Four ways traffic control system using logic gates

Introduction
Traffic light which is one of the vital public facilities that plays an important role
to the road users. Traffic lights were first installed in 1868 in London, United
Kingdom, outside the British Houses of Parliament in London, by the railway
engineer J. P. Knight and constructed by the railway signal engineers of Saxby &
Farmer. The design combined three semaphore arms with red and green gas
lamps for night-time use, on a pillar, operated by a police constable. The gas
lantern was turned with a lever at its base so that the appropriate light faced
traffic. Although it was said to be successful at controlling traffic, its operational
life was brief. It exploded on 2 January 1869, as a result of a leak in one of the gas
lines underneath the pavement, injuring and killing the policeman who was
operating it. With doubts about its safety, the concept was abandoned until
electric signals became available. The first electric traffic light was developed in
1912 by Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who also
used red-green lights. Mary Bellis (5 February 1952).On 5 August 1914, the
American Traffic Signal Company installed a traffic signal system on the corner of
East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue in Ohio. It had two colors, red and green, and
a buzzer, (based on the design of James Hoge) to provide a warning for color
changes. The design by James Hoge allowed police and fire stations to control the
signals in case of emergency. The first four-way, three-color traffic light was
created by police officer William Potts in Detroit, Michigan in 1920. Moyer,
Sheldon (March 1947). In 1922, T.E. Hayes patented his "Combination traffic guide
and traffic regulating signal" (Patent #1447659). Ashville, Ohio claims to be the
location of the oldest working traffic light in the United States, used at an
intersection of public roads until 1982 when it was moved to a local museum
(Neato Stuff at the Ashville Museum).The traffic lights consist of a set of three
coloured lights: red, yellow and green.( In a typical cycle, Illumination of the green
light allows traffic to proceed in the direction denoted, Illumination of the
amber/yellow light denoting, if safe to do so, prepare to stop short of the
intersection, and Illumination of the red signal prohibits any traffic from
proceeding). [ 1,2]

Control lights Note:

There are three control lights or signals that provide instruction to the driver.

 Red light - prompts driver to stop at intersection.

 YELLOW light - The driver instructs the WAIT (if the red light is next) or get
ready (if the green light is next)
 Green light - Instructs the driver to drive through the intersection.

Components Requirements:
There are some components that we will use to create our traffic light control
system. The list of components is as follows.

 9V battery (input battery)

 100K, 22K and 330 ohm resistors
 1µF, 10µF and 2.2mF capacitors
 Six 1N4148 diodes
 555 timer IC (as a pulse generator)
 4017 IC Counter (Round Primary IC)
 1M potentiometer (controls the pulse time generated by the 555 timer)
 Red, yellow and green LEDs. (Release)

This traffic light is made with the help of counter IC, which is mainly used for
Sequential Circuits. We can also call it as Sequential Traffic Lights. Sequential
Circuits are used to count the numbers in the series.

History and development of traffic lights system

The traffic light system has two parts:

 The first part is the traffic light.

 And the second part is the controller unit. One of the traffic lights
  Public facilities that are important to the road user play an important role,
It is used to control traffic flow at busy intersections.

The world's first traffic light came into being before the automobile was in use,
and traffic consisted only of pedestrians, buggies, and wagons. Installed at an
intersection in London in 1868, it was a revolving lantern with red and green
signals. Red meant stop and green meant caution. The lantern, illuminated by gas,
was turned by means of a lever at its base so that the appropriate light faced
traffic. On January 2, 1869, this crude traffic light exploded, injuring the policeman
who was operating it [3,4 ]. And with the coming of automobiles, the situation got
even worse.

Police officer William Potts of Detroit, Michigan, decided to do something about

the problem. What he had in mind was figuring out a way to adapt railroad signals
for street use. The railroads were already utilizing automatic controls. But railroad
traffic travelled along parallel lines. Street traffic travelled at right angles. Potts
used red, amber, and green railroad lights and about thirty-seven dollars’ worth
of wire and electrical controls to make the world's first 4-way three color traffic
light. It was installed in 1920 on the corner of Woodward and Michigan Avenues
in Detroit.

Within a year, Detroit had installed a total of fifteen of the new automatic lights.
At about the same time, Garrett Morgan of the United States realized the need to
control the flow of traffic. A gifted inventor and reportedly the first African
American to own an automobile in Cleveland, Ohio, he invented the electric
automatic traffic light. Though it looked more like the semaphore signals you see
at train crossings today, it provided the concept on which modern four-way traffic
lights are based.

