ADB SAFEGATE now launches a new distributed control and monitoring solution for airfield lighting control and monitoring systems (ALCMS) that will set new industry standards. The ACE3 boasts a full-color interactive touchscreen display, enhanced communication options and input/output expandability, providing major advancements in readability, monitoring and system flexibility.

With the potential for up to eight times the input/output capacity as the ACE2, the ACE3 is even farther ahead of other control and monitoring systems on the market. The ACE3 is backward compatible with ADB SAFEGATE’s ACE1, ACE2 and Liberty DCMU units and upgrading any of these systems to the ACE3 is a simple process. It is the first such unit to offer a full-color LCD touchscreen display, as well as multiple communication protocols and connection types.

The ACE3 represents the heart of ADB SAFEGATE’s airfield lighting distributed control system

“The ACE3 represents the heart of ADB SAFEGATE’s airfield lighting distributed control system,” says Joe Pokoj, CEO Americas, ADB SAFEGATE Americas, LLC. “Distributed control technology is more cost-effective and expandable than traditional centralized control, and fewer components and interchangeable parts make it easier to install and maintain. The ACE3 has been designed to meet the top priority monitoring needs of our airport customers.”

The ACE3 graphic user interface (GUI) is a 7-inch full color LCD touchscreen display. The display allows monitoring of all values on one screen, and includes a live input/output waveform viewer, local IRMS trending graph, localized event/alarm database, and much more, all viewable from the display. The ACE3 is configured locally via the display, without the need for an external PC, and allows airports to customize monitoring of energy use.

The FAA compliant ACE3 (Advanced Control Equipment) can operate either as the remote interface between the ALCMS and any controllable element in the airfield lighting vault, or as a monitoring unit of a stand-alone system such as a constant current regulator (CCR). It is a universal device used to control any type of CCR or other controlled element, regardless of the manufacturer, and includes all the functionality required for the controlled element. The failsafe mode of each ACE3 unit is defined per the requirements of the airport.

In a distributed control scenario, each ACE3 unit is installed at or near a controllable item (CCR, Generator, ATS, etc.) to communicate in real-time with the airfield lighting control network and execute remote lighting commands. Connections can be made via serial or ethernet and multiple ACE3 units can be daisy-chained together, making system expansion easy. The ACE3 can also communicate wirelessly, creating a backup to the hardwire communications.

The ACE3 has already been selected by Boston Logan International (BOS) and Toronto International (YYZ) airports as part of their constant current regulator modernization programs. Boston is installing approximately 100 units while Toronto has given ADB SAFEGATE a contract for more than 230 units.

ACE3 CCR door installation

Press Releases to be found on ADB SAFEGATE.com
Media Relations contacts:  Jean Luc Devisscher, +32 473 788 055  or Tammi Phippen, +1 763-535-9299

ADB SAFEGATE is a leading provider of intelligent solutions that deliver superior airport performance from approach to departure. We partner with airports and airlines to analyze their current structures and operations, and jointly identify and solve bottlenecks. Our consultative approach enables airports to improve efficiency, enhance safety and environmental sustainability, as well as reduce operational costs. Our portfolio includes solutions and services that harmonize airport performance, tackling every aspect of traffic handling and guidance, from approach, runway and taxiway lighting, to tower-based traffic control systems and intelligent gate and docking automation. ADB SAFEGATE has 1,000+ employees in more than 20 countries and serves some 2,500+ airports in more than 175 countries.