Glossary
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Glossary
Address:
Identification number assigned to each sign in a network, set through the front panel
interface. The central controller uses the address to differentiate between signs connected on the same
network. Signs on the same network cannot have the same address.
CAN Distribution Board:
Internal display component that sends and receives signals to and from the
VFC-3000 controller. It distributes the signals received from the VFC-3000 controller to modules
throughout the display. All diagnostic data from the sensors and modules transmit through the
distribution board back to the VFC-3000 controller.
Central Controller:
Software system that can control displays remotely. This software contains a
message studio, schedule studio, a display manager, and other tools and options that are used to
configure displays and networks for an Intelligent Transportation System.
Column:
Vertical line of pixels.
Control Panel:
Component that serves as a central point for all data and power distribution. The
control panel contains the CAN distribution board, CAN I/O board, and DC / DC converter.
Driver Board:
Component on the back of each module that receives data packets from the VFC-3000
controller. The driver board turns the pixels on and off and controls their dimming. The driver board
also contains circuitry to perform pixel diagnostics.
Dynamic Message Sign (DMS):
An electronic message display used on roadways to give travelers
information about traffic conditions. Such displays may inform of events like traffic congestion,
accidents, incidents, or roadwork zones.
Eyebolt (Lifteye):
Heavy steel bolt with a loop attached to the top of the display cabinet for lifting.
Light Emitting Diode (LED):
Low-energy, high-intensity lighting units. Multiple, closely spaced
LEDs form a pixel on the DMS display.
Line:
Horizontal row of modules.
Low Voltage Distribution Board (LVDB):
Distribution point for the DC power to the individual LED
drivers on each module.
Matrix:
Visible area on a display, measured in rows and columns of pixels.
Module:
Component containing an array of LED pixels. Modules are placed next to each other to
form the matrix of the display.
NTCIP:
National
Transportation
Communication for
ITS
Protocol.
Panelboard:
Circuit breaker box that distributes incoming power to the internal display components.
A single panel unit may include buses, automatic overcurrent devices, and switches for light, heat,
and power.
