The Signal Equipment Design Groups prepare electrical design drawings, materials and construction specifications and material estimates for signalized intersections on the state highway system. The groups provide assistance in equipment application to other groups involved in the design of isolated and system-based traffic signals. The Signal Equipment Design Groups review field equipment needs to ensure new equipment provides adequate traffic and diagnostic information to operators, while providing expandability for future needs. The groups also provide technical assistance to field personnel in the diagnosis of malfunctioning signal equipment.

The Signal Equipment Applications Group performs the administrative and technical functions in maintaining the existing NCDOT Qualified Products List for traffic signal equipment. The Qualified Products List (QPL) contains items that are pre-approved by evaluating vendor product submittals for conformance with specifications. Other QPL functions performed by this group include monthly updates, informing vendors and contractors of product additions and removals, and corresponding with vendors and contractors on QPL procedures. This group is also responsible for the procurement of traffic signal equipment installed on the state highway system by managing the inventory of equipment at the central depot in Raleigh, making recommendations regarding future purchase quantities, preparing multi-year purchase bids, inspecting incoming equipment on an audit basis and resolving quality related issues with vendors. In addition, this group reviews traffic signal equipment catalog cuts for conformance to specifications, interprets specification issues and reviews traffic signal control cabinets for contract projects.

The Traffic Electronics Group repairs traffic signal controllers and other electronic equipment at the Traffic Electronics Center. With the electronic industry's continued emphasis to design more functionality into smaller more cost effective electronic packages, the Traffic Electronics Center is constantly updating its test equipment, inspection and repair equipment, and parts inventory. This group assists Divisions with troubleshooting, and repairs components associated with traffic signals, copper and fiber optic-based communication systems, video surveillance systems, dynamic message signs, and other Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components. The Traffic Electronics Group evaluates new traffic signal control equipment for conformance with the specifications. Constantly reviewing technological advancements in the area of detection, this group also evaluates promising technologies in hopes of providing an efficient alternative detection system at locations where inductive loops require high maintenance and are expensive to install. This group also evaluates LED signal modules, and manages the vendor repair of the modules.

In addition to the duties outlined above, the Signals Management Section provides signal equipment technical support for division traffic personnel as well as traffic engineering staff within the branch. This technical support includes approving specific equipment for use on highway projects, preparing and reviewing project specific equipment specifications, evaluating test and maintenance equipment, and inspecting installations for conformance to the required construction methods. Evaluating traffic signal control equipment for conformance to established specifications requires that the section be familiar with both traffic engineering and electrical engineering theories and practices.