Digi Launches Rugged Device Server for Traffic Management and Other Harsh Environments

Digi International have introduced the ruggedised PortServer TS HCC MEI, a hardened serial server that makes it easy to Ethernet-enable field devices located along roadsides and at intersections.

Designed specifically to operate under severe environmental conditions, it allows customers to network-enable traffic management devices so those devices can be monitored and controlled remotely.  With the PortServer TS HCC MEI, users can control traffic lights and variable message signs, issue hazardous road condition warnings and co-ordinate emergency vehicle detectors and lane control signals all from a centralised management station.

"The new PortServer TS HCC MEI is designed to meet the exacting specifications for use in traffic and roadside management installations as well as other harsh environments," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Digi International.  "Traffic solutions are primarily located along highways and roadways and operate in severe temperatures and weather conditions.  They are also used in applications where there are life safety issues, such as advising motorists about potentially dangerous road conditions like a closed bridge, surface ice and lane closures.  Our new PortServer TS HCC MEI is built specifically to operate reliably under severe conditions to meet the demands of this market."

The PortServer TS HCC MEI is the newest member of Digi's PortServer TS MEI family of external hardened serial servers.  It was originally designed specifically for URS Corporation, one of the world's largest engineering design firms and a leading U.S. federal government contractor.

"We asked Digi to come up with a rugged version of their terminal-server product to meet the harsh, coastal environment of the east coast," said Bob Sosenko, senior systems engineer, URS Corporation.  "The new PortServer TS HCC MEI meets all of our project requirements for hardened equipment, network management and the number of programmable ports available."

The PortServer TS HCC MEI can connect up to four serial devices and features an extended operating temperature range of -35C to 74C.  It also carries the NEMA TS 2 designation certifying the product's ability to withstand an assortment of environmental stresses related to temperature, shock and vibration.  Additional hardened features include a conformal coated circuit board to ensure protection from moisture and corrosion along roadways, and a screw terminal power block for durable power connectivity.