Sana'a University

Faculty of Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Electrical Machine 2

SCADA System Fundamentals

Supervisor:
Dr. Hamoud Alnhari
Eng. Ali Al-Yaqhbi.

Prepare by:

Mohammed Hamoud Ali

AC.No:202070363
SCADA System

Introduction:

SCADA is an acronym that stands for “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition”. A
SCADA system is an amalgamation of software and hardware that integrates with
control systems. It is essentially a multi-faceted computer system that collects and
analyzes data while providing remote control functionality for high-level processes.

SCADA systems monitor and control plants (such as a water treatment plant) and other
complex systems that are spread out over large geographic areas. They do this by
allowing for supervisory operation over a number of devices. Industries that make use
of this technology include water distribution, wastewater management,
telecommunications, energy, transportation, and gas and oil refining.

SCADA systems at their fundamental level are Industrial Control Systems. They are
computer based control systems that monitor and control industrial processes that exist
in the physical world. SCADA systems can be found in manufacturing facilities, oil
production and processing, pharmaceuticals, energy, water treatment and distribution,
and the list goes on. They are the best control method for processes that have large
amounts of data that need gathering and analyzing, or are spread over large distances,
or require critical control in fast paced processes.

SCADA SYSTEM SIGNALS

The very basic components of a SCADA system are these signals:

• DI – Discrete Input

• DO – Discrete Output

Discrete signals (also called Digital signals) provide an ON or OFF input to a SCADA
system. This is the same binary signal format used in computer processors.

The next basic types of signals are:

• AI – Analog Input

• AO – Analog Output

Analog signals are continuous. A change in signal value reflects change in the
parameters being monitored. Examples of analog signals are temperature and pressure.

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The signals generated by the instruments being monitored by a SCADA system are
voltage or current based. Analog signals can be formatted as: 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 1-
5VDC, 0-5VDC, -10VDC to 10VDC.

Values (whether discrete or analog), when used in a SCADA system, they need to be
seen by Operators to be of any use.

SCADA SYSTEM DATA GATHERING

The Operator’s access into a SCADA system is by:

• OIT – Operator Interface Terminal or an

• HMI – Human Machine Interface

OIT’s provide a local interface, typically in a remote location or into an isolated system
like skid mounted equipment. Screens to display information have a simple layout
since displays are not large; anywhere from 4 inches to 14 inches.

HMI software is used at the Central Control location. Software is installed on computers
with faster processors and larger monitors so the screens display more information.
They also make use of animation to emphasize critical data or focus operator attention
to important areas of a process or annunciate an alarm.

The work horse of the SCADA system that effectively grabs data from instruments,
converts the information to a format a computer program can understand, and handles
high speed communication is the:

• PLC – Programmable Logic Controller

The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was invented in 1968 to support the
automobile industry by Bedford Associates’ engineer Dick Morley. The first PLC was
called a MOdular DIgital CONtroller, aka MODICON.

Over time variations of the PLC have developed. The two primary ones are:

• RTU – Remote Telemetry Unit

• PAC - Programmable Automation Controller

The Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) was developed to gather data and then transmit that
data to a remotely located processor. A RTU has communication capabilities of a PC

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and the IO capability of a PLC, as well as being industrial hardened. However, it does
not control processes using an internal program. It functions as a Data logger that can
transmit data at a certain time to Central or when polled. A hybrid version of the RTU
contains a PLC that does control local processes and performs the communication
functions of a RTU.

A PAC is the next generation of a PLC. It has the same form and function as a PLC but
its processor is more related to a computer in its speed and computing methods. Its
greatest advantage is the communication function which allows it to work more
effectively with modern communication networks that are Ethernet based.

SCADA SYSTEM TYPES

Data gathering and system control at the highest level is broken into two basic systems:

• SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

• DCS – Distributed Control System

Definition of SCADA is a Monitoring and/or Control System that utilizes a central

computer for storing information, and onsite/remote hardware to monitor facilities and
processes. Control may be automatic or manual and may occur at the remote units or
the central computer.

Definition of DCS is a Monitoring and/or Control System that utilizes a central

computer for storing information and onsite/remote hardware to monitor facilities and
processes. Control may be automatic or manual and may occur at the remote units or
the central computer.

