Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems are used to assist in law enforcement, toll collection, and traffic data analysis. By mounting cameras along highways, bridges, tunnels, and overpasses, vehicle speed and license plates can be captured to automatically identify suspect vehicles or validate vehicles on roadways as part of an HOV lane or tolling program. Also, the data can be used to analyze traffic statistics, identify traffic patterns, or detect real-time anomalies, such as traffic jams, crashes, and other dangerous occurrences. When Leonardo designed its Elsag Fixed Plate Hunter ALPR System, the company says its engineers had to ensure the system would offer reliable and constant operation, but be customizable enough to meet unique installation requirements set by different customers and agencies.
Michael Hua, engineer at Leonardo, commented, “The Elsag Fixed Plate Hunter ALPR System reads plates day or night, in all weather conditions, and from all 50 U.S. states as well as most foreign countries.”
The Elsag ALPR system is comprised of advanced digital cameras connected to a Field Control Unit (FCU), adds the company. Inside the FCU, a powerful switch was needed to manage all of the data transmission. Leonardo says it had five main requirements for the switch:
- Must be able to provide up to 30 watts Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity to the attached cameras.
- Must have at least three Ethernet ports.
- Must have output connections for Twisted-Pair Copper or SFP Fiber.
- Must be rugged enough to operate in -40°F to +165°F.
- Must be small enough to fit inside the FCU.
Perle Systems' range of IDS PoE Industrial Switches fit the bill for Leonardo's Elsag Fixed Plate Hunter ALPR System. Perle notes its IDS PoE Industrial Switches are all classified as Layer 2 Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), and fully compliant to IEEE 802.3at to ensure reliable PoE to the attached cameras. Depending on the unique installation requirements of any ALPR system deployment, Leonardo can choose the switch variant with the necessary number of copper ports and fiber ports needed for each customer. Perle notes every component used in the design of these compact switches is fully tested and rated to operate in -40°F to +165°F.
Founded in 1976, Perle Systems designs and manufactures highly reliable device networking, media conversion, and internet of things (IoT) connectivity hardware. With an extensive line card, Perle says its products are especially positioned for organizations that need to establish network connectivity across multiple locations, securely transmit critical and sensitive information, or remotely monitor and control networked devices and appliances.
Perle has offices in 9 countries and sells its products through a globally established distributor, system integrator, and reseller channel. Learn more at www.perle.com.