Application Programming Interface (API) Standard for the Advanced Transportation Controller (ATC)

API Validation Suite

Background
The API Standard Version 1 was Jointly Approved by AASHTO, NEMA and ITE in September 2007. The purpose of the API Standard is to specify a universal software interface for ATC compliant controller units that facilitates software portability across manufacturers and enables interoperability of multiple applications on a single unit. It is anticipated that ATC controller units will soon be sold by manufacturers containing API software libraries and stating compliance to the API Standard. It is therefore critical for agencies, integrators and second party software developers to have an independent method to validate compliance to the API Standard.

The API Validation Suite is a set of test software that runs on the Engine Board of ATC Controller units (see ATC Standard 5.2b). Although the extensive combinations of field I/O devices and user inputs that are supported make comprehensive testing of the API libraries impossible, a set of practical tests can and still be performed. The development of this software includes a formal test plan, test descriptions, test software development, software descriptions and testing results.

Some of the benefits include:

• Impartial testing common to the entire industry
• Greater confidence and faster deployment of the ATC controllers and the API as manufacturers will have a level of provable compliancy
• A tool for end users to call out in their specifications
• Increased reliability of ATC controller units
• Increased portability and interoperability of application programs on ATC controllers
• Test software that can be expanded or enhanced

Next Steps
The API Working Group is now in the development of the API Validation Suite. Progress can be tracked in the "SDO Process" and "Project Plan" tables below. Please see also the next section on "Participation."

Participation
We are also soliciting help from the transportation community at large in the deployment of API Standard v2.06b. It is requested that agencies require manufacturers and vendors to require both API Standard v2.06b and the ATC Controller Standard in their specifications and requests for proposals (RFPs) for traffic control equipment. For further assistance, please contact Mr. Siva Narla (snarla@ite.org) or Mr. Ralph Boaz (rboaz@pillarinc.com).

Generally, we welcome participation at meetings, teleconferences, and document reviews from any and all interested parties. We will post a schedule of planned activities as they are determined and invite anyone interested to attend. Please keep in mind that we will need to know in advance if you wish to attend a particular meeting so that we can ensure adequate meeting facilities. In most cases, favorable hotel rates are available to meeting attendees. If you wish to attend any face-to-face meeting, please inform Mr. Siva Narla (snarla@ite.org). Teleconferences are open to everyone without advanced notice.

• List of the voting members of the ATC API Working Group
• Join the Standards discussion groups on ITE Community

Tracking ATC API Validation Suite by the SDO Process

The SDO process is defined specifically for the production of standards and related documents. While similar review and oversight will occur in the development of the API Validation Suite, tracking by the SDO process does not apply. Please see "Project Plan" tracking below. (For complete details on the steps of the Standards Development Process please click here.)

Tracking ATC API Validation Suite by the Project Plan

(For complete details on the steps of the Standards Development Process please click here.)