The first four way traffic signal was generated by William Potts Detroit Police
Department and credit in general.As we know, the source of red-yellow-green
traffic signals Today. His signal made of wood with metal armor used four
inches.Rail lantern style lenses. Signal, may be overhead Suspension type,
recognized as another leading company for Detroit.When it was established. He
established the Electrical Interconnection Fifteen traffic towers in Detroit are on
the sign so they are Controlled by a police officer from a location.

However, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are traffic lights New traffic light models are
designed with light ranges Emission diode (LEDs). These are small, fully electronic
lights. They are very energy efficient and last a long time. Each LED is about the
size of a pencil eraser, so there are hundreds of them Used together in the array.
LEDs are replacing the old style Incandescent halogen bulbs are rated between 50
and 150 watts. LED bulbs save a lot of energy. Save energy on LED lights Is heavy.
Suppose today a traffic light uses a 100 watt bulb. Light lasts 24 hours a day, so it
uses 2.4 kilowatt hours per day.

There are thousands of squares in a big city, so it costs millions.Dollars that power
all traffic lights. There will be a lead bulb ,take 15 or 20 watts instead of 100, so
power consumption dots by five or six factors. A city can easily save a lakh dollars
per year to replace all bulbs with LED bulbs. In low energy bulbs also open up the
possibility of using solar panels. Instead of running the electrical line, it saves
money on the remote

Purpose of Traffic Light

 Safe and efficient traffic light flow
 Assign right of way to maximize capacity, minimize and reduce
 collision and conflict.

Advantage of Traffic Light

 Minimize conflicting movement
 Provide orderly movement of traffic
 Provide driver confidence by engaging the right ways
 Means of interrupting heavy traffic
 Coordinated for continuous vehicle movement

Cross Road Traffic Light Control

Crossroads is where two or more roads cross each other and forman intersection.
Design and Implementation of Crossroads of Four(4) way traffic light control types
will be the main focus of this project. Crossroads vary from the very quiet
residential areas to confusion for not only learner drivers, Pedestrian but
experienced fully licensed drivers are often unsure how to deal with them.
[8]Recently the traffic management is trying out new a new system of traffic lights
based on the usual international standard. A synchronous digital circuit has to be
design, which operates this new type of traffic light for cross road or road
crossing.

The Cross Road Traffic Light controls will consist of 12 lights to operate.

 The Red, Amber/Yellow and Green lights.

 R1-R2,A1-A2,G1-G2 in the North-South direction.
 The lights in the East-West direction will also consist the Red.
 Amber/Yellow and Green which could be named as R3-R4.
 A3-A4,G3-G4 when the digital signals are in the logic state they

turn their respective lights on, otherwise the lights are off.

There are two types of road crossing:

 Quiet crossings that use simple sequence.

 Busy crossing require a longer (delayed green) sequence.
 Some junctions may use the busy sequence during the day and quiet
sequence at night.

DESIGN ANALYSIS
The design of a prototype traffic light controller for cross roadsystem is such that
utilizes the concept of 4017 Decade counterIC. The pulses from the 555 timer in
the Astable multivibratormode sets the counter, the counter being a Johnson
decadecounter, as a Decade counter. i.e. each subsequent output will gethigh on
the negative edge of the previous output pin.
 For example the outputs are from Q0 to Q9, as per the counter, first Q0 will
gethigh. At the moment Q0 gets low, Q1 will start working and so ontill Q9.The
design is such that both the 555 timer and the 4017 decadecounter are operating
from the same source voltage. The designemploys the use of 555 timers as the
pulse generator and decadecounter as the Binary Coded Decimal (BCD). The
Design is madeup of two functional units, these are:• The Binary Coded Decimal
(BCD)• The Pulse GeneratorEach of these units has sub units (components), which
enable inaccomplishing the purpose of this project.

The Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) unit consists of:

 • The 4017 counter

 • Signal Diode Resistor

The Pulse Generator unit consists of:

• The 555 timer

• Variable Resistor

• Resistor

• Capacitor

 The Output/Displayed Unit

• LEDFig. 2 Block Diagram of the Traffic light controller.

This project combines the elements of both 555 timer and 4017Decade
counter IC.Pin 1 to pin 7 and pins 8, 9, 10 are all the outputs of the decade
counter which gives signal to the North-South LED and East-west LED. Pin 16
serves as positive supply and pin 8 is ground (-).The pin 15 is the reset point of
the IC; grounding of this pin givesa green signal to the IC, so that it can
function. And a positivesupply here will bring its continuing to a standstill and
will reset it.At this position pin 3 of the IC4017 stay at positive whereas
allother outputs are Negative. Pin 14 is the clock input of the IC4017from pin 3
of 555 timer. An external clock signal to this point willmake a positive signal to
proceed sequentially, starting from pin 3and ending at pin 11.

