and Output module
21
13.8. Types of PLC
23
13.9. PLC Application
25
13.10. PLC Programming
25
13.11. Ladder Logic
25
14. SMPS
26
15. Proximity Sensor
28
16. LED or Light Emitting Diodes
29
17. Results and Discussions
30
18. Conclusion
31
19. Future Scope
32
20. References
33
21. Annexure
34

LIST OF FIGURES

S. FIGURE NUMBER FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBER

NO.

1 Fig.1 Basic PLC Architecture 11

2 Fig.2 Road Plan 13

8
3 Fig.3 Block diagram of working of PLC 19

4 Fig.4 Block diagram of PLC 20

5 Fig.5 Breakdown of PLC Rack 21

6 Fig.6 PLC input module 22

7 Fig.7 Circuit diagram of PLC input module 22

8 Fig.8 PLC output module 23

9 Fig.9 A modular type PLC 24

10 Fig.10 Simplest example of ladder logic 25

11 Fig.11 Ladder to functional block 26

12 Fig.12 Ladder to functional block diagram 26

13 Fig.13 SMPS Block Diagram 27

14 Fig.14 PNP and NPN type of proximity sensor block 29

diagram

15 Fig.15 Coloured LED 29

16 Fig.16 Parts of LED 29

9
 ABSTRACT

Traffic light is an essential part of road infrastructure. Traditional traffic light system with
fixed and single control function does not meet the requirements of current traffic situation.
The normal traffic light has preset time for every lane which permits specific time without the
concern of traffic density. The project develops a “VEHICLE DENSITY BASED SMART
TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM USING PLC”. As the name suggests it will manage the
time according to the traffic density in a particular lane, providing more time to the lane with
high traffic density and adjusting the time for the lane with low traffic density, automatically
with the help of PLC. Mode of control of PLC is flexible and commutable; it also sets the
countdown reminder to lower the cases of accidents, efficient working of traffic lights, which
can realize the goal of intelligent traffic diversion.

KEYWORDS:

● PLC
● TRAFFIC DENSITY
● TRAFFIC LIGHT
● COUNTERS
● RFID
● PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS

10
 Introduction

Traffic controlling has always been a problem in crowded and populated cities. Earlier, traffic
was controlled by police officers who wore white gloves, blowing whistle. But it was very
hectic for everyone- for police, pedestrian and the people with vehicles. Therefore, to make
it more effective and to reduce time and human investment, traffic lights were invented. [1]

What is a traffic signal?

Traffic signal is basically a pole with three lights. Each light has its own significance showing
when to go and when to stop. Traffic signal was first placed in the street of London next to
the parliament building in the year 1868. The purpose of this is to help the police and the
public especially at night. Traffic signal with colourful arms and colourful lamps helps the
public to understand when to go and when to stop properly at night. The lightening was
made by gas inside the device. Earlier the colour was changed with the help of green and
red lenses. The police officer should have to stand next to the pole where the light is
connected and turned the coloured arms and lamps toward the traffic with the help of arm
connected to the pole. After short span of time the lamp working with the gas was exploded
and the police officer face injury, from then the use of traffic lights faced downturn.
In 1920, modern traffic light was placed in the Detroit city in USA. It was the first time when
the newly renovated traffic light was introduced to the city lanes. It was a three coloured
electrical controlled device which is made of three separate chambers as rectangle box
shape. Each chamber illuminates separate coloured lamp. Yellow light was added to red and
green lights which helps to understand the driver that the signal was changing. [2]
From 1950 the dramatic increase in the vehicle on road created a need for traffic lights to be
used everywhere. More than 100 years have passed since the 1st traffic light was used. Red,
Yellow and Green colours have now become an essential part of every road. Although the
technology, appearance and management of traffic lights have changed according to
people's need. [3]
Currently, as with time the traffic on the road is increasing day by day especially in rush
hours it is becoming a problem to some people. As the time is pre-set in case of classic
traffic light. When the traffic lights were introduced, their main purpose was to ensure the
safety of people in the traffic, but as traffic is becoming enormous to handle, the flow
control issues has become an important point to think on. Nowadays, control algorithms are
extremely complicated, and take traffic dependent light-control architectures into account.
Nevertheless, complementary functions exist to augment the intelligence of such systems .
[4]

To overcome this problem our team has proposed a smart traffic signal control system
using PLC. With the minimalist of change sensors and internal coding we can make an
extraordinary change in the traffic light by controlling them with respect to the density of
the traffic.

