Leveraging his vast experience from service engineering to system leadership, Danny Piot, ADB SAFEGATE’s Product Manager for Connected Solutions, unveils the efficiency secrets of LINC 360 ILCMS. His expert guidance focuses on optimizing airside operations with fewer circuits and cables, embodying a crucial stride in the Airside 4.0® narrative. Join us to explore how this innovation can redefine efficiency at your airfield.

Can you provide a brief overview of how LINC 360 works and its primary applications in airport operations?
LINC 360 is an Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring System (ILCMS) which uses proven OFDM technology to communicate with external control modules (remotes) or internally integrated modules in the light fixture (AXON EQ) over the power line. By adding this communication signal onto the series current coming from the Constant Current Regulator, there is no need for additional cabling. This is the same technology that is used in modern cell phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections due to its reliability and increased bandwidth. The main applications are control of individual lights for follow-the-green A-SMGCS (Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System), routing of aircraft, segment control for stop bar purposes, and taxiway lead-on interlocking.

The ICAO ARIWS (Autonomous Runway Incursion Warning Systems) and FAA’s RWSL (Runway Status Lights) programs use LINC 360 as a key component to immediately turn on Runway Entrance and Take-Off Holding Lights when an unsafe situation is detected.

It’s also quite useful for monitoring lights that are difficult to access because of security requirements or hard to reach because of geographical constraints.

LINC 360 Controller installation in an RTU

LINC 360 Controllers in rack configuration

What are the most significant benefits airport contractors have observed by adopting LINC 360 in terms of reducing circuits and cables?
Cost and time savings; when you have fewer circuits to power then you can buy fewer CCRs which can be quite costly. It also saves up time that you would have to spend pulling cable to and from the substation and for commissioning those CCRs. Frequently this type of project also includes changing the lights over to new, more energy-efficient LED lights, which can reduce the CCR power rating which again lowers the cost.

Another benefit is that no pre-configuration of the communication modules is needed, so the installer doesn’t need to make sure that a certain light or remote is placed in exactly the right light position. Obviously, he will still need to make sure that the correct type and color of the light is installed in the right position on the airfield. With our bidirectional AXON EQ Lights, it is also possible to reduce the secondary cabling needed by half as each side can be controlled individually without needing its own cable.

Could you walk us through the typical process of integrating LINC 360 into existing airport systems? What are the major challenges, and how can they be overcome?
The biggest challenge is when trying to implement LINC 360 on an active airport with limited (runway) access time. The timeslots that are granted by ATC are usually quite short, maybe a couple of hours if you’re lucky, which limits not only the amount of work you can do but also will affect airport operations. If a previous ILCMS was already installed, ATC will expect this functionality to keep on working while changing over to LINC 360. This can be done by taking advantage of the interleaving of the circuits: one circuit stays in operation on the “old” solution while the 2^nd circuit gets updated to LINC 360. After the installation works are completed, the ALCMS interface can switch over to the LINC 360 functionality which can then take over the operational side of the lights while works begin the update the other circuit. During this whole process, a NOTAM would be issued to tell pilots that the affected functions are only working at 50% of their capacity. It’s really important that ATC is involved in the planning of the works, ensuring they have a clear understanding of its impact and scope.

LINC 360 Remote installation in a transformer pit

LINC 360 Remote

What future enhancements or updates can we expect in LINC 360 technology? How will these changes further optimize the infrastructure of airports?
A big one that we’re very excited about is the integrated sensor information from our AXON EQ lights. This will help the airport maintenance team in predicting failures and move even further from corrective maintenance to preventive maintenance. For example, the light can detect if there is water ingress into the fixture, communicate it over the powerline to LINC 360, and trigger an alarm for maintenance to investigate.

More and more we are also moving towards cloud-based solutions and one initiative there is that a contractor could scan the QR code on the light while installing it which would then upload the communication module’s serial number to the cloud. Once a circuit is completed, the system will automatically download the scanned serial numbers to that circuit’s configuration which eliminates having to manually write down the serial numbers.

Our ADAL lights are controlled with LINC 360 to change color which enables airports to create intermediate holding positions on the spot. This might prove especially useful when using a full follow-the-green concept as you can stop aircraft from advancing any further by showing a red light.

For airport contractors who are considering LINC 360 for the first time, what advice would you offer to ensure a smooth adoption and maximization of its benefits?

Define the goals, design and plan.

Ask these questions beforehand? What am I trying to achieve with LINC 360? What kind of response times are needed? Which aviation standards apply to my airport? A well-thought-out design that includes the different stakeholders such as ATC & OPS saves a lot of time down the road. ADB SAFEGATE has a dedicated design department that can help.

During the installation, planning which circuits to do and how to proceed before going airside will also save a lot of time and back-and-forth trips.

Having the primary circuits in good condition will make sure that the powerline communication is working properly so keep an eye on the insulation and continuity resistance of your circuits!

ADB SAFEGATE is a company that provides integrated solutions to airports, airlines, and ANSPs.  We are proud to be leading the way with innovative and smart Airside 4.0^® solutions that turn airports into smart airports, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the passenger experience. Solutions include airfield lighting, power and control systems, airport and tower software, docking automation, apron management, and aftermarket services.  With over 1,400 employees and over 2,700 airports in over 175 countries, from the busiest and largest to the fastest-growing airports, ADB SAFEGATE is dedicated to making air travel safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Visit the WIPO Brand Database for country-specific registrations of the Airside 4.0^® trademark.