While a SCADA system and a DCS system are essentially the same at all levels, there
is a very basic difference. A SCADA system is event driven and operator concentric.
It is data gathering orientated. Data is stored in database and control is usually remotely
originated. Whereas, a DCS is process state driven. It is directly connected with field
devices and control is done locally and automatically. The operator is just informed of
what has happened.

A SCADA master station generally considers changes of state (both status points and
analogue changes leading to alarms) as the main criteria driving the data gathering and
presentation system. Any undetected changes of state simply cannot be missed. A

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change of state will cause the system to generate all alarms, events, database updates
and any special processing required relating to that. Event lists and alarm lists are of
major importance to the operator, sometimes more so than data screens. S is for
Supervisory - an Operator takes action.

Conversely, DCS systems are process control systems that are state based and consider
the process variable's present and past states to be the main criteria driving the DCS.
PLC protocols are generally register scanning based, with no specific change of state
processing provided. Should a point toggle between scans, it will not be seen by the
DCS. If any change of states are critical (as some would be for a DCS used for SCADA
applications), a point must be latched on until it is confirmed it has been scanned, which
can be difficult and non-deterministic. DCS software tasks are generally run
sequentially, rather than event driven. If a process starts to move from a set parameter,
the DCS responds to maintain that parameter value. Notifying the Operator is a
secondary consideration. Events and alarm lists are secondary in importance to the
process displays, and filtering may not be as complex and flexible. On the up side, the
generation and display of data, especially analogue trends and standard process blocks,
is far more user friendly and easier for both operators and engineers.

SCADA systems historically have been broken down into two basic flavors:

Proprietary SCADA System:

• All or most components manufactured by one supplier

• Installation and service from same single source

• Lack of compatibility with other products

• Uses proprietary communications and programming

Mix & Match SCADA System

• Usually supplied by System Integrator

• Usually uses open communication protocols

• Uses off-the-shelf products

• PLC’s program using standard procedures

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• Utilizes open HMI Software

Original SCADA systems were proprietary. The Manufacturer built all the hardware,
software, installed the equipment and did all the programming.

As computer technology improved, SCADA systems evolved to take advantage of the

advancement. Hardware components started coming off the shelf. SCADA software
started to be developed to use open protocol communication standards. This led to the
rise of System Integrators, companies that developed custom systems to meet the needs
of the end users.

SCADA SYSTEM COMPONENTS

These are the four basic parts of a SCADA system.

• Field Instruments

• PLC/Remote Terminal Unit

• Communications Link – open standard (like MODBUS) and proprietary

• Central Computer Station including HMI Software – Proprietary for

specific RTUs or open including interfacing many products

We are going to look at each of these parts and identify the basic components for each:

A. FIELD INSTRUMENTS

Discrete signals are generated by:

a. Limit switches

b. Pushbuttons

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c. Float switches

d. Flow switches

e. Relay contacts

f. Selector switches

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Discrete signals have three basic configurations that are used:

Form A - Normally Open

Form C - Normally Open-

Normally Closed combined

Form A - Normally closed

Analog signals generally come from instruments and motion controlling equipment.
The most common instrument is the analyzer. Analyzers are test equipment located in
the field for monitoring the quality of a process. Analyzer primary signal output is
analog but there are typically some discrete contacts for alarms. Below are some
examples of analyzers:

This is a turbidity meter used to measure solids in water.

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Below is a Chlorine Analyzer used to measure the level of chlorine in water leaving a
treatment plant to ensure it is safe for humans.

While not an instrument, a Variable Frequency

Drive (VFD) is a field device that frequently
interfaces with SCADA systems to control
process outputs. VFD’s are used to power motors
driving pumps and fans. VFD’s generate analog
and discrete signals.

Typical signals from a VFD are:

• Speed Indication (Analog)

• Speed Control (Analog)

• Running (Discrete)

• Fault (Discrete)

• Start Command (Discrete)

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B. PLC/RTU

PLC’s come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They are used from controlling
nuclear power plants to controlling a sump pump in a parking garage.

High end PLC’s can handle multiple racks of IO modules, various communication
modules, and may be installed in a redundant configuration so the loss of a power
supply or processor will not stop control of a facility.

The latest step in the evolution of PLC’s is the Programmable Automation Controller
(PAC).

A PAC has a computer processor so it works better with Ethernet networks

(routers/switches) which are becoming prevalent in SCADA systems. Programming
can also be done in more main stream programs (C++, etc)

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Smaller PLC’s are configured for just a few points. Sometimes they may only have
discrete signals, and function as intelligent relays. They are not typically expandable to
add more IO points.

