What are the 3 main components of SCADA?

SCADA systems are often used in industries like manufacturing and fabrication to monitor & control various types of equipment. In this post, we'll go over HMI SCADA systems and the different types of hardware and software that make them up. We'll also describe how they are used and go over some of their main benefits as well as drawbacks.

Introduction to SCADA Systems

Industrial facilities have a number of complex processes running, meaning every machine has a different capability for output. Monitoring these machines can be difficult since there are so many of them. SCADA software makes it easy to maintain efficiency, make smarter decisions and communicate issues with other parts of your system. Data processing is also facilitated through SCADA software.

SCADA is a combination of hardware and software that facilitate process control. It comes with communication equipment, network interfaces, input/ output devices and software. This system allows organizations to follow their goals while ensuring constant monitoring

• You can control industrial machines remotely or in person.
• Modern data tools can gather, process and analyze information in real-time.
• Working with mechanical devices using an HMI to control these devices can make the process of working with them a lot more efficient.
• Create a log file of events and Alarms.

This product is used for the management and control of industrial equipment. It can be found in the development, manufacturing, production and fabrication stages. Different types of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) can achieve this.

Basic Components of SCADA System

A standard SCADA system is comprised of the following pieces:

1. Human Machine Interface
2. Supervisory System
3. Remote Terminal Units
4. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
5. Communication Infrastructure
6. SCADA Software Development Programming

1. Human Machine Interface

A SCADA system is an I/O device that enables a human operator to control data of a machine or factory process from their desk. This can be done by linking the automated system’s database and software programs for total management, including all relevant details, schematics, maintenance schedules, procedure diagnosis and more. If graphical data is available or there are suitable overlay tools, the operating personnel can see the graphical representation of data.

2. Supervisory System

This system acts as a communication server between the HMI software in control room workstations and related devices such as PLCs, RTUs, sensors etc.

A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is made of many subsystems to provide different functionality. This usually includes a Master or broadcast PC, which oversees the entire business system; Site PC's for disaster recovery, PC's for individual workstations that may need local data processing and smaller Remote Terminal Units (RTU) Our servers are configured in dual-redundant or hot-standby formation for continuously monitoring server failure.

3. Remote Terminal Units

This system contains a physical object that is interfaced with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). These devices are controlled by processors and wirelessly transmit network data from the sensors to a higher level system. They then receive commands from this system that can direct the other connected machines or objects.

Remote Telemetry Units, aka RTUs, are also called as sensing devices in the field of electricity & magnetism.

4. Programmable Logic Controllers

PLCs are connected to sensors and convert their input value into digital data.

They're best suited for small or medium scale operations because of the pricing, versatility and capability. They are cheaper & the simpler to install.

5. Communication Infrastructure

In general, SCADA systems use a combination of wired & wireless connections. You might also use SDH/SONET for large systems like railroads or power stations.

There are many different SCADA protocols, but only a few recognized as standardized ones give real-time info.

6. SCADA Programming

Programming SCADA for HMIs or master stations is done in order to create graphics that provide information about a process in the event of a failure. Most assembly line commercial SCADA systems use standardized interfaces. The C programming language is usually what's used for such programs.

Architecture of SCADA

There is usually a set of components that are used in a SCADA system in order to work. For example, there is usually operating equipment, local processors, instruments, PLCs and RTUs as well as an AI writer with a PC and HMI.

• Hardware
• Software

Hardware Architecture

The hardware of this system is split up into two parts:

• Client Layer: For man machine interface
• Data Server Layer: For data processing

SCADA is a system of electronic devices to control the flow of messages among a business, factory or farm. Its central hub is usually an industrial PC with limited capabilities and peripherals. The SCADA station consists of a single PC. A device can be connected to the console itself or through two types of network systems: Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and Programmable Logic

Fig. 4 – SCADA Hardware Architecture

Sensors can be connected to PLCs & RTUs for converting the signal into digital data. The resulting data is sent to a master unit where appropriate feedback can then take place from that. The RTUs use the signal information to drive relays according

Software Architecture

Servers are used for managing database and multitasking. They help to gather data and process it quickly.

This system has programs that provide trending and diagnostic information while also assisting with other tasks like managing logistic info, maintenance schedules, etc. The program even offers detailed schematics for a specific machine or section of the plant.

Types of SCADA Systems

There are four different types of SCADA systems

1. Early SCADA
2. Distributed SCADA
3. Networked SCADA
4. IoT SCADA

1. Early SCADA

Monolithic systems are one of the earliest types of SCADA systems. They run as independent units, without any network services. Monolithic systems are primarily used when network services are not available or ineffective.

Back up mainframe is a system that would watch data from nosier sensor devices and provide backup for them in emergencies.

2. Distributed SCADA

When there are several interconnected machines (or networks), the CPU can distribute control tasks between them. This would allow machines with more powerful CPUs to take on activities requiring more processing power.

Second generation switch stations were smaller and cheaper, but did not support common computer protocols. Few people understood how secure SCADA installations were, and as a result many security flaws slipped through.

3. Networked SCADA

Present SCADA systems use networks and can communicate over data or voice lines. These networks are often using fiber optic connections or ethernet transmission lines.

These systems only make adjustments when major decisions are required.

4. Internet of Things SCADA

This fourth generation of IoT devices is being developed for a more cost efficient infrastructure with cloud computing. This means that integration and maintenance will be much easier as well.

These cloud-based AI systems can report their state in real time, which is a feature that often isn't seen on traditional PLCs. This means intricate control algorithms, which are often used on traditional PLCs, can also be implemented.

Applications of SCADA

SCADA data systems are used to monitor a variety of data points from one centralized system. These include current, voltage, temperature, pressure and water levels. Some SCADA systems will detect irregular conditions and alert you of the issue. Here are just some of the benefits SCADA systems offer:

1. Power generation and distribution monitoring: current flow, voltage and circuit breaker functions. Remote switching on/off of power grids.
2. Water and sewage services: are provided by most municipal corporations for maintaining and monitoring water flow to homes as well as reservoir status. It is also used for measuring pressure in the pipes distributing water to homes across the city.
3. Industries and Buildings: Used to control HVAC, central air conditioning, lighting, entry/ exit gates.
4. Oil and Gas Industries: They are used for regulating & monitoring the flow, status of reservoirs, pressure in distribution lines etc.
5. Communications: With this software, you will be able to monitor and control all of your devices with a central hub, as well as manage other settings that are crucial to keeping your life running smoothly.
6. Manufacturing is used for managing inventories, controlling production, and ensuring quality of instruments, processes and products.
7. Public Transport: Used for regulating subway electricity, automating traffic signals, managing railway crossings and tracking the location of flights/ trains/ buses.

Advantages of SCADA

Automation is a boon, giving us the time and freedom to focus on things we were never able to spend enough time concentrating on. But even with automation, hardware failures can still cause disasters. This is why SCADA systems continue to play an important role in controlling processes like power distribution & monitoring machine performance.

• We've improved our service quality to provide you with better products.
• Consistent data and resources allows us to design more reliable products. This plenary property will result in less downtime, making maintenance less frequent too.
• We've crafted a clear and straightforward monitoring solution that monitors all important system parameters.
• No matter what type of information you're looking for, you can find it at the touch of a button. You won't have to manually search through hundreds of spread sheets to find what's most relevant.
• Technology not only helps you to identify and locate faults more quickly, but it also reduces man hours and the need for supplementary services (which may require a greater financial investment).
• Time spent on "maintenance and technical problems" decreased