Background
The ATC Application Programming Interface (API) Standard defines a software platform that operates on an ATC controller unit (as defined by the ATC Controller Standard). Software developed in conformance to the API Standard provides management capabilities and functional interfaces for the ATC controller's Front Panel, the controller cabinet's Field Input/Output Devices, the controller's Time and the controller's configuration management. When combined with the ATC controller's operating system, the API software provides a universal interface for application programs to operate on any ATC controller unit regardless of the manufacturer. In addition, it allows multiple application programs to be interoperable on a single ATC controller unit by sharing the controller's fixed resources.

The API Standard v2.06b (referred to as Version 1) was "Jointly Approved" by AASHTO, NEMA and ITE September 21, 2007.

Next Steps
There are two new API projects currently in progress: the API Standard Version 2 and the API Validation Suite. API Standard Version 2 project will add the specification of a Configuration Management capability that will provide a uniform interface, both in user interface and programmatically, for ATC controller units to set/manage/view system wide parameters. The API Validation Suite project will produce testing tools that provide agencies, integrators and second party software developers an independent method to validate compliance to API Standard Version 1. Please see the links to these projects.

Participation
We are soliciting help from the transportation community at large in the deployment of API Standard v2.06b and ATC Standard 5.2b (ATC Controller Standard). It is requested that public agencies REQUIRE that their vendors supply traffic control equipment that is compliant with API Standard v2.06b and ATC Standard 5.2b. For further assistance, please contact Mr. Siva Narla (snarla@ite.org) or Mr. Ralph Boaz (rboaz@pillarinc.com).

API Standard Version 2 and API Validation Suite projects are in progress. Participation in these projects is welcomed.

• List of the voting members of the ATC API Working Group

Download API Standard v2.06b

The following two links may be used to download the API Prototype Software and associated design documents. The software was produced to support the development of API Standard v2.06b and they are considered a byproduct of the effort. They are in “as is” condition, not complete, and not all of the software has been executed on an ATC Engine Board. They are separated in two parts representing the Front Panel Manager and the Field I/O Manager.

Download Prototype Front Panel Manager Software

Download Prototype Field I/O Software

Tracking ATC API v02.06b by the SDO Process
(For complete details on the steps of the Standards Development Process please see: www.ite.org/standards/ITEStandardDevProcess.pdf)

Tracking ATC API v02.06b by the Project Plan