Crosstalk Detection in Signalized-Intersection Loop Detectors

Electromagnetic sensors, such as inductive loops and microloops, are widely used for vehicle detection. However, electrical coupling can occur between detection devices and result in electrical noise called crosstalk, which significantly degrades detection operation. Techniques such as channel scanning and frequency separation have been used to mitigate crosstalk; however, crosstalk is often transient because of environmental conditions and not always observed easily. This paper presents a crosstalk detection algorithm based on 156 h of training data taken from 12 sensors (inductive and microloop) and applies it to approximately 14 h of data collected from seven sensors (four inductive loops and three microloops) to demonstrate an automated method to identify periods when crosstalk occurs. The paper concludes by recommending the use of this approach for system acceptance and ongoing monitoring of sensor health.