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Now the question arise is what is a PLC?
A PLC Or a Programmable Logic Controller is a piece of equipment which is designed to
control a computer system in an industry.
In 1969, Dick Morley serendipitously built the first Programmable Logic Controller and then
further in 1973, Michael Greenburg designed the first commercially successful
Programmable Logic Controller.[5]
A Programmable Logic Controller is a solid-state device designed to operate in heavy
industrial environment and to perform all the logical function easily. The structure is similar
to that of computer. It consists of a central processing unit, memory, input and output
modules and internal bus. The device will receive input signal in the form of command input
from the equipment which has to be controlled for example switches, sensors, etc. by
processing them according to the precise model defined by the program and gives output
signal to the process equipment. The block diagram of a Programmable Logic Controller is
shown in fig 1. A Programmable Logic Controller monitors a specific set of inputs and make
decisions to give a desired output. Today Programmable Logic Controller are the foundation
of a predictive maintenance. Now a predictive maintenance is a smart process which allows
a manufacturing company to identify the potential breakdowns and root problems before
they cause major issues or result in significant downtime. At present Programmable Logic
Controllers are used to reduce maintenance and labour cost of many control-system. In the
upcoming eight to ten years many existing control systems will be replaced by
Programmable Logic Controllers.
The avail of using the Programmable Logic Controller is that if same PLC is used for several
junctions for controlling the traffic system of a particular lane the signalling systems of all
the junctions will automatically be synchronized, there is no need to establish surplus
synchronizing equipment.
Programmable Logic Controller use "ladder logic" and essentially brought to life physical
relays, timers, and wired connections. It eliminates the requirement for rewiring, installation
of full codes and new hardware for every additional logical configuration. Programmable
Logic Controller elongates the functionality of controls without adding any additional
hardware and equipment eliminating the physical space required. [6]

12
 fig.1. Basic PLC architecture

Objective of the project

Here and now, as everyone is aware with the functions of a Programmable Logic Controller
and traffic light, here are the drawbacks of classic traffic signal and how it can be improved,
the need of introducing a vehicle density-based traffic light and also the benefits of using a
smart traffic controller connected to a Programmable Logic Controller.
As everyone had seen from centuries the classic traffic controller has a pre-set time for
every lane despite the different traffic density in different lane. Due to the time restrictions
for the red, yellow and green light in the traffic signal it gave the same pre-set time for every
light to every lane which in turn leads to breakdown during the peak hour creating the
chaos among the people and results in traffic jam for several hours. Also due to this
pedestrian also face problems and sometimes due to insufficient time people don’t even
follow the traffic rule which leads to accidents and so much of inconvenience.
The solution to this problem is a smart traffic controller, which will work according to the
traffic density. This will work as follows-
The normal traffic lights will be connected with the Programmable Logic Controller. The
proximity sensors will be added to the lanes (few meters away from the signal poles) which
will detect the density in every lane. Now in the peak hour when the traffic will start to
increase the Programmable Logic Controller will get information through the sensors and
according to traffic density the Programmable Logic Controller will automatically provide
more time to the lane with heavy traffic density and compensating the timing for the slightly
lower traffic density lane.
In future the copiousness of this project, can be used at each lane to determine the amount
of traffic and several type of surveying like traffic on a particular lane, traffic density in peak
time, traffic density on the time of morning and day etc.
The basic layout of the road plan is showed in the fig.2, below -

13
 Lane 2 A

Lane 2 B
Lane 1 A Lane 3 A

Lane 1 B Lane 3 B

Lane 4 A

Lane 4 B
LANE 1 LANE 3

LANE 2 LANE 4

fig.2. Road Plan

The advantages of this will be as follows-

● Public will get rid of the heavy traffic jam as it provides orderly movement of the
traffic.
● Provide for continuous movement of traffic at a definite speed along a given route.
● Effectively performing traffic management.
● Using a Programmable Logic Controller and sensors with traffic signals makes its
debut to the smarter generation.
● A Programmable Logic Controller will not only control the timer but also it will sense
any dysfunctionality and will not allow the traffic signal to breakdown in normal
hours.
● Also using a Programmable Logic Controller will allow us to bring any desired change
to be done without any hardship, if something is to be change in future.
Overall, traffic signals help us get where people going safely and in timely manner.
The motive is to save the precious time, reducing the chances of accident, to provide ease to
the public, making it a safer place for the drivers as well as the pedestrian and to bring our
contribution towards the automation industry.

14
 Chapter 1

Literature Review
The first traffic light which is based on gas-lit without electricity was invented by a railway
engineer, J. P. Knight Nottingham. It was installed outside the Houses of Parliament for the
eradication of the traffic between Bridge, Street and Parliament Street. This design contains
three semaphore arms with red and green gas lamps for night-time use, on a pole, operated
by a police constable. The length of the signal was about 22 feet. The gas lantern is
controlled with a lever at its based, by a police officer. The arm of the light, the semaphore,
pointed to horizontal that means the stop signal. The arm would lower to 45 degree means
the caution sign. The red and green light are used at night as stop and caution signs
respectively.

