SCADA System; Architecture, Communication, and applications

What is a SCADA System?

SCADA stands for supervisory control and data acquisition. It is a type of software application program for process control.  SCADA is a central control system that consists of controllers network interfaces, input/output, communication equipment, and software. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control the equipment in the industrial process which includes manufacturing, production, development, and fabrication. The infrastructural processes include gas and oil distribution, electrical power, water distribution.  Public utilities include a bus traffic system, airport.  The SCADA system takes the reading of the meters and checks the status of sensors in regular intervals so that it requires minimal interference of humans.

Types of SCADA System

SCADA systems are classified into four types which include the following.

  • Monolithic SCADA Systems
  • Distributed SCADA Systems
  • Networked SCADA Systems
  • IoT SCADA Systems

Advantages

The advantages of the SCADA system include the following.

  • The quality of service can be improved
  • Reliability can be improved
  • Maintenance cost is less
  • The operation can be reduced
  • Large system parameters can be monitored
  • Manpower can be reduced
  • Repair time can be reduced
  • Fault detection & fault localization
  • It stores a large amount of data
  • As per the user requirement, it displays the data in various formats.
  • Thousands of sensors can be interfaced with SCADA for controlling and monitoring
  • Real data simulations can be obtained by operators
  • Gives fast response
  • It is flexible as well as scalable while adding extra resources.
  • The SCADA system provides onboard mechanical and graphical information
  • The SCADA system is easily expandable. We can add a set of control units and sensors according to the requirement.
  • The SCADA system is able to operate in critical situations.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of the SCADA system include the following.

  • It is complex in terms of dependent modules & hardware units.
  • It needs analysts, programmers & skilled operators to maintain
  • High installation cost
  • Unemployment rates can be increased
  • This system supports hardware devices and restricted software’s

 Applications

The applications of the SCADA system include the following.

  • Generation and Distribution of Power
  • Public Transport
  • Water and Sewage System
  • Manufacturing
  • Industries & Buildings
  • Communication Networks
  • Oil & Gas Industries
  • Power generation, transmission, and distribution
  • Water distribution and reservoir system
  • Public buildings like electrical heating and cooling system.
  • Generators and turbines
  • Traffic light control system

Thus, this is all about an overview of the SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). This system is controlled by a computer, used to control as well as monitor different processes in plants. This system uses GUI (graphical user interface), data communications &extended management for monitoring systems. Here is a question for you, what is PLC?