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Some organizations started to use timers and relays to offer a better level of supervisory control.
Although timers and relays solve big problems, they provide limited automation functionality.
Again, timers and relays were difficult to configure.
Thecontrol panelsand fault-find took up more space.
Hence, more issues began to arise.
A technology- SCADA- was introduced to solve these kinds of issues.
In this article, Ill discuss SCADA, its uses, features, components, types, and more.
What Is SCADA?
It offers many tools needed to deploy data-driven decisions in real-time.
SCADA has solved many industrial monitoring and controlling processes since the 1970s.
Modern SCADA systems allow industrial floors to access real-time data from anywhere in the world.
This access allows businesses, individuals, and governments to make better decisions on how to enhance their processes.
It will be impossible to collect sufficient data without SCADA software.
In addition, modern SCADA designer software has Rapid program Development (RAD) capabilities.
This lets users design applications easily even with zero knowledge of software development.
RTUs and PLCs route the data from the objects to the computers using SCADA software.
For example, the SCADA system quickly addresses an operator regarding a batch of products that show errors.
The operator then reviews the information and discovers that Machine 4 has crapped out.
These components turn on the collection of data and enhancement of industrial automation.
Lets discuss each component in detail.
An actuator is a machine that controls the mechanism of industrial processes.
Sensors functions like a meter or gauge that displays the status of the machine.
An actuator acts like a dial, control, orswitchthat can be used to control the unit.
Both are monitored and controlled by SCADA field controllers.
#2.SCADA field controllers
The field controllers interface directly with actuators and sensors.
It also enables operators to understand and modify the status of the SCADA-controlled processes.
This also enables SCADA systems to gather data from the field devices and control these devices.
According to the status, the user gives the command to other components to perform their function.
A communication online grid does this function.
Here, we will discuss each function to understand the working principle of the SCADA systems.
Here sensors acquire different types of data to understand if all the processes are going smoothly.
Real-time SCADA applications use components and sensors that are controlled remotely.
It uses internet communications as well.
Since relays and sensors are not able to communicate, RTUs are used to communicate connection interfaces and sensors.
Data Presentation
The normal networks consist of indicators that are visible to get to control.
The SCADA system uses HMI to offer all the data gathered from various sensors.
Any part can be turned on/off from the station by using these switches.
The SCADA system is implemented to work without any human intervention automatically.
Only in critical situations will it be handled by a human.
#1.Monolithic SCADA Systems
The early or first-generation SCADA systems are known as Monolithic SCADA systems.
In this, minicomputers are used.
The development of monolithic SCADA systems can be done when a common internet service is not available.
The data can be collected from the RTUs by using a backup mainframe.
The crucial function of first-generation systems is restricted to flagging processes and monitoring the sensors.
#2.Distributed SCADA Systems
Distributed SCADA systems are also called second-generation systems.
The control functions are distributed across various systems by connecting with a LAN.
The control operations are performed by command processing and sharing real-time data.
#3.Networked SCADA Systems
The networked SCADA systems are known as third-generation systems.
The communication internet of present SCADA systems works via WAN system through phones or data lines.
The data transmission among the nodes is done by using Fiber-optic or Ethernet connections.
This uses PLC to adjust, monitor, and control the flagging operations once there is a necessity.
#4.IoT SCADA Systems
IoTSCADA systems are known as fourth-generation systems.
Here, the systems infrastructural cost is minimized by implementing IoT via cloud computing.
Integrating and maintaining these systems is easier than others.
In a real-time system, the condition of the components or devices can be reported easily through cloud computing.
Effective systems result in significant savings of money and time.
The modern world is using SCADA systems of some kind.
SCADAis implemented with specific goals.
