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SCADA system types

SCADA system at its fundamental level is actually an industrial control system. It uses computer based control systems that monitor and control industrial processes that exist in the physical world.

SCADA system fundamentals for electrical engineering students
SCADA system fundamentals for electrical engineering students (on photo: Movicon SCADA panel that provides plant visualisation and control for Europe’s largest bio-digester; credit: dmaeuropa.com)

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.

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

  1. SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
  2. 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.

SCADA HMI
SCADA HMI

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.

Title:SCADA system fundamentals by Tracy Adams, P.E.
Format:PDF
Size:7.70 MB
Pages:76
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SCADA system fundamentals by Tracy Adams, P.E.
SCADA system fundamentals by Tracy Adams, P.E.

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9 Comments


  1. Ikechukwu Ucho
    Apr 11, 2020

    This PDF has been contributed immensely to my experience. As an electrical engineer in power station construction it gave me an insight of the future in SCADA


  2. rodolfo m. maranan
    May 05, 2018

    i need some impormation regarding the scada in dcs program


  3. Excellent Edevard thanks
    May 05, 2018

    Excellent thanks Edvard


  4. Daramola Dele
    Jul 07, 2017

    Thanks for your wonderful and educative paper. You are indeed a blessing to this generation. More power to your elbow.
    Sir, please I need papers to read on Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) and I will appreciate if you can bail me out with such information.
    Thanks very much sir.
    Daramola Dele


  5. Abdulrahman
    Jun 18, 2017

    Excellent tutorial thanks for your efforts Edvard


  6. JEFFERSON ATAIDE
    Apr 22, 2017

    EEP, AN EXCELLENT PORTAL!
    I AM BRAZILIAN, ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN / INSTRUMENTATION.
    PLEASE VISIT MY PROFILE IN LINKEDIN: JEFFERSON LEOPARD


  7. Richard McDonald
    Mar 09, 2017

    Excellent. Tutorial is a excellent bonus to me studying Electrical Engineering. Definately a advancement to Commercial/Industrial Electrician education component. Great Edvard.


  8. Richard McDonald
    Mar 09, 2017

    Excellent. Thank You Edvard☺


    • Edvard
      Mar 11, 2017

      You’re welcome Richard, glad you find this guide usefull.

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