Mohit Dev Shrivastava; presented the initial steps for the implementation of a smart traffic
light control system based on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. In this
method they intend to measure the traffic density by counting the number of vehicles in
each lane and their weight and then park in automated parking otherwise diverge them
accordingly. It is also difficult for a traffic police to monitor the whole scenario manually
round the clock.

C Braz; presents the traffic control system controlled through a Programmable Logic
Controller, which takes the signals from different sensors on roads. The global system
developed ensures the coordination of four intersections, setting a path that respects
coordination type green light, the integration of additional sensors, the implementation of
examine radar to inform traffic participants about recommended speed for accessing the
green state located in the intersection that will follow to cross.

Ashwini Y Dakole; said the new architecture and design theory of this system is integrated
by a lot of hardware modules such as ARM LPC 2148 microcontroller as a control unit to
combine with global positioning system (GPS) and CC2500 RF module by the
hardware/software co-design, the new traffic control system can be design with that. The
traffic clogging can be caused by large red-light delays in the normal traffic control system.
The ARM7 based traffic control system is a multiple traffic light control and monitoring
system that reduce the possibilities of traffic jams, caused by traffic lights. The system is
based on ATmega16 and ARM7.

Roxanne ; describes Inadequate space and funds for the construction of new roads and the
steady increase in number of vehicles has prompted scholars to investigate other solutions

15
to traffic congestion. One area gaining interest is the use of smart traffic control systems
(STCS) to make traffic routing decisions. These systems use real time data and try to mimic
human reasoning thus prove promising in vehicle traffic control and management. This
paper was a review on the motivations behind the emergence of smart traffic control
systems (STCS) and the different types of these systems in use today for road traffic
management.

Nikhil R. Chitragar ; said that Traffic signals are the most convenient method of controlling
traffic in a busy road junction. Present traffic signals fail to control the traffic effectively
when a particular lane has got more traffic than the other lanes. The intelligent or Smart
Traffic Control is the one which is able to calculate the vehicle density in a lane at a 4-way
crossing and then decide the priority automatically using a program and then decides the
time for the red, green and yellow signal.
Rajeshwari Sundar ; said as traffic problems has increased in the last few years and the
present traffic light controllers have limitations because it uses the predefined hardware
that does not have the flexibility of modification on real time basis. Due to the fixed time
intervals of green, yellow and red signals the waiting time is more. To make this traffic light
controlling more efficient a new technique is emerged called as Smart Traffic Control System
using programmable logic controller. The timings of the red and green lights will be smartly
decided based on the traffic density on adjacent roads.

Varsha Srinivasan ; The problem of urban traffic congestion is constantly increasing by day.
The increase in traffic is due to the growing number of vehicles and the limited expansion of
the roads. We propose a system for reducing traffic congestion using image processing by
detecting blobs and tracking up on them. The system will detect vehicles through images
instead of using electronic sensors embedded in the pavement. We also plan to provide a
suitable solution for emergency vehicles stuck in traffic to clear the route by using
Bluetooth, hence assuring timely help to those in need.

Mrs.E.Shanthini.E ; Due to rapid urbanization there is a need for the execution of an

effective traffic control systems to avoid heavy congestion, also to make a better solution for
ambulance clearance helps to protect human life. The idea behind the proposed system is to
provide effective traffic control systems with the help of embedded technologies. The paper
concentrates on ambulance clearance and on the stolen vehicle detection. This makes use
of RFID, GPS, and GSM along with the used Embedded technology. Here each vehicle is
placed with an RFID tag. Whenever the RFID reader reads the tag of ambulance it turns ON
the green signal for that particular path till the reader reads the RFID tag. The position of
theft vehicle is located with the help of GPS and the information is transferred through GSM
to the control room. When the tag of stolen vehicles is read by the reader it turns ON the

16
Red signal. This prototype was tested using Simulation tool and the expected results was
obtained.[7]

Srivastava (2012) introduced the initial stages in the operation of a smart traffic light
control system based on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. In this system,
the goal of the model is to measure the traffic density by counting the number of vehicles in
each lane and their weight, then park them in automated parking or diverge them
accordingly. This will reduce the problem of the traffic police to monitor the whole scenario
round the clock. (Soh et al., 2010)

Cristian (2014). The control of an industrial process with programmable logic controller or
PLC. In 2014 International Conference on Applied and Theoretical Electricity (ICATE). IEEE
describes the road traffic system that is controlled by the programmable logic controller
(PLC) which takes the signals from different sensors on the roads. The general road traffic
system developed provides the direction of four intersections, setting a path that respects
coordination type green light. The implementation of probes radar to inform traffic
participants about recommended speed for accessing the green light state located in the
intersection that will follow to cross.
The author expressed that the new design of the traffic light is a combination of ARM LPC
2148 wand GPS as a control unit and CC2500 RF module. The traffic jam can take place
during the long red-light time interval in a classic traffic light system (Li et al., 2009). This
traffic control system offers multiple traffic light control and monitoring system that lowers
the possibilities of traffic jams and accidents.