Cycle of the traffic light signal is repeated or continued as long asthe clock
persists at pin 14.The period of time each output stayspositive will depend on
the time period of the positive peaks of theclock signal. With the rising edge of
every clock pulse, thepositive signal will shift from one output to the other
serially.Pin 13 is the clock enable point. A positive to this pin will stop
theIC4017 from proceeding and its output will freeze at that instant atthe
particular output. Even if the clock signal at pin 14 is ON, theoutput can’t shift
as long as pin 13 is held at positive; therefore this point should be grounded.
On the contrary if pin 14 is held atpositive and clock signal is applied at pin 1,
every falling edge ofthe pulse will make the outputs to change state
sequentially. [9]Fig. 3. 4017-pin-diagram.

Mode of Operation

Cross road traffic light control system utilizes the concept of the4017 counter.
The pulses from the 555 timer in the astablemultivibrator mode sets the
counter, the counter being a decadecounter works as a Johnson counter. i.e.
each subsequent outputwill get high on the negative edge of the previous
output pin. Forexample the outputs are from Q0 to Q9, as per the counter,
first Q0will get high. At the moment Q0 gets low, Q1 will start workingand so
on till Q9.Now here, pin 3 is the first output, i.e. Q0. So the first glowinglight
will be the yellow lights of North and South signals. Thenafter that output Q1
gets high, then Q2, Q3, Q4 precisely pins 2,4,7,10 . Since all of these outputs
are connected to the 1N4148diode (for obvious reasons to avoid the back-
emf). The high statesof these outputs are collectively joined together and the
form apretty long interval for the green lights for North and south signalsas
well as the red lights for East and West signals. The 100 ohmresistor provides
for a sink to the extra current which can possiblydamage the LEDs.Next after
illuminating the red LEDs for East and West signals,we have to show them the
yellow LED namely Q5(pin no. 1), toget the engines started. The yellow LED
glows for a very shortduration and then again the green lights for the East and
Westsides glow up. Similar to above description Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9namely pins 5,
6,9,11 are all shorted together to give this a longerinterval than the yellow
light. The red LEDs for North and Southsides also glow up, since they are
serially connected to these East.
The 555 Timer

The 555 timer IC is an integrated circuit (chip) used in a variety of timer, pulse generation, and
oscillator applications. The 555 timer IC serves as pulse generator for the decade counter IC4017
since it works on Binary Coded Decimal which counts 10 digits(0s-9s).When the supply is applied,
trigger and the threshold inputs are both below 1/3vcc and timing capacitors is uncharged. The
output voltage is high and stays high for a period of time. In astable mode, the switching ON is
determined by resistors R1 and R2 with capacitor C1.The frequency of operation of the astable
circuit is dependent upon the values of R1, R2, and C. The frequency can be calculated with the
formula f = 1/ (.693 x C x (R1 + 2 x R2)). The Frequency f is in Hz, R1 and R2 are in ohms, and C is
infarads. The time duration between pulses is known as the 'period', and usually designated with 't'.

Rc Network

All IC timers rely upon an external capacitor to determine the off-on time intervals of the output
pulses. It takes a finite period of time for a capacitor (C) to charge or discharge through a resistor
(R). Those times are clearly defined and can be calculated given the values of resistance and
capacitance.

Capacitor

In this design, electrolytic capacitor is used. The electrolytic capacitor is used with the resistor as
charging and discharging timing circuit.

Battery

The battery is used in this design as a source of power supply to the system. The battery used is a
12V rechargeable battery. The purpose of using the battery is simply because the project was design
on a model.

Resistor

The resistors used in the design of this project are for limiting the current flow LEDs, and to the ICs.
Toggle

Switch In this design, toggle switch is used to put On and Off the circuit manually, and to enable
circuit resets.

Display
For the purpose of this design, the display panel is made up of light emitting diodes {LED}. The
display is used to indicate the status of the Decade Counter and for performing the purpose for
which it is meant to perform i.e. controlling the movement of traffic. Each status of the display
contains four LEDs. Each lane has three status, the RED indicating ‘STOP’, the YELLOW or AMBER
means ‘READY’, and the GREEN means ‘MOVE or GO’.Signal Diode The function of the signal diode
as used in the design is to stop emf back effect from the LEDs back to the Decade Counter IC.

