The Basics of Loop Vehicle Detection Marsh （马什循环车辆检测的基础知识）.pdf

The Basics of Loop Vehicle Detection There are a number of ways to detect vehicles, ranging from hose style detection to ultra-sonic, to inductive loop. For traffic control or drive-thru, inductive loop technology is the most reli- able, bar none. An inductive loop vehicle detector system consists of three components: a loop (preformed or saw-cut), loop extension cable and a detector. When installing or repairing an inductive loop system the smallest detail can mean the difference between reliable detection and an intermit- tent detection of vehicles. Therefore, attention to detail when installing or troubleshooting an inductive loop vehicle detection system is absolutely critical. Figure 1. How it Works: The preformed or saw-cut loop is buried in the traffic lane. The loop is a continuous run of wire that enters and exits from the same point. The two ends of the loop wire are connected to the loop extension cable, which in turn connects to the vehicle detector. The detector powers the loop causing a magnetic field in the loop area. The loop resonates at a constant frequency that the detector monitors. A base frequency is established when there is no vehicle over the loop. When a large metal object, such as a vehicle, moves over the loop, the resonate frequency increases. This increase in frequency is sensed and, depending on the design of the detector, forces a normally open relay to close. The relay will remain closed until the vehicle leaves the loop and the frequency returns to the base level. The relay can trigger any number of devices such as an audio intercom system, a gate, a traffic light, etc. Nov 10, 2000 Page 1 www.MarshP In general, a compact car will cause a greater increase in frequency than a full size car or truck. This occurs because the meta