what is scada
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9/18/13 What Is SCADA
www.datatrackpi.com/technical-papers/what-is-scada.htm 1/2
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SCADA Definition: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
The Basics of SCADA
SCADA programs are used in industrial process control applications for centralised
monitoring and recording of pumps, tank levels, switches, temperatures etc. SCADA
systems are also referred to as HMI (Human Machine Interfaces), or the less politically
correct MMI (Man Machine Interfaces).
A SCADA program normally runs on a PC and communicates with external
instrumentation and control devices. Communications methods can be via direct serial
link, radio, modem, fieldbus or Ethernet links. If a mixture of instruments with differing
communication interfaces and protocols need to be connected, then converters can be
used. SCADA is often used on remote data acquisition systems where the data is
viewed and recorded centrally.
The SCADA program has a user configured database which tells the software about the
connected instrumentation and which parameters within the instruments are to be
accessed. The database may also hold information on how often the parameters of the
instruments are accessed and if a parameter is a read only value (e.g. a measured
value) or read / write, allowing the operator to change a value (e.g. an alarm setpoint).
The parameters of the instrument being accessed are normally split between analogue
(numeric) or logic (digital). When running, the SCADA software continuously updates its
own database with the latest analogue and digital values collected from the
instrumentation. Some SCADA systems also allow real time calculations to be made on
the received data and the results would be available as a "virtual" value.
The real time values can then be used by the SCADA software for:
Real Time Display and Operator Interactions (Supervisory Control)
And
Recording (Data Acquisition)
Most SCADA PC software includes a drawing package for the configuration of the
operator screens; these allow for the animation of objects dependant on the real time
data. The SCADA screen designer can create and graphically display bar-graphs, valve
positions, tank levels etc. The operator may be allowed to alter an instruments
parameters or send batch recipe values to instruments by use of a mouse / keyboard or
a touch screen.
More sophisticated SCADA PC software can provide messaging modules for SMS or E-
mail; these enable plant conditions to be reported to external personal. Modern SCADA
programs can provide better access to plant information through a web interface; the
only requirement for the remote PC is an internet browser.
If a SCADA PC software solution is not suitable for an application, then stand alone
operator interfaces are also available. More commonly refered to as HMI, these panel
mounted devices combine a micro processor, communication interfaces and LCD touch
screen. Like SCADA PC software, configuration and screen designs are created on a
computer but then downloaded to the HMI for use in real time.
Data Track can supply the Procyon SCADA software package as a free program for
demonstration and limited use. You can read our application note on using the Tracker
300 series for remote data acquisition with a SCADA software package.
Further information about SCADA can be found at the following sites:
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What Is SCADA
A Basic Overview & Definition Of SCADA
This article provides a definition of SCADA and
describes the basics of what a SCADA system is and
how SCADA works.
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