Newbury Electronics Works on Traffic Light Detector System

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

In response to the need for more stringent monitoring of traffic light phasing for the purposes of enforcing violations, Downton Technology Limited (DTL) has developed an LED interface for use between UK traffic signal heads and enforcement cameras. Newbury Electronics has provided PCB development expertise using DTL designs to enable manufacture of the product. The system interacts with a wide range of LED signal heads and enforcement cameras to monitor the amber and red aspects, detect when they are operating correctly and sends signals to the red light camera. The current detection systems do not support LED signal heads.

Natasha Downton, Technical Director, Downton Technology Ltd, explained more; "The LED Traffic Signal Detector system is designed to monitor the red and amber aspects of LED traffic lights and, when the correct conditions are met, notifies the enforcement camera. The camera shall then detect and photograph a vehicle crossing the stop line of a light controlled road junction. In order to do this we have had to incorporate a number of sensors that can detect when the amber or red lights are illuminated, for how long each light is illuminated and if light settings are complying with regional metrology requirements." She continued; We had worked with Newbury Electronics in the past so were confident in the quality of their products and services. It is really important for us to have a UK supplier who we can visit and build a strong relationship with and who understands the marketplace for which our product is destined."

"We have used our experience and skills to work with DTL to develop the PCBs required for the two unit system and to manufacture and assemble the PCBs and Box build the systems, prior to testing them, using a DTL supplied test simulator," said Philip King, MD of Newbury Electronics.

DTL is currently in the process of having five systems built to validate the production process and to meet its short term demand. As orders increase Natasha and her team are confident that they have the processes in place with Newbury Electronics to produce larger quantities with the same high level of quality. The LED Traffic Signal Detector has already been tested and approved for use with a range of LV traffic light heads, with sites currently installed in the UK and complies with the current UK Home Office requirements. 

About Newbury Electronics

Newbury Electronics Ltd has been trading for nearly 60 years, during which time it has kept in step with changes in both electronics and manufacturing. It now offers its customers some of the most advanced contract electronic manufacturing (CEM) solutions available in the UK. Philip King became MD in 2011, and has overseen over £2m of capital investment in the last 5 years. The company provides a full electronic design, and PCB CAD layout service alongside PCB manufacture and assembly in Newbury, West Berkshire. It employs 73 staff and is dedicated to the rapid manufacturing of small and medium batch PCB assemblies.  Production includes SMD, SMT, surface mount, BGA, through hole, box build, soldering, test, & rework. Customers can select from any of the company’s services and the company is happy to undertake single, bespoke projects through to the design and supply of manufactured lots exceeding 10,000 pcs on its nine automated SMD assembly lines. It has recently introduced an economical express same day PCB manufacturing service for orders placed before 9am.

As a contract electronic manufacturer, each year, the company produces in excess of over 15,000 different PCB designs for its clients, who benefit from the economies of scale built from the volume of orders processed.