Programming is usually simple. Sometimes the programming can even be done with
the keys on the front of the PLC. Relay Ladder Logic was the first programming
language for PLC’s. It mimicked the wiring diagrams electricians were used to seeing
in control panels in software. In fact, electricians were the first PLC programmers.

As hardware and software changed, the companies making the products started
diverging. It became apparent that standards had to be developed so the software and
hardware could work together. There also started to be programmers who were familiar
with multiple high level programming languages and never saw the inside of a control
panel. In Europe IEC developed standard 61131 which specified

There are five styles of programming to be used in PLC’s:

• Relay Ladder Logic

• Function Block Diagram

• Structure Text

• Instruction List

• Sequential Function Chart

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In addition to these standards, PLC’s can have specialty modules installed that use C++
or Basic for special program requirements. PLC’s cannot be mounted to a wall and left
unprotected. They are mounted in enclosures that protect them from hostile
environments. A typical PLC panel is shown below with high end PLC’s configured
with redundant processors and power supplies.

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Shown below is an RTU configured with a PAC that can provide local control in case
communications are lost. This panel communicates via leased line using the modem in
the lower left corner of the panel.

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This is an example of a control panel that shows the customized approach taken to
building control panels. This is designed for a site with a large number of physical IO.
A radio will be installed in the upper right hand corner for communication. Note the
batteries in the lower right corner for backup power. A Remote IO panel (an RTU)
interfaces with field devices but has no processors for local control. It is equipped with
a communication module instead.

This style reflects the original design on RTU’s. It has a processor to handle
communications via the radio mounted on the door. It receives signals from field
devices which it passes through to Central for display by the SCADA HMI. It then
passes any commands from Central to the field devices.

Autodialers (shown below) are a very basic form of RTU. This device receives site
alarms as Digital Input signals. It then calls a Duty Operator over a standard telephone
line (POTS) or a cell phone. The Operator can acknowledge the alarm using the
telephone keyboard. Higher end Autodialers also allow the Operator to do basic
controls via the keyboard such as starting a backup pump or operate valves.

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C. Communication

Radios are the most common communication method in large SCADA systems.
Licensed radios were originally used. Then in 1987 the FCC marked a radio frequency
band segment for Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) use. This was an unlicensed
segment that was opened for use and did not require a license. The ISM is in the low
900MHz range. The ISM band is limited to a maximum of 1 Watt transmitting power.
This was the method selected to reduce interference by limiting the range of the
transmissions. Licensed radios are still used in SCADA systems for operators who
have a long distance that needs to be covered between sites.

Characteristics of most frequently used frequencies are:

1) Licensed VHF – 132-174 Mhz, 400Mhz

• Up to 5 Watts Power

• Very Good Signal Transmission

2) Licensed UHF – 380-512 Mhz

• Good Signal Transmission

3) Unlicensed Spread Spectrum – 900 Mhz

• 1 Watt max. Power

• Line-of-Sight, weather dependent

• Ethernet protocol versions are available in all frequencies.

A recent trend in SCADA system has been the incorporation of video cameras and still
cameras to provide Operators real time images of what is happening at remote sites.
The need for increased security was the driving force behind this trend.

Images contain a lot of data. In order to transmit images over a radio link and make
them practical, frequencies in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz are used.

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Above is the basic radio form that was originally selected for industrial use and is still
a very popular and functional form used today.

As electronics improved, radios became smaller while still keeping the same
performance capabilities. This style of radio is designed to be mounted on DIN rail.

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One of the areas that a radio link loses

transmission power is the cable connecting the
radio with the antenna. The above radio is a
weatherized unit that can be mounted on the
mast just below the antenna. This eliminates
signal power lost during transmission through
the antenna cable. Typically an Ethernet
connection is provided to interface with PLC’s
or computers.

The two basic workhorse antennas of SCADA systems are YAGI and Omni.

YAGI OMNI

The yagi is for directional transmission and the omni provides 360 degrees of
transmission. An omni antenna will be used at a SCADA Central site to broadcast to
RTU’s at many different locations. The yagi antenna transmits radio signals in the
direction the antenna is pointing.

As higher radio frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) have come into use for transmitting
more data (e.g. video signals), panel and parabolic antennas are now common in
SCADA Systems.

