What is Active Channel Management?
Learn how Active Channel Management helps portable and temporary traffic signals maintain reliable radio communication.
Active Channel Management, usually shortened to ACM, is a Traffic Group Signals technology that improves communication between portable and temporary traffic signals.
Why is ACM needed?
Traffic signals use radio channels to communicate with each other. These channels are shared with other equipment, including:
- Other temporary traffic signals
- Two-way radios
- Construction equipment
- Utility and infrastructure monitoring systems
- Other wireless devices
In busy areas, several devices may try to use the same part of the radio spectrum. This is called radio congestion or interference.
Traditional traffic signals normally use one fixed radio channel. If that channel becomes congested, communication between the signals may be disrupted. This can cause the signals to remain on red or, in some circumstances, go to lights out.
How does ACM help?
ACM monitors the available radio channels and selects a clear channel for the signals to use.
If conditions change and another channel becomes more suitable, the system can automatically move the signals to the clearer channel. This happens without the signals having to be switched off or manually reprogrammed.
ACM can also automatically recover from certain communication faults.
What are the benefits?
Active Channel Management provides:
- More reliable communication between signals
- Automatic channel selection
- Automatic channel changes when interference occurs
- Fewer communication-related failures
- Reduced need for site call-outs
- Less disruption for road users
- Communication data to support fault finding
ACM is particularly useful in towns, cities, construction areas and other locations where several radio systems may be operating nearby.
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ACM reduces the risk of communication problems, but it does not replace correct system setup, site monitoring or normal safety procedures.