Roxanne Hawi (2015) expressed other solutions to traffic congestion because of inadequate
space and funds collection for the construction of new roads. The author describes traffic
routing decisions that can calculate by using smart traffic control systems (STCS). These
systems use real time data and try to prove promising in vehicle traffic control and
management. This paper points out the motivations behind the emergence of STCS and the
different types of these systems in use today for road traffic management. (Downs, 1962).

Nikhil R. Chitragar; Traffic signals are the most suitable method of controlling traffic in rush
hour. The author present traffic signals that fail to control the traffic effectively when a
particular lane has got more traffic than the other lanes. The intelligent or “Smart Traffic
Control” is one which would be able to calculate the vehicle density in a lane at 4-way
junctions and then decide the priority automatically using a program. [8]

17
 CHAPTER:2
COMPONENT DISCRIPTION
Components used:
● Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
● SMPS
● RFID
● PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
● LEDs

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

PLC stands for “Programmable Logic Controller”. A PLC is a computer which is specially
designed to operate credibly under harsh industrial environments – such as extreme
temperatures, wet, dry, dusty conditions etc. PLCs are used to automate industrial process
such as a manufacturing plant’s assembly line, an ore processing plant, wastewater
treatment plant etc.
PLCs are much similar to that of the personal computer you have at home. They have a
power supply, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), inputs and outputs (I/O), memory, and
operating software. However, the operating software are different for both.
The biggest difference is that a PLC can perform discrete and continuous functions which a
PC cannot do, also a PLC is much better suited to rough industrial environments but a PC
don’t. A PLC can be thought of as a ‘ruggedized’ digital computer that handles the
electromechanical processes of an industrial environment.

PLCs play an important role in the field of automation, using forming part of a larger SCADA
system. A PLC can be programmed according to the operational requirement of the
purpose. In the manufacturing industry sometimes there will be a need for reprogramming
due to the change in the nature of production. To surmount this difficulty, PLC-based
control-systems were introduced.

Evolution of PLC: -
When the first electronic machine control was designed, relays were to control the machine
logic.
Relay logic has its own limitations.

1.Less reliability

18
 2.The delay involved in switching of contacts
3.Less flexibility and difficult troubleshooting due to hard wired connection .

PLC’s Basics and History:

PLCs were invented by Dick Morley in the year 1964. Since then, PLC has altered
dramatically the function of industrial and manufacturing sectors. PLC comes with a huge
range of functions like timing, counting, calculating, comparing, and processing various
analogue signals.

The main advantage of PLC over a “hard-wired” control system is that you can go back and
change the programming after you’ve programmed it, just at the cost of programmer’s time.
In a hard-wired control system, you’re essentially having to rip out wires and start from
scratch which is more expensive and takes longer time. Let’s look at an example to better
understand this advantage.
Imagine a light connected to a switch. In general, the light operates under two conditions –
ON or OFF. Now the task is when the switch is turn ON the light should glow only after 30
seconds. With this hard-wired setup –the process is stuck. The only way to achieve this is to
completely rewire our circuit to add a timing relay. That’s a lot of aggravation for a minor
change.
This is where a programmable logic controller comes into the picture. The advantage is- it
doesn’t require any additional wiring and hardware to make sure of a change. Rather it
requires a simple change in coding, programming the PLC to only turn ON the light 30
seconds after the switch is turned ON. So, by using a PLC, it is easy to incorporate multiple
inputs and outputs. This is just an example – a PLC has the ability to control huge and more
complex processes. A PLC can be customized depending on the application and needs of the
user.

Working of PLC
The working of a programmable logic controller can be easily understood by a cyclic
scanning method in fig.3, known as the scan cycle.

19
 fig.3. Block Diagram of working of PLC

A PLC Scan Process includes the following steps -

● The operating system will start to cycling and monitoring of time.

● The CPU starts reading the data from the input module and checks the status
of all the inputs.
● The CPU starts executing the user or application program which is written in
relay-ladder logic or any other PLC-programming language.
● Next, the CPU will perform all the internal diagnosis and communication
tasks.
● According to the program results, it will write the data into the output
module so that all outputs are updated.
● This process continues as long as the PLC is in run in the mode.

