SCADA SYSTEM

SCADA is an acronym for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. SCADA systems are
used to monitor and control field devices located at remote sites from a centralized point.
SCADA systems are applicable in areas such as telecommunication, water and waste control,
energy, oil and gas refining and transportation.

SCADA systems perform four core functions for proper management of remote facilities. These
are:

i. Data Acquisition

Refers to collection of SCADA data e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate, fluid level etc. from
the remote devices

ii. Data Communication

The collected data is transmitted either spontaneously or in response to a request to a central

computer or master. The communication channel can send data in either analog or digital form

iii. Data Presentation

The collected data is processed, organized and presented for system operators to make
appropriate response and control decisions. The presentation can be in tabular, graphical or any
other suitable form.

iv. Control
If control decisions are warranted and the system supports output, appropriate commands can be
sent to effect specific operational or configuration changes. Most control actions are performed
by Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and PLCs.

SCADA SYSTEM COMPONENTS

A SCADA system usually consists of the following four main elements as shown in the block
diagram in figure 1.
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Fig 1. Block diagram of a SCADA system

The description of each of the four main components are:

 Supervisory or Central Host Computer:

They are the core component of a SCADA system. Supervisory computers provide a man-
machine operator interface to the SCADA system. The computers process the information
received from and sent to the RTU sites and present it to human operators in a form that the
operators can work with. Smaller organizations can use a single supervisory computer, while
larger SCADA systems can use multiple networked computer servers. To increase the
integrity of the system the multiple servers will often be configured in a redundant or
standby formation providing continuous control and monitoring in the event of a server
malfunction or breakdown.

 Field Data Interface Devices (RTUs)

Field data interface devices form the “eyes and ears” ie are sensors as well as ‘hands’ ie
actuators of a SCADA system. Devices such as reservoir level meters, water flow meters,
valve position transmitters, temperature transmitters, power consumption meters, and
pressure meters provide information (thus eyes or ears) to an operator on how well a system
is performing. In addition, equipment such as electric valve actuators, motor control
switchboards, and electronic chemical dosing facilities can be used to form the “hands” of
the SCADA system and assist in automating the process of distributing water.

However, before any automation or remote monitoring can be achieved, the information that
is passed to and from the field data interface devices pass through a Remote Telemetry Units
(RTU) or a PLC.

RTUs are primarily used to convert electronic signals received from field interface devices
into digital data compatible with the SCADA system before transmitting the data over a
communication channel.
 A PLC is a device used to automate monitoring and control of industrial facilities. PLCs
connect directly to a field device and incorporate program that will be executed in the event
of a certain field condition.

 Communication Network

Communication Network provide the means by which data can be transferred between the
central host computer servers and the field-based RTUs or PLCs. the communication
network equipment can transmit data using medium such as cable, telephone or radio.

Cables are usually implemented within a factory. This is not practical for systems covering
large geographical areas because of high cost of cables, conduits and installation labour
costs. telephone lines are more economical solution for such systems. The host computer can
dial a particular number of a remote site device to get the readings and send commands.
Remote sites are not usually accessible by telephone lines. The use of radio offers an
economical solution.

 Human-machine interface (HMI) or Operator workstations

Operator workstations are computer terminals that are networked with the SCADA central
computer. It presents plant information to the operating personnel in the form of mimic
diagrams, alarm displays and trending graphs which are a schematic representation of the
plant being controlled.
Through the HMI, the operators issue commands using mouse pointers, keyboards and touch
screens. For example, a symbol of a pump can show the operator that the pump is running,
and a flow meter symbol can show how much fluid it is pumping through the pipe. The
operator can switch the pump off from the mimic by a mouse click or screen touch. The HMI
will show the flow rate of the fluid in the pipe decrease in real time.

SOFTWARE PRODUCTS TYPICALLY USED WITHIN A SCADA SYSTEM

1. Central host computer operating system: Software used to control the central computer
hardware.

2. Operator terminal operating system: Software used to control the Operator terminal
Computer hardware. This software, along with that for the central host computer, usually
contributes to the networking of the central host and the operator terminals.

3. Central host computer application: Software that handles the transmission and
reception of data to and from the RTUs and the central host. The software also provides
the graphical user interface which offers site mimic screens, alarm pages, trend pages and
control functions.

4. Operator terminal application: Application that enables users to access information

available on the central host computer application.
 5. Communications protocol drivers: Software that is usually based within the central
host and the RTUs, and is required to control the translation and interpretation of the data
between ends of the communication links in the system.

6. Communications network management software: Software required to control the

communication networks and to allow the communication networks themselves to be
monitored for performance and failures.

7. RTU automation software: Software that allows engineering staff to configure and
maintain the application housed within the RTUs (or PLCs).