Model Design

The model design is an architectural layout which represents a location or a small arena having four
streets and a junction. The four roads meeting at a junction (round-about) with traffic lighting
system at the road intersections.

 The dimension of the layouts

 Length of the model = 70cm
 Breadth of the model = 50cm
 Height of the traffic light stand = 7cm
 Length of Street = 20cm/30cm
 Length of Lane = 18cm

DESIGN, ASSEMBLY AND TESTING

The design and implementation of this prototype traffic control system for cross road is
demonstrated on a model, the model is an architectural design of a cross road consisting of only
four roads. It also includes four streets with houses in each of these streets. The traffic light is
position at the side of the junction each four roads and it is controlled by the control unit of the
traffic light.

Construction

The circuit construction starts by mounting the LM555 timer, decade counter CD4017B, resistors,
capacitors, and diodes on the Vero board. The Decade counter CD4017B controls the LEDs at each
junction. The choice of the veroboad is simply because of its simplicity, and fault can be rectified or
any additional upgrade of the circuit in nearest future.

Pulse Generator Unit

The 555 timer output is connected to input of the decade counter, in which it generate clock pulses
in a stable frequency output power to drive the input of the decade counter 4017B(BCD). In the
circuit it works as astable multivibrator with variable resistor to either increase or decrease the
oscillation frequency.

Decade Counter (Binary Coded Unit)

 When the Nth decoded output is reached (Nth clock pulse) the S-R flip-flop neither (constructed
from two NOR gates of the HCF4001B) generates a reset pulse which clears the HCF4017B to its zero
count. At this time, if the Nth decoded output is greater than or equal to 6, the COUT line goes high
to clock the next HCF4017B counter section. The "0" decoded output also goes high at this time.
Coincidence of the clock low and decoded "0" output high resets the S-R flip-flop to enable the
HCF4017B. If the Nth decoded output is less than 6, the COUT line will not go high and, therefore,
cannot be used. In this case "0" decoded output may be used to perform the clocking function for
the next counter.

Display Unit

The LEDs are arranged in matrix array and grouped into four by LED of the same colour and later
grouped into three LEDs of the same direction. The LEDs are powered ON and OFF by the Decade
counter via the pin 1 to pin 7 and pins 8, 9, 10 are all the outputs and the overall control of the LED
is done by the Decade counter which is pulsed by the 555 timer oscillate from time to time.

Testing

The physical realization of the project is very vital, that is where the fantasy of the whole idea meets
reality. I can see the design work not just on paper but also as finished system. After carrying out the
design and construction, the project was tested to ensure it works. The process of testing and
measurement involved the use of the following equipments.

Digital Multimeter:

The digital multimeter was basically used to measure voltage, resistance, continuity and current. The
process for the implementation of the design on the board requires the measurement of
parameters like voltage, continuity and resistance values of the component and in some case
frequency measurement. Bench power supply: This was used to supply voltage to the various stages
of the circuit during the breadboard test before the power supply in the circuit was built. Also during
the soldering of the project, power was fully used to test the various stages before the d.c power
supply was used for the device.

RESULT

The design and construction of a Prototype traffic light control system for crossroad was developed
with the following results. 1. Automatic on and off operation of traffic light. 2. Increment assignment
to the busiest lane. The performance evaluation of the traffic system was carried out. The model
testing was performed at different occasions of light changing and the result below was achieved.
Initial time of operation of all the lanes = 2 seconds Amber duration = 3 seconds. Red duration = 8
seconds Green duration = 4 seconds 1 = On 0 = OffThis project has greatly broaden our
understanding generally on the professionalism of electronic engineering especially on the principle
of operation of cross road traffic lighting control systems and has got us acquainted with some
component typical and related faults and problems often found with electronic circuit and system,
and also how these faults can be rectified.

SUMMARY

This project is intended for the design and implementation of prototype cross road traffic light
control system. The design was achieved by taking up the challenges of making findings from library,
internet and also interview from resourced persons about the essential facts of the design. The
design proceeds to getting all necessary components to initialize and maintain the proper functions
of the designed circuit. The control circuit was properly designed and faults were corrected before
mounting the circuit into the model. It is quite challenging mounting the components on the Vero
board because of the fragility of the components and the total concentration and perfection
required to achieve an accurate output or result. Proper functioning of the circuit and an error free
connection was ensured. The circuit was finally put to test and automatic control of the traffic light
was achieved by the decade counter.