20
Physical structure of a PLC:
The structure of a PLC is almost similar to a computer’s architecture.

fig.4. Block diagram of PLC

Programmable Logic Controllers continuously monitors the input values from various input
sensing devices for e.g., accelerometer, weight scale, hardwired signals, etc. and produces a
corresponding output depending on the nature of production and industry. A typical block
diagram of PLC contains five parts namely:
● Rack or chassis
● Power Supply Module
● Central Processing Unit (CPU)
● Input & Output Module
● Communication Interface Module

The brief information of the following parts is given below,

Rack or Chassis
In all PLC systems, the PLC rack or chassis forms the most important module and acts as a
backbone of the system. PLCs comes in a range of various shapes and size. When more
complex control systems are involved, larger PLC racks are required. Small-sized PLCs are
equipped with a fixed I/O pin configuration. So, they have gone for modular type rack PLC,
which accepts different types of I/O modules with sliding and fit in concept in it. All modules
will be sojourner inside this rack/chassis.

21
 fig.5. Breakdown of PLC Rack

Power Supply Module

This module is used to provide the required power to the entire PLC system. It converts the
available AC power to DC power according to the requirement of the CPU and I/O module.
PLC generally works on a 24V DC supply. Few PLC uses an isolated power supply.

CPU Module and Memory

A CPU module has a central processor unit, ROM & RAM memory. ROM memory includes an
operating system, drivers, and application programs. RAM memory is used as a storage to
store programs and data. CPU act as the brain of PLC with an octagonal or hexagonal
microprocessor.
Being a microprocessor-based CPU PLC replaces timers, relays, and counters. Two types of
processors as a single bit or word processor can be assimilate with a PLC. One bit processor
is used to perform logic functions, whereas word processors can be used for processing text,
numerical data, controlling, and recording data.

CPU reads the input data from sensors then processes it and finally sends the command to
the controlling devices. DC power source, as mentioned above is required voltage signal.
CPU also contains other electrical parts to connect cables used by other units.

Input and Output Module

Have you ever thought about how to sense physical parameters like temperature, pressure,
flow, etc., using PLC? Of course, PLC has a matchless module for interfacing inputs and
output, which is called as input & output module.

Input device can be either start and stop through a pushbutton, switch, etc and output
device can be any appliance for e.g., electric heater, valves, relays, etc. I/O module helps to
interface input and output devices through a microprocessor. The better understand this
let’s have a look at the diagram.

22
 fig.6. PLC input module

fig.7. Circuit diagram of PLC input module

The input module of PLC performs four main functions.

1. Input module interface receives the signal from processing devices at 220 V
AC.
2. It Converts the input signal to 5 V DC that is the requirement of PLC.
3. Isolator block is used to isolate PLC from undergoing fluctuation.
4. After this process the signal is sent to the output end i.e., the PLC.

There are two main blocks in the input module namely the power section and the logical
section. Both sections are electrically isolated from one another. Initially push button is set
to closed. So, 220 V AC supply is given to the bridge circuit through the resistors say R1 and
R2.

23
The output module of PLC works similarly as to the input module, but in the inverse process.
It interfaces the output load and processor. So, the first section would be logic session and
the power section come next to it. Let’s understand the working of the output module
through a diagram,

fig.8. PLC output module

So, when the program logic high signal is generated from the processor, the LED will turn
ON and allow the light to fall on the phototransistor. When the transistor goes to the
conduction region, it generates a pulse to the gate of the TRIAC. The isolator block is used to
isolate the logic section from control section.

Communication Interface Module

To transfer information between CPU and communication network, intelligent Input output
modules are used. These communication modules help to connect the system with other
PLCs and computers which are placed at a remote location .

Types of PLCs
The two main types of PLC are:

● Fixed / Compact PLC

● Modular PLC

Compact PLC
In this type of PLC within a single case, there would be many modules. It has a fixed number
of input/output modules and external Input/output cards. So, it does not possess the
capability to expand the modules. Every input and output would be decided by the
manufacturer.

24
Modular PLC
This type of PLC allows multiple expansion through “modules”. Hence referred to as
Modular PLC. Input/output components can be increased according to need. It is easier to
use because each component is independent of each other.

fig.9. A modular type PLC

PLC are divided into three types based on output namely:

● Relay output
● Transistor output
● TRIAC Output PLC

The relay output type is best suited for both AC and DC output devices. Transistor output
type PLC uses switching operations and used inside the microprocessors. According to the
physical size, a PLC is divided into Mini, Micro, and Nano PLC.

Some of the manufacturers of PLCs include:

● Allen Bradley
● ABB
● Siemens
● Mitsubishi PLC
● Hitachi PLC
● Delta PLC
● General Electric (GE) PLC

25
PLC Applications
PLCs have various applications and uses, some of them are:

1. Process Automation Plants (e.g., mining, oil &gas)

2. Glass Industry
3. Paper Industry
4. Cement Manufacturing
5. In boilers – Thermal Power Plants

PLC Programming
PLC programming consists of a set of instructions that is either in textual or graphical form,
which represents the logic that administrates the process which the PLC is controlling. PLC
programming have two main classifications, they are further divided into many sub-
classified types.

