An Introduction To SCADA For Electrical

Engineers Beginners
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An Introduction To SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) For Beginners // On photo Monitor iFIX By
ServiTecno via FlickR

Control and Supervision

It is impossible to keep control and supervision on all industrial activities manually. Some
automated tool is required which can control, supervise, collect data, analyses data and generate
reports. A unique solution is introduced to meet all this demand is SCADA system.
SCADA stands for supervisory control and data acquisition. It is an industrial control system
where a computer system monitoring and controlling a process.
Another term is there, Distributed Control System (DCS). Usually there is a confusion between
the concept of these two.

A SCADA system usually refers to a system that coordinates, but does not control processes
in real time, but DCS do that. SCADA systems often have Distributed Control System (DCS)
components.

Components of SCADA
1. Human Machine Interface (HMI)
It is an interface which presents process data to a human operator, and through this, the human
operator monitors and controls the process.

2. Supervisory (computer) system

It gathers data on the process and sending commands (or control) to the process.

3. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)

It connects to sensors in the process, converting sensor signals to digital data and sending digital
data to the supervisory system.

4. Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs)

It is used as field devices because they are more economical, versatile, flexible, and configurable
than special-purpose RTUs.

5. Communication infrastructure
It provides connectivity to the supervisory system to the Remote Terminal Units.

SCADA System Concept

The term SCADA usually refers to centralized systems which monitor and control entire sites, or
complexes of systems spread out over large areas (anything between an industrial plant and a
country).
Most control actions are performed automatically by Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or
by programmable logic controllers (PLCs) .
Host control functions are usually restricted to basic overriding or supervisory level intervention.
For example, a PLC may control the flow of cooling water through part of an industrial process,

but the SCADA system may allow operators to change the set points for the flow, and enable alarm
conditions, such as loss of flow and high temperature, to be displayed and recorded.
The feedback control loop passes through the RTU or PLC, while the SCADA system monitors the
overall performance of the loop.

A simple SCADA system with single computer

Three generations of SCADA system architectures

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Institute 'Mihailo Pupin' - Third generation of Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems and Digital Control Systems
(DCS) - On photo Distribution System of Elektrovojvodina, Serbia

Generations
SCADA systems have evolved in parallel with the growth and sophistication of modern computing
technology.
The following sections will provide a description of the following three generations of SCADA
systems:
1.
2.
3.

First Generation Monolithic

Second Generation Distributed
Third Generation Networked
- Waste Water Treatment Plant SCADA (VIDEO)

1. Monolithic SCADA Systems

When SCADA systems were first developed, the concept of computing in general centered
onmainframe systems. Networks were generally non-existent, and each centralized system
stood alone.
As a result, SCADA systems were standalone systems with virtually no connectivity to other
systems.
The Wide Area Networks (WANs) that were implemented to communicate with remote terminal
units (RTUs) were designed with a single purpose in mindthat of communicating with RTUs in
the field and nothing else. In addition, WAN protocols in use today were largely unknown at the
time.
The communication protocols in use on SCADA networks were developed by vendors of RTU
equipment and were often proprietary.
In addition, these protocols were generally very lean, supporting virtually no functionality
beyond that required scanning and controlling points within the remote device. Also, it was
generally not feasible to intermingle other types of data traffic with RTU communications on the
network.
Connectivity to the SCADA master station itself was very limited by the system
vendor. Connections to the master typically were done at the bus level via a proprietary adapter
or controller plugged into the Central Processing Unit (CPU) backplane.
Redundancy in these first generation systems was accomplished by the use of
two identically equipped mainframe systems, a primary and a backup, connected at the
bus level.

Figure 1 - First Generation SCADA Architecture

The standby systems primary function was to monitor the primary and take over in the event of a
detected failure. This type of standby operation meant that little or no processing was done on the
standby system. Figure 1 shows a typical first generation SCADA architecture.
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2. Distributed SCADA Systems

The next generation of SCADA systems took advantage of developments and improvement in
system miniaturization and Local Area Networking (LAN) technology to distribute the
processing across multiple systems.

Multiple stations, each with a specific function, were connected to a LAN and shared information
with each other in real-time.
These stations were typically of the mini-computer class, smaller and less expensive than their
first generation processors.
Some of these distributed stations served as communications processors, primarily communicating
with field devices such as RTUs. Some served as operator interfaces, providing the humanmachine interface (HMI) for system operators. Still others served as calculation processors or
database servers.

