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SCADA Tutorials
Where Programming Comes In
All of this requires that physical conditions be translated into machine language and then signals that humans can read, record and analyze. Thus a full fledged SCADA system has to comprise of both hardware and software elements. Today’s sophisticated SCADA systems include input/output signal devices, control equipment, HMI (Human Machine Interface), networking, communication systems, databases and software.
Thus SCADA system development involves programming at various levels. Data collected at the RTU has to be converted into signals, and for interpreting this data an operator requires HMI. Often the data also has to be compiled and stored (history databases) for recognizing trends and analysis work. Thus customized database systems have to be developed. Networks, communication systems etc bring in more varied requirements for programming.
Add to this the fact that SCADA systems are still evolving. Industries are awakening to challenges like possibility of terrorist strikes. Thus R&D for better, more fool-proof systems is still on at both hardware and software levels. SCADA programming this way has a lot of possibilities.
SCADA Trends
As the requirements and the systems themselves are getting more complex, SCADA users today tend to source PLC, HMI and networking software from different vendors and put them all together, rather than buy them all from the vendor who manufactures the hardware. Mix-and-match is the name of the game. Thus the SCADA softwares of today have to pitch for open communications.
We have to wait and watch to see if this becomes a weak point for SCADA systems. Open systems as we know are more vulnerable to real and cyberspace attacks by terrorists. Suitable security measures like firewalls and VPN solutions could counter this threat effectively and this becomes another area with scope for a lot of work. SCADA seems to be here to stay, as its overall benefits outweigh the risk factor.
WHY SCADA
Introduction
SCADA is an acronym that denotes Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. SCADA is a control system with applications in managing large-scale, automated industrial operations. Factories and plants, water supply systems, nuclear and conventional power generator systems etc are a few examples.
The SCADA system consists of one Central Terminal (which could be several miles away from the site of operations) and one or several remote sensor terminals close to the site of operations. The sensor units send data to the central terminal which monitors and manages this data. Communication devices, a user interface and the software to make it all work together complete the picture of what makes a SCADA system.
Where SCADA Scores
There are several systems that have been in use for decades now, used for similar purposes. These are collectively called Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Such systems are highly effective in a closed area like a factory complex. But these systems cannot be used for large territories which come into the picture in the case of gas/oil pipelines, water supply systems and so on. There are also instances like nuclear fusion facilities where the operations are remote controlled due to safety considerations. SCADA is a system tailor-made for such requirements.
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