1.Textual Language
● Instruction list
● Structured list

2.Graphical Form
● Ladder Diagrams (LD)
● Function Block Diagram (FBD)
● Sequential Function Chart (SFC)

These are PLC programming language and using this one can do programming in PLC,
graphical languages (like ladder logic) are typically preferred to textual languages (like
structured text programming).

Ladder Logic
The simplest form of PLC programming is ladder logic. It is also known as “relay logic”. The
relay contacts used in relay-controlled systems are represented using ladder logic .

fig.10. Simplest example of ladder logic

26
Here, in this example to control the same lamp load two pushbuttons are used. When any
one of the two switches is closed the lamp will glow.
The horizontal lines are called rungs and the vertical lines are called rails. Every rung form
the electrical connectivity between Positive rail (P) and Negative rail (N). This allows the
current to flow between input and output devices.

The figure below shows a ladder diagram and its function block equivalent in Siemen’s
notation. (8)

fig.11. Ladder to functional block

fig.12. Ladder to functional block diagram

SMPS OR SWITCH MODE POWER SUPPLY:

SMPS or a switched-mode power supply is an electronic circuit that converts power using
switching devices that are turned on and turned off at high frequencies, and storage
components such as inductors or capacitors to supply power when the switching device is in
its non-conduction state.
Switching power supplies have high efficiency and they are widely used in a variety of
electronic equipment, including computers and other sensitive equipment which requires
stable and efficient power supply.

27
Switched-mode power supplies are classified according to the type of input and output
voltages. The four major categories are:

● AC to DC
● DC to DC
● DC to AC
● AC to AC

A basic isolated AC to DC switched-mode power supply consists of:

● Input rectifier and filter

● Inverter consisting of switching devices such as MOSFETs
● Transformer
● Output rectifier and filter
● Feedback and control circuit

fig.13. SMPS Block diagram

28
RFID:

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two

components: tags and readers. The reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit
radio waves and receive signals back from the RFID tag. Tags, which use radio waves to
communicate their identity and other information to nearby readers, can be passive or active.
Passive RFID tags are powered by the reader and do not have a battery. Active RFID tags are
powered by batteries.

RFID tags can store a range of information from one serial number to several pages of data.
Readers can be mobile so that they can be carried by hand, or they can be mounted on a post
or overhead. Reader systems can also be built into the architecture of a cabinet, room, or
building.

The maximum distance of RFID depends on the type of RFID solution that you are using.
Passive low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) systems have a read range of
approximately 3 feet (1 meter). A passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) system has a read range
of 10 feet to 25 feet (3 meters to 8 meters) under most conditions, but phased array antennas
can read tags from a distance of 100 feet to 600 feet (30 meters to 180 meters) or more.
Active RFID systems, on the other hand, can typically be read from 300 feet (90 meters)
away, but many can now go up to 1,500 feet (460 meters) or more by employing signal
repeaters.

fig.14. RFID Transmitting and Receiving block diagram

29
PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS:

A phased array antenna is an array antenna whose single radiators can be fed with different
places shifts. As a result, the common antenna pattern can be steered electronically. The
electronic steering is much more flexible and requires less maintenance than the mechanical
steering is much more flexible and requires less maintenance than the mechanical steering
of antenna.

In a simple array antenna, the radio frequency current from the transmitter is fed to multiple

individual antenna elements with the proper phase relationship so that the radio waves from
the separate elements combine (superpose) to form beams, to increase power radiated in
desired directions and suppress radiation in undesired directions. In a phased array, the power
from the transmitter is fed to the radiating elements through devices called phase shifters,
controlled by a computer system, which can alter the phase or signal delay electronically,
thus steering the beam of radio waves to a different direction. Since the size of an antenna
array must extend many wavelengths to achieve the high gain needed for narrow beamwidth,
phased arrays are mainly practical at the high frequency end of the radio spectrum, in
the UHF and microwave bands, in which the operating wavelengths are conveniently small.
Phased arrays were originally conceived for use in military radar systems, to steer a beam of
radio waves quickly across the sky to detect planes and missiles. These systems are now
widely used and have spread to civilian applications such as 5G MIMO for cell phones. The
phased array principle is also used in acoustics, and phased arrays of acoustic transducers are
used in medical ultrasound imaging scanners (phased array ultrasonics), oil and gas
prospecting (reflection seismology), and military sonar systems.
The term "phased array" is also used to a lesser extent for unsteered array antennas in which
the phase of the feed power and thus the radiation pattern of the antenna array is fixed. For
example, AM broadcast radio antennas consisting of multiple mast radiators fed so as to
create a specific radiation pattern are also called "phased arrays".