SCADA ARCHITECTURES OR GENERATIONS

SCADA systems have evolved through four generations as follows:
a) First generation or "Monolithic"
First generation SCADA system computing was done by mainframe computers. Network
systems did not exist at the time and each centralized system stood alone (monolithic). Thus
SCADA systems were independent systems with no connectivity to other systems. The WAN
that were implemented to communicate with RTUs were designed with a single purpose only,
that is for use with RTUs and nothing else. The communication protocols used were developed
by vendors of RTU equipment ie were strictly proprietary at that time. The first-generation
SCADA system redundancy was achieved using a back-up mainframe system connected to all
the Remote Terminal Unit sites and was used in the event of failure of the primary mainframe
system.
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Fig 2 . Monolithic or 1st generation SCADA

b) Second generation or "Distributed"

SCADA information and command processing were distributed across multiple systems which
were connected through a LAN. Information among systems was shared in near real time. Each
system (minicomputer) was responsible for a particular task, such as communication processors,
operator interfaces, calculation processors, database servers and so no. Distribution of system
functionality across the networked systems not only served to increase processing power, but
also improve redundancy and reliability of the system as a whole.
Rather than the simple primary/standby scheme, the distributed architecture often kept all
stations in the LAN in an online state all of the time. The network protocols used were still not
standardized but proprietary.
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Fig 3. Distributed or 2nd generation SCADA

c) Third generation or "Networked"

Is similar to a distributed architecture however in the networked design, the system may be
spread across more than one LAN network to form a WAN and separated geographically. This
generation allow for open standards and protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP). Vendors are
now producing RTUs that can communicate with master station using Ethernet connection. This
allows for a more cost-effective solution in very large scale systems.
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Fig 4. Networked or 3rd generation SCADA

d) Fourth generation: "Web-based or Internet of Things’’

The growth of the internet has led SCADA systems to implement web technologies allowing
users to view data, exchange information and control processes from anywhere in the world. The
early 2000s saw the proliferation of Web SCADA systems. Web SCADA systems use internet
browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as the graphical user interface (GUI) for
the operators HMI. This simplifies the client side installation and enables users to access the
system from various platforms with web browsers such as servers, personal computers, laptops,
tablets and mobile phones.

Deploying SCADA systems

There are many different ways SCADA systems can be connected. There may be need to employ
different methods that complement each other. The following section will present some common
connection medium.

1. Twisted-pair cable : is the most popular medium used by utilities

2. Coaxial cable: can transmit high frequency signals with low attenuation compared
totwisted-pair cables
 3. Fiber optic cable

4. Power line carrier: Uses the power transmission lines to transmit radio frequency signals
in the range of 30 kHz to 500 kHz. They are physically safe owing to the fact that power
line carrier equipment are located within the substations. However they suffer from
excessive noise and attenuation

5. Satellites: uses satellites positioned in geo-stationary orbits above the equator and thus
offers continuous coverage over a particular area of the earth. Satellites contain radio
transponders which receive and retransmit signals to ground stations within its
‘’footprint’’ on earth’s surface.

6. Leased telephone lines. Ordinary voice and data telephoned lines can be used for SCADA
telemetry.

7. Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF)Radio : sends data signal
at 30 and 300 MHz and 400 MHz to 900 MHz respectively high frequency

8. Microwave Radio : is a term used to describe UHF radio systems operating at frequencies
above 1 Ghz

 Simplex: One way

communication
SCADA Protocols

Protocol defines the rules by which devices talk with each other.

SCADA protocol allows communications between master and RTUs. It’s the basis upon which
RTU accepts commands to operate control points, sets analog output levels, and responds to
requests. RTU also provides status, analog levels and accumulated data to the SCADA master.

The most popular SCADA Protocols are:

 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

 Distributed Network Protocol version 3 (DNP3)
 HART Communication Protocol
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

IEC specifies a number of frame formats and services that may be provided at different layers of
Open Standard Interconnection (OSI).
It’s based on OSI three layers i.e. Application, Link and Physical layers for efficient
implementation within RTUs, meters, relays and other Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)

Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3)

DPN is a protocol for transmission of data between two points using serial communication. It has
been used primarily by utilities like electric companies, but is also used for SCADA. DNp3 was
developed with r the following goals

i. High data integrity

ii. Flexible structure
iii. Multiple applications

Hart Communication Protocol

The HART Communication Protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) is a hybrid

analog+digital industrial automation protocol. Its most notable advantage is that it can
communicate both 4–20 mA analog and digital signals over the pair of wires.
Due to the huge installed base of 4–20 mA systems throughout the world, the HART Protocol is
one of the most popular industrial protocols today. HART protocol has made a good transition
protocol for users who wished to use the legacy (old) 4–20 mA signals, but wanted to implement
a "smart" protocol.
The protocol was developed by Rosemount Inc.
HART Communication Modes

(a) Request – Response or Master -slave Mode

(b) Burst Mode

Request-Response or Master -slave Mode

During normal operation (2‐3 data updates per second), each field device (slave) communication
is initiated by a host (master) communication device. The master or host is generally a
distributed control system (DCS), programmable logic controller (PLC), or a personal computer
(PC). Field devices (slave) include transmitters, actuators and controllers that respond to
commands from the host.