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Another application using radios is wireless IO. This is a paired set of radios that have
terminals for connecting physical IO signals (discrete or analog). One radio is for
connecting field devices: a pressure transmitter or a high level float. The second radio
receives the signals with the field devices values and retransmits the signals over wires
connected to a PLC.

The two radios are paired to work together. They cannot communicate to any other
radios. This system eliminates all the conduits and wires that would have been installed
to connect the field devices to the PLC. No special communication configuration had
to be designed to allow the radio to talk to the PLC. This is a way to save money when
needing to pick up a single point and tie it into a SCADA system.

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Within SCADA systems multiple protocols are available for communication. Protocols
are the methodology used to encapsulate data for transmission between SCADA
components. Designers just need to select the method best suited for the system.

Originally serial communications were conducted over special cables with various
protocols (Fieldbus, ControlNET, Modbus RTU, etc). These were the standards for
many years and they are still used frequently.

The late comer Ethernet has recently made big move into the field. As the electronics
became industrialized, the ability to use the same communication in a SCADA system
(that the IT Department was familiar with) became a money saver.

It also streamlined the interface between PLC and SCADA computers. It has simplified
SCADA communications by allowing the gathering of data from “smart” devices such
as VFD’s, power monitors, analyzers, etc. with just a single cable.

In addition to the traditional radio and serial cable communications, SCADA systems
also use:

• Cellular – PCS, CDPD

• Telephone Lines – Dedicated leased and Dial-up

• Wireless Internet

• DSL Broadband

• Fiber Optic – supports Ethernet protocol

• Satellite – Geosynchronous LEO

Designers just need to find the right method to solve the communication problem. For
example, satellites are used for accessing remote sites in mountainous terrain where it
is impossible to get a radio signal out or run a cable.

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D. Central Computers

The first step in designing a SCADA:

One of the first steps in designing a SCADA system is to determine which

Communication Protocol will be used. The most common protocols used are:

• MODBUS RTU or MODBUS ASCII (original protocol used)

• DEVICENET

• CONTROLNET

• Foundation Fieldbus

• DH+, DF1

• DNP3

• Ethernet (MODBUS TCP, ETHERNET IP)

Protocols are the languages that the equipment uses to communicate. Just as people
speak English, French, German, etc., so have different protocols been developed by
different manufacturers. These different protocols are intended to maximize the
hardware benefits of their equipment. Some of these protocols are open for anyone to
use and some are proprietary.

The second step is determining the hardware:

• Computer Hardware inc. UPS – Off-the-shelf

• Central RTU – Sometimes for polling

• Communication Interface – Radio/Antenna, Telephone Modem, DSL Modem

• HMI – Human Machine Interface

• Common HMIs –Intellution, wonderware, Citec, Trihedral Engineering VT sacd

• Internet Based – Mission

• Web based - Inductive Automation

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At the high level end of a SCADA system, you see the equipment and software that the
Operators use to interface with the system. At this level communication is the key
process. There is the hardware and software to interface with all the field components.

Also, there is hardware and software to interface with the operators. This side of the
process is very graphic oriented.

• SCADA Fundamentals

• Alarm Annunciation

• Remote Control

• Trending – Real Time/Historical

• Data Logging / History

• Alarming

• Reporting

• Security

• High Level Optimization Strategies

• Auto-Dialer / Pager

• Remote Monitoring

The SCADA HMI software is written to provide these services to the Operators for
their day to day operations:

• SCADA Fundamentals

• Analog Summary

• Radio Error Analysis

• Log Report – All Data

• Detail Report

• Pump Activity – Total & Ave Run Times, Starts

• Pump Discrepancy – Excessive changes

• Flow

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• Water Quality

Another very important feature of SCADA HMI software is documentation for

historical purposes. The data collected is achieved and then distributed in various
formats. This information helps with maintenance as well as reporting to supervisory
organizations.

A typical graphics screen allows the operator in a quick glance to see the status of all
the critical equipment and processes in an area.

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Trending is data spread over a period of time and presented in a graph. This is a useful
tool for improving processes.

CONCLUSION

SCADA systems are a vital tool for keeping our society going. As electronics and
communications have improved, so have the capabilities of SCADA systems. SCADA
systems make controlling large and small processes easier for Operators whether they
are in telecommunications, water treatment, manufacturing, energy production, oil
production, transportation, etc.

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