30
 Fig : Phase Array Antennas

LED OR LIGHT EMITTING DIODE:

A diode is basically an electrical device or component with two electrodes an anode and a
cathode through which the electricity flows - characteristically in only one direction
(incoming through the anode and outgoing through the cathode). Diodes are generally
made from semi-conductive materials such as silicon or selenium - substances that conduct
electricity in some circumstances such as certain voltages, current levels, or light intensities
and not in others.(10)

31
 fig.15. Coloured LEDs fig.16. Parts of LED

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The normal traffic has now become automated with the help of PLC. The timers are now
based on the traffic density. As the outcome the heavy traffic jams are reducing. This will
ultimately lead to the following results:

● Accidents cases will probably reduce as people will not break traffic signals in hurry.
● Precious time will be saved.
● Pollution will be reduced to some extent.
● Maintenance will be easier.

As PLC provides varying time duration to signal, the lane with heavy traffic density will get
the maximum of time. This will clear the road with heavy traffic density and it will adjust the
time with other lanes. The traffics jams are reduced as the lane with heavy density will get
more time so the maximum vehicles will pass the circle. This will also contribute to reduce
as some people waits with the vehicles on which contributes to pollution, but as maximum
vehicles will pass the circle this will reduced to some extent. And hence will save the time.

As PLC provides full automation, so in future if there will be any change needed it will
become easy to bring the change. Also in future, PLC may provide the feature of detecting
the fault previously so it will provide an ease to system management and fault detection
become easier also the solution will be provided soon.

One more advantage of using PLC is that if same PLC is used for several circles for the traffic
signal controlling then signalling of all junctions will be synchronized automatically and
additional synchronizing equipment are not needed.

Thus, an automated traffic signal has developed based on traffic density, using PLC
automation.

32
 CONCLUSION

At present PLCs are being used in many control systems to reduce the labour cost and
maintenance. In the upcoming five to ten years many manual systems in the industry will be
replaced by PLC automation. Therefore, the complex systems like traffic signals are needed
to be monitored and maintained with the help of PLC. In this project a simple traffic signal
has been automated with the help of PLC. A prototype model has been created and the
traffic signal has been made with the use of LEDs. To sense the density and sending the data
to the PLC has been done by proximity sensors. Siemens PLC is used to done the
programming. The prototype here is connected with the same PLC. In practice it is found
that the project developed, works properly.

33
 FUTURE SCOPE

● As the future extension of this work more effective sensors can be used and we can
target the EMERGENCY VEHICLES on the road and help to reach their destination in
lesser time.
● Programming of PLC can be modified easily as per the requirements.
● Another room of improvement is to have the infrared sensors replaced with an
imaging system/camera system so that it has a wide range of detection capabilities.
● Some programs can also be incorporated to collect different type of information from
the vehicles; over-speeding, meeting accidents, etc.

● After few years, the success in automation industry can lead us to the advantage of
detecting breakdown problems way before it will happen and hence there will be less
chances of breakdown of the system.

34
 REFERENCES
1. https://lightingequipmentsales.com/the-history-of-traffic-lights.html
2. https://lightingequipmentsales.com/the-history-of-traffic-lights.html
3. https://lightingequipmentsales.com/the-history-of-traffic-lights.html
4. (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Muhibul-Bhuyan/publication/
285393350_DEVELOPMENT_OF_AN_AUTOMATIC_TRAFFIC_SIGNAL_CONTROL_SYST
EM_USING_PLC/links/565dbd7f08aeafc2aac886a0/DEVELOPMENT-OF-AN-
AUTOMATIC-TRAFFIC-SIGNALa-CONTROL-SYSTEM-USING-PLC.pdf)
5. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Muhibul-Bhuyan/publication/
285393350_DEVELOPMENT_OF_AN_AUTOMATIC_TRAFFIC_SIGNAL_CONTROL_SYST
EM_USING_PLC/links/565dbd7f08aeafc2aac886a0/DEVELOPMENT-OF-AN-
AUTOMATIC-TRAFFIC-SIGNAL-CONTROL-SYSTEM-USING-PLC.pdf
6. https://www.onupkeep.com/answers/maintenance-history/history-of-th
7. https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2003043.pdf
(file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/153-Article%20Text-367-4-10-20201024.pdf
8. https://www.electrical4u.com/programmable-logic-controllers/
9. https://www.fierceelectronics.com/sensors/what-a-proximity-sensor
10. https://www.google.com/search?
q=what+is+led&oq=what+is+led+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l9.8293j0j15&sourceid=
chrome&ie=UTF-8

