Innovation
We continually improve our electronic designs to meet the changing needs of the traffic and highways industry, focusing on practical benefits for the equipment and its users.
Custom Design
Custom traffic electronic design
Alongside our off-the-shelf modules, we develop custom electronic solutions for manufacturers, system integrators and infrastructure suppliers. Our experience in traffic signal equipment helps us design electronics around existing housings, signal heads and roadside installations.
Engineering for the complete installation
From a new PCB to a modification of an established product, we work with you to define the function, power supply, connections and enclosure constraints. Our aim is reliable, straightforward integration into the complete installation.
Our core values
Reliability
We design for consistent operation in demanding traffic applications, considering component selection, environmental conditions, fault behaviour and long service life.
Compliance
We consider the applicable traffic specifications and product requirements during development, including TOPAS and National Highways specifications where relevant. The assessment and evidence are defined for the particular product and installation.
Our custom design capabilities
Traffic electronics expertise
Our experience includes pedestrian equipment, countdown timers, tactile devices and signal head electronics. We combine circuit, PCB and firmware development with an understanding of the surrounding traffic control system.
Designed for traffic infrastructure
Roadside electronics must accommodate electrical noise, temperature variation and years of operation. We consider EMC, heat, component selection and installation within sealed traffic signal housings from the outset.
Adaptation for global markets
We support the adaptation of UK designs for the US, Ireland and other EU markets, as well as international equipment intended for the UK. We identify the target-market requirements rather than assume one design or approval covers every region.
Our services
Custom electronic design
Tailored engineering for traffic and highway applications. We work closely with your team to develop the circuit around the operational requirements, supply, inputs, outputs and relevant local specifications.
PCB design and layout
Board layouts developed around the available space, mounting points and connectors. We consider electrical performance, EMC, thermal behaviour, manufacture and test access to support a reliable finished assembly.
Embedded firmware development
Control and interface software for the intended system, including timing, indication, monitoring and fault response. We develop and check the agreed behaviour alongside the electronics and its system interfaces.
Compliance and certification support
Help identifying requirements, planning assessment and assembling technical evidence. This can include relevant TOPAS and National Highways specifications, EMC and safety requirements, and UKCA or CE documentation as applicable.
Adaptation for global markets
Review and modify an existing product for another market, including the US, Ireland and other EU countries. Supply arrangements, interfaces, installation conditions and required technical evidence form part of that review.
Regional standards modification
Targeted changes to meet an agreed regional or project specification. We assess how a change affects the existing design and identify the validation or assessment needed before it is introduced.
Reliability prediction
MTBF calculations for traffic and National Highways projects
We provide mean time between failures (MTBF) calculations and reliability prediction reports for traffic and highway electronics. For National Highways projects that specify IEC TR 62380:2004 (PD IEC TR 62380:2004), we prepare calculations using that methodology to support the project’s reliability requirements.
Assessments can cover individual printed circuit boards, electronic assemblies and complete equipment. Our reports set out the operating profile, equipment configuration and assumptions, with traceable component-to-system results.
Get in touch for a quote for your traffic or National Highways MTBF calculation.
The assessment method, equipment boundary and operating assumptions are agreed against your project specification. MTBF is a calculated reliability prediction, not a guarantee of service life or a demonstrated result from field operation.
Method reference: IEC TR 62380:2004. See the FAQ below for the publication status and project-specific method selection.
Compliance considered during development
We help identify the requirements that apply to your equipment and plan the technical assessment alongside the design. Our support includes interpreting relevant traffic specifications, reviewing EMC and safety considerations, and identifying the documentation needed for the intended market.
Designing with a TOPAS specification in mind is not the same as having a TOPAS-registered product. Registration, where required, relates to a defined product and specification following the relevant assessment process. We agree the required support and evidence as part of the project.
Adaptation for the UK and international markets
We can help UK manufacturers adapt traffic electronics for the US, Ireland and other EU markets, and help international manufacturers understand the changes needed for equipment intended for the UK.
A useful review considers the supply, signal levels, connectors, mechanical arrangement, environment and regional requirements together. Changes are assessed against the relevant product and installation requirements; compatibility and compliance are not assumed from the country of origin.
A useful starting brief
Tell us what the equipment should do, its supply and signal levels, the available internal space, connections, installation environment and any specifications it needs to meet. Existing schematics, mechanical drawings and samples can help explain the constraints.
Also tell us the intended markets, expected quantities and where you are in the project. We can then identify missing information, discuss a standard module or adaptation, and agree a practical development scope.
Frequently asked questions
What is TOPAS compliance?
TOPAS maintains technical procurement specifications for traffic control and related equipment, together with a product registration process. Compliance concerns meeting the relevant specification; TOPAS registration is a separate, product-specific process involving independent technical assessment. We can help you identify the requirements and supporting evidence for your project.
How do you ensure compatibility with existing systems?
We review the supply, controller signals, communication or monitoring interfaces, mounting and enclosure space. Compatibility is checked against the intended system and agreed test requirements; a compliance marking alone does not establish that two products will work together.
Can you modify existing products for compliance?
Yes. We can review an existing electronic design, identify the changes needed for the agreed specifications and market, and help plan the assessment and documentation required for the revised product.
Which international markets can you support?
We support design adaptation for the US, Ireland and other EU markets, as well as international equipment intended for the UK. The scope is agreed around the product, its application and the requirements of the target market.
Which method do you use for National Highways MTBF calculations?
Where specified by the project, we use IEC TR 62380:2004, published in the UK as PD IEC TR 62380:2004. IEC TR 62380 has been withdrawn and replaced by IEC 61709:2017, so we confirm the contractual method and edition rather than assume the latest publication is the one required. The report identifies the equipment covered, operating profile and assumptions behind the prediction.
Partner with us for reliable solutions
Discuss a tailored electronic design or improvement for your traffic and infrastructure equipment.
Discuss a design project