What is the SCADA monitoring system?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are becoming increasingly important in a wide spectrum of industries as a means for asset owners to sustain performance, process data for informed decision-making, minimize costs, communicate problems to avoid downtime, and comply with applicable health and safety and engineering requirements. In this introductory essay, we look at the various elements that make up the SCADA scheme.
Looking at the general make-up of the SCADA system, there are five important components:
- Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is an input-output computer that has a monitor screen that is connected to the SCADA software and databases. Provides management information for operators, such as planned maintenance protocols, operator controls, schematics, logistic information, and trending and diagnostic data for particular sensors and equipment.
- System of monitoring
The supervisory system is used to transmit data from devices such as RTUs, PLCs and sensors to the HMI or other display interfaces that are usually situated in a centralized control center or at separate locations.
Smaller supervisory systems may include a single device or HMI, while larger systems may contain remote software programs, disaster relief sites and several servers that are installed in a redundant manner, such as hot-standby. The supervisory structure constantly tracks and controls processes to ensure the stability and integrity of the SCADA system.
- Remote terminal systems and programmable logistics controllers
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) are microprocessor-controlled electronic devices used to connect field equipment with the SCADA system by transmitting telemetry data to the supervisory system. RTUs are often used to transmit signals from a master control device that tracks and manages the field equipment attached to it.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are computer control systems that are connected to equipment and sensors through input and output signals that are translated to data. PLC systems are typically ‘locked’ or isolated from other IT systems, such as LAN, WAN or corporate networks, maintaining the confidentiality and reliability of the control system.
- Communication Infrastructure
The communication infrastructure for SCADA systems can differ between implementations based on the size and specifications of the device.
Factors that need to be weighed when planning or setting up a communication network include current communication facilities, budget, data standards, propagation capacity, sightline for radio networks, criticality (including continuity requirements) and capacity to fulfill potential needs.
Communication infrastructure is important for SCADA systems, especially in applications where assets are spread over a wide geographic region.
- SCADA Programming
In order for the SCADA system to operate correctly and safely, it needs a detailed knowledge not only of the engineering mechanism being supervised and/or managed, but also of the programming language and related requirements.
There are several formats used in SCADA programming, and most current SCADA packages have their own built-in libraries composed of icons and other graphic display resources.
SCADA programming takes skills and expertise to be perfected, since there are several aspects to weigh. If done correctly, the system will operate flawlessly for several years, but if implemented improperly, the system is likely to become dysfunctional, causing extensive damage, including possible loss of life.
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