35
 ANNEXURE

FOR <=2 CAR IN LANE TIME=60SEC

  R1 Y1 G1 R2 Y2 G2 R3 Y3 G3 R4 Y4 G4
0                        
60                        
120                        
180                        
240                        
300                        
360                        
420                        
480                        
540                        

When there are 2 or less than 2 cars in the lane, the signal process will be as
follows:
The signal will start form yellow signal Y1. For the first lane the lights will turn on yellow for
6 seconds and the rest of the lights R2,R3,R4 will be in stop mode . After 6 seconds the Y1
will change to green G1 and the rest of the lights R1,R2,R3 will remain in the stop mode.
After 6 seconds the green light G1 remains on the go mode for first lane and the yellow light
Y2 will turn on for the second lane and the rest R3 and R4 will remain in the stop mode.
After 6 seconds (and total of 12 seconds for the green light G1) the green light G1 will shift

36
to red light R1. The yellow light Y2 will turn off and the green light G2 will turn on for 12
seconds and the yellow light Y3 will turn on for the third lane for 6 seconds. The rest of the
lights R1,R2 and R4 will be on the stop mode. As per the process the green signal G3 will run
for 12 seconds and then shift to red light R3 , and here in the lane 4 the yellow light Y4 will
turn on for 6 seconds and the rest R1,R2 and R3 will remain on the stop mode. After 6
seconds the green light G4 will turn on for 12 seconds . The yellow light Y1 will turn on and
the process will continue.

      FOR <=3 CAR IN LANE TIME=180SEC  

  R1 Y1 G1 R2 Y2 G2 R3 Y3 G3 R4 Y4 G4
0                        
60                        
120                        
180                        
240                        
300                        
360                        
420                        
480                        
540                        
600                        
660                        
720                        
780                        
840                        
900                        
960                        
1020                        
1080                        

When there are 3 or less than 3 cars in the lane , the signal process will be as
follows:
The signal will start from yellow light Y1. Y1 remains yellow for 6 seconds and the rest of the
lights R2, R3 AND R4 will be on stop mode. After 6 seconds the yellow light Y1 shifts to green
light G1 and the rest of the lights R2,R3 and R4 remains on the stop mode. The green light

37
here will be in the on mode for total of 24 seconds. And after 24 seconds of green light G1 ,
the yellow light Y2 will turn on for 6 seconds in parallel to the green light G1 and the rest of
the lights R3 and R4 will remain in the stop mode. After the green light G1 shifts to red light
R1 the yellow light Y2 will shifts to green light G2. After 24 seconds the green light G2 will
shift to red light R2 and the yellow light Y3 in parallel runs for 6 seconds, and the rest of the
lights R1 and R4 remains to stop mode. After Y3 runs for 6 seconds G3 will turn on and the
rest of the signals R1,R2 and R3 will remain in the stop mode. After 18 seconds of G3 the
yellow light Y4 will turn on in parallel and the rest of the lights R1,R2 and R3 remains in the
stop mode. After the yellow light Y4 runs for 6 seconds the green light G4 will turn on and
after 18 seconds the yellow light Y1 will turn on in parallel and the process continues.

        FOR <=5 CAR IN LANE TIME=300SEC

  R1 Y1 G1 R2 Y2 G2 R3 Y3 G3 R4 Y4 G4
0                        
60                        
120                        
180                        
240                        
300                        
360                        
420                        
480                        
540                        
600                        
660                        
720                        
780                        
840                        
900                        
960                        
1020                        
1080                        
1140                        
1200                        
1260                        
1320                        
1380                        
1440                        

38
When there are 5 or less than 5 cars in the lane , the signal process will be as
follows:
The signal will start from yellow light Y1. Y1 remains yellow for 6 seconds and the rest of the
lights R2, R3 AND R4 will be on stop mode. After 6 seconds the yellow light Y1 shifts to green
light G1 and the rest of the lights R2,R3 and R4 remains on the stop mode. The green light
here will be in the on mode for total of 36 seconds. And after 30 seconds of green light G1 ,
the yellow light Y2 will turn on for 6 seconds in parallel to the green light G1 and the rest of
the lights R3 and R4 will remain in the stop mode. After the green light G1 shifts to red light
R1 the yellow light Y2 will shifts to green light G2. After 36 seconds the green light G2 will
shift to red light R2 and the yellow light Y3 in parallel runs for 6 seconds, and the rest of the
lights R1 and R4 remains to stop mode. After Y3 runs for 6 seconds G3 will turn on and the
rest of the signals R1,R2 and R3 will remain in the stop mode. After 30 seconds of G3 the
yellow light Y4 will turn on in parallel and the rest of the lights R1,R2 and R3 remains in the
stop mode. After the yellow light Y4 runs for 6 seconds the green light G4 will turn on and
after 30 seconds the yellow light Y1 will turn on in parallel and the process continues.

39
40