Burst Mode
Burst mode enables faster communication (3‐4 data updates per second). In burst mode, the host
instructs the field device to continuously broadcast a standard HART reply message (e.g., the
value of the process variable). The host receives the message at the higher rate until it instructs
the device to stop bursting. Burst mode is used when more than one HART device is required to
listen to communication from the HART loop.
 HART Communication Networks

HART devices can operate in one of two network configurations—point‐to‐point or multi-drop.

Point-to-Point Network Mode (analog/digital)

In point-to-point mode the digital signals are overlaid on the 4–20 mA analog signal. For
example, pressure values can be sent as 4–20 mA, representing a range of pressures, and
temperature can be sent digitally over the same wires.

A typical point-to-point communication network is shown below:

Fig. 1 point-to-point communication

Multi-Drop Mode (digital)

In multidrop mode only the digital signals are used.

The analog loop current is fixed at 4 mA and it is possible to have more than one instruments
connected on the same pair of wires in a multi-drop network configuration Communications in
multi-drop mode are entirely digital. Multi-drop connection is mostly used for supervisory
control installations that are widely spaced such as pipelines, custody transfer stations, and tank
farms.

Below is shown a multi-drop network configuration:

 Fig. 2 multi-drop network configuration

Wireless Hart
WirelessHART is a wireless sensor networking technology based on the Highway Addressable
Remote Transducer Protocol (HART). Developed as a multi-vendor, interoperable wireless
standard, WirelessHART was defined for the requirements of process field device networks. The
protocol utilizes mesh architecture and operates at 2.4 GHz .The standard was initiated in early
2004 and developed by 37 HART Communications companies whose mission is to provide a
reliable, cost-effective, high-quality industrial wireless application.

Modes Of Data Transmission

Simplex
Data in a simplex mode is always one way. Simplex mode is not often used because it is not
possible to send back error or control signals to the transmit end.
 Half Duplex: Two way communication, but
Half Duplex
A half-duplex mode used to send and receive, but not at the same time. it is possible to perform
error detection and request the sender to retransmit information.
 Full Duplex: Two way simultaneous
Full Duplex
Data in duplex mode travel in both directions simultaneously.
Communication
Communication is the data exchange between networked stations. A station is a device
containing a module with communication capability, for example a (PLC), PC or an HMI device.
The stations are connected either to a bus system or to a point-to-point connection. In the case
of a bus system, all stations are connected together over one single line; in the case of a
point-to point connection, the connection is limited to two stations.

The CPU can exchange data with other stations using various
methods. The connection is made with either:
 point-to-point connection (PtP): is use the physical standard RS232 or RS485 to
 point-to-point connection (PtP): is use the physical standard RS232 or RS485 to
link a station to another device via a serial connection, or to connect each
sensor and actuator to I/O controller.
 MPI (Multi Point Interface): is designed for easy data exchange between many
stations

 Industrial Ethernet: permits the rapid exchange of large amounts of data via
PROFINET interface or via communication module.

 PROFIBUS (Process Fieldbus) :is an open fieldbus serial network standard for use in
time-critical control and data acquisition applications. PROFIBUS provides
transmission rates of up to 2.5 Mbps in the physical layer. Because PROFIBUS is an
open standard, it can accommodate devices from different manufacturers. PROFIBUS
supports two types of devices: master device and slave device. There are three versions
of PROFIBUS as;
 PROFIBUS Factory Automation (Decentralized Peripherals—DP): Provides high-
a) PROFIBUS Decentralized Peripherals (DP): Provides high-speed communication between
control systems and decentralized control devices. In this mode, multiple masters are used in
which case a slave is assigned to one master only. It means that multiple masters can read
inputs from a specific device but only one master can write outputs to that device.

PROFIBUS Process
Automation (PA):
Connects data acquisition
and control devices
b) PROFIBUS Process Automation (PA): Connects data acquisition and control devices
 PROFIBUS Process Automation (PA): Connects data acquisition and control devices
on a common serial bus and supports reliable, intrinsically safe implementations. It also
provides power to field devices through the bus. Profibus PA uses the basic functions and
extensions available in Profibus DP

 Profibus Fieldbus Message Specification (FMS): Developed to support a large

c) Profibus Fieldbus Message Specification (FMS): Developed to support a large
number of applications and higher-level network interconnections among applications
at average transmission rates. It offers a large selection of functions and is, generally,
more complicated to implement than Profibus PA or Profibus DP.