SCADA

supervisory control and

data acquisition.
 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 which
consist of controllers network interfaces,
input/output, communication equipments and
software.
SCADA systems are used to monitor and
control the equipments in the industrial process
which include manufacturing, production,
development and fabrication.
Primary function of SCADA is remote monitoring.
SCADA systems communicate with other devices such
as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and
PID controllers to interact with industrial process plant
and equipment.
SCADA Basics
Objectives of SCADA
Monitor: SCADA systems continuously monitor
the physical parameters
Measure: It measures the parameter for processing
Data Acquisition: It acquires data from RTUs
(Remote Terminal Units), data loggers, etc
Data Communication: It helps to communicate
and transmit a large amount of data between MTU
and RTU units
Controlling: Online real-time monitoring and
controlling of the process
Automation: It helps for automatic transmission
and functionality
The SCADA systems consist of hardware units
and software units.
The major components of a SCADA system
include:
Master Terminal Unit (MTU)
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
Communication Network (defined by its
network topology)
SCADA Network
Architecture
 Generally SCADA system is a centralized system which
monitors and controls entire area.

 It is purely software package that is positioned on top of

hardware.

 A supervisory system gathers data on the process and

sends the commands control to the process.

 The SCADA is a remote terminal unit which is also known

as RTU.

 Most control actions are automatically performed by RTUs

or PLCs.
 The RTUs consist of programmable logic converter which
can be set to specific requirement.

 The SCADA system allows operators to change the set

point for the flow

 It enable alarm conditions in case of loss of flow and

high temperature and the condition is displayed and
recorded.

 The SCADA system is a centralized system to

communicate with both wire and wireless technology to
Clint devices.

 The SCADA system controls can run completely all kinds

of industrial process.
Hardware Architecture
The generally SCADA system can be classified into two
parts:
o Clint layer

o Data server layer

 The Clint layer which caters for the man machine
interaction.

 The data server layer which handles most of the process

data activities.
 The SCADA station refers to the servers and it is
composed of a single PC.

 The data servers communicate with devices in the field

through process controllers like PLCs or RTUs.

 The PLCs are connected to the data servers either

directly or via networks or buses.

 The SCADA system utilizes a WAN and LAN networks.

 The WAN and LAN consists of internet protocols used

for communication between the master station and
devices.
 The physical equipment’s like sensors connected to the
PLCs or RTUs.
 The RTUs convert the sensor signals to digital data and
sends digital data to master.
 Most of the monitoring and control operations are
performed by RTUs or PLCs.
Software Architecture
 Most of the servers are used for multitasking and real time
database.

 The servers are responsible for data gathering and handling.

 The SCADA system consists of a software program to provide

trending, diagnostic data, and manage information.

 It scheduled maintenance procedure, logistic information,

detailed schematics for a particular sensor or machine and
expert system troubleshooting guides.
SCADA Components
•Corporate network segment
• Typical IT network
•SCADA network segment
• Servers and workstations to interact with field devices
• Human-machine interfaces
• Operators
• Software validation
•Field devices segment
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
• Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED)
Master Terminal Unit (MTU)
MTU is the core of the SCADA system. It comprises a
computer, PLC and a network server that helps MTU
to communicate with the RTUs. MTU begins
communication, collects and saves data, helps to
interface with operators and to communicate data to
other systems.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
Being employed in the field sites, each Remote
Terminal Unit (RTU) is connected with sensors and
actuators. RTU is used to collect information from
these sensors and further sends the data to MTU.
RTUs have the storage capacity facility.
So, it stores the data and transmits the data when MTU
sends the corresponding command. Recently
developed units are employed with sophisticated
systems, that utilize PLCs as RTUs. This helps for
direct transfer and control of data without any signal
from MTU.
Communication Network
In general, network means connection. When you tell a
communication network, it is defined as a link between
RTU in the field to MTU in the central location. The
bidirectional wired or wireless communication channel
is used for networking purposes. Various other
communication mediums like fiber optic cables,
twisted pair cables, etc. are also used.
Functions of SCADA Systems
In a nutshell, we can tell the SCADA system is a
collection of hardware and software components that
allows the manufacturing units to perform specific
functions. Some of the important functions include
•To monitor and gather data in real-time
•To interact with field devices and control stations via
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
•To record systems events into a log file
•To control manufacturing process virtually
•Information Storage and Reports
SCADA Applications
SCADA is widely used in different areas from chemical, gas,
water, communications, and power systems.
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
Using SCADA systems, electrical utilities detect current flow and
line voltage, monitor circuit breaker operation (e.g. a
vacuum circuit breaker or SF6 circuit breaker), and take sections
of the power grid online or offline.
Manufacturing Units
SCADA systems are used to regulate industrial automation and
robots, and monitor process and quality control
Forestry, Pulp and Paper Industry
Mass transit and Railway Traction
Transit officials use SCADA to regulate
electricity for subways, trams and trolley busses;
to automate railway traffic signals; to monitor and
identify trains and busses, and to control railway
crossing doors
Water, Waste Water Utilities and Sewage
State and municipal water utilities use SCADA to
monitor and control water flow, tank
concentrations, pipe pressure, and other variables
Buildings, Facilities, and Environments
Water Security: The Role of the SCADA System
Thermal Power Plants
For example, when the fuel tank of a car is
empty, the alarm is activated and the light
signal is on. To alert the SCADA operators
and managers, text messages and emails are
sent along with alarm activation.
SCADA and PLC Security
What is PLC?
PLC stands for ‘Programmable Logic Controller’
which is installed to monitor system sensors, by collecting
data and critical information about the flow and input
within the system.
A PLC will also perform basic interventions, triggering
outputs when the pre-programmed limitations are met. A
PLC is a versatile piece of hardware; able to perform under
challenging conditions where advanced options and real-
time usage are necessary. For instance, PLCs can control
some of the more complex processes within industrial
operations, such as monitoring running motors and
machinery.
These devices are very flexible and easy to programme,
which means they can function in a wide range of solutions.
Modern PLCs were manufactured to upgrade the relays and
timers which were previously used in industrial machinery.
which is installed to monitor system sensors, by collecting data
and critical information about the flow and input within the
system.
A PLC will also perform basic interventions, triggering outputs
when the pre-programmed limitations are met. A PLC is a versatile
piece of hardware; able to perform under challenging conditions
where advanced options and real-time usage are necessary. For
instance, PLCs can control some of the more complex processes
within industrial operations, such as monitoring running motors
and machinery.
These devices are very flexible and easy to programme, which
means they can function in a wide range of solutions. Modern
PLCs were manufactured to upgrade the relays and timers which
were previously used in industrial machinery.
What is the Difference Between PLC & SCADA?
The primary difference between a PLC and SCADA is the
technology. For example, a PLC is a physical hardware,
whereas SCADA is software. This means that a PLC can be
picked up and physically inspected, whereas SCADA works
on a computer system, and is comparable to that of an
operating system, like Windows for example.
SCADA is designed to operate on a much broader scale
since it can monitor and collect information from every
output of a system. A PLC, on the other hand, will only
focus on monitoring only one element within the system
Because these technologies are so different, it’s easy to think
that PLC and SCADA aren’t connected. However, the
association between the two technologies are crucial. Both
PLCs and SCADA are used within the same industrial
context.
This means that the two work together to support safe and
effective operation within a plant. SCADA can be looked
upon as the broad software structure that supports the
overall system. Whereas PLCs operate within the system
that SCADA oversees.
The PLCs require SCADA to control their operation,
whereas the SCADA needs the data collected by the PLCs to
do this job effectively.
For instance, if the system is monitoring a
piece of machinery, the PLC may retrieve
data that suggests there too much vibration.
The PLC will send this data to the SCADA
software, which will then inspect the
readout data and decide whether
adjustments must be made to the operation
of the system. If change is needed, SCADA
will send the instruction back to the PLCs,
which will then enable the change.
Advantages of SCADA
•The data can be displayed in various formats as per
user requirements.
•It provides interface to connect thousands of
sensors across wide region for various monitoring
and controlling operations.
•It is possible to obtain real data simulations with
the help of operators.
•Many types of data can be gathered from RTUs
(Remote Terminal Units) connected with the master
unit.
•It is fast in obtaining response.