Remote terminal unit (RTU)

The distribution of individual SCADA system functions across multiple systems provided more
processing power for the system as a whole than would have been available in a single
processor. The networks that connected these individual systems were generally based on LAN
protocols and were not capable of reaching beyond the limits of the local environment.
Some of the LAN protocols that were used were of a proprietary nature, where the vendor created
its own network protocolor version thereof rather than pulling an existing one of the shelf. This
allowed a vendor to optimize its LAN protocol for real-time traffic, but it limited (or effectively
eliminated) the connection of network from other vendors to the SCADA LAN.
Figure 2 depicts typical second generation SCADA architecture.

Figure2 - Second Generation SCADA Architecture

Distribution of system functionality across network-connected systems served not only to increase
processing power, but also to improve the redundancy and reliability of the system as a
whole. Rather than the simple primary/standby fail over scheme that was utilized in many first
generation systems, the distributed architecture often kept all stations on the LAN in an online
state all of the time.
For example, if an HMI station were to fail, another HMI station could be used to operate the
system, without waiting for fail over from the primary system to the secondary.
The WAN used to communicate with devices in the field were largely unchanged by
the development of LAN connectivity between local stations at the SCADA master. These external
communications networks were still limited to RTU protocols and were not available for other types
of network traffic.

As was the case with the first generation of systems, the second generation of SCADA systems
was also limited to hardware, software, and peripheral devices that were provided or at least
selected by the vendor.
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3. Networked SCADA Systems

The current generation of SCADA master station architecture is closely related to that of the
second generation, with the primary diference being that of an open system architecture rather
than a vendor controlled, proprietary environment.
There are still multiple networked systems, sharing masterstation functions. There are still
RTUs utilizing protocols that are vendor-proprietary.
The major improvement in the third generation is that of opening the system
architecture, utilizing open standards and protocols and making it possible to distribute
SCADA functionality across a WAN and not just a LAN.
Open standards eliminate a number of the limitations of previous generations of SCADA systems.
The utilization of of-the-shelf systems makes it easier for the user to connect third party peripheral
devices (such as monitors, printers, disk drives, tape drives, etc.) to the system and/or the network.
As they have moved to open or off-the-shelf systems, SCADA vendors have gradually gotten
out of the hardware development business. These vendors have looked to system vendors such
as Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Sun Microsystems for their expertise in developing the basic
computer platforms and operating system software.
This allows SCADA vendors to concentrate their development in an area where they can
add specific value to the system that of SCADA master station software.
The major improvement in third generation SCADA systems comes from the use of WAN protocols
such as the Internet Protocol (IP) for Communication between the master station and
communications equipment. This allows the portion of the master station that is responsible for
communications with the field devices to be separated from the master station proper across a
WAN.
Vendors are now producing RTUs that can communicate with the master station using an
Ethernet connection.

Figure 3 represents a networked SCADA system.

Figure 3 - Third Generation SCADA System

Another advantage brought about by the distribution of SCADA functionality over a WAN is that
of disaster survivability. The distribution of SCADA processing across a LAN in secondgeneration systems improves reliability, but in the event of a total loss of the facility housing the
SCADA master, the entire system could be lost as well.
By distributing the processing across physically separate locations, it becomes possible to build a
SCADA system that can survive a total loss of any one location.
For some organizations that see SCADA as a super-critical function, this is a real benefit.

SCADA As Heart Of Distribution Management System

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SCADA The Heart Of Distribution Management System (DMS) - On photo: Fima UAB - Dedicated control systems and
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) as well as DMS (Distribution Management System) type of systems
are offered for electricity, water and gas supply companies, as well as telecommunication operators and manufacturing
companies.

SCADA System Elements

At a high level, the elements of a distribution automation system can be divided into three
main areas:
1.
2.
3.

SCADA application and server(s)

DMS applications and server(s)
Trouble management applications and server(s)

Distribution SCADA
As was stated in the title, the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is the
heart of Distribution Management System (DMS) architecture.
A SCADA system should have all of the infrastructure elements to support the multifaceted nature
of distribution automation and the higher level applications of a DMS. A Distribution SCADA
systems primary function is in support of distribution operations telemetry, alarming, event
recording, and remote control of field equipment.
Historically, SCADA systems have been notorious for their lack of support for the import, and
more importantly, the export of power system data values.
A modern SCADA system should support the engineering budgeting and planning functions by
providing access to power system data without having to have possession of an operational
workstation.
The main elements of a SCADA system are:
1.
2.
3.

Host equipment
Communication infrastructure (network and serial communications)
Field devices (in sufficient quantity to support operations and telemetry requirements of a
DMS platform)

Figure 1 - DA system architecture

Host Equipment
The essential elements of a distribution SCADA host are:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Host servers (redundant servers with backup/failover capability).

Communication front-end nodes (network based).
Full graphics user interfaces.
Relational database server (for archival of historical power system values) and data
server/Web server (for access to near real time values and events).

The elements and components of the typical distribution automation system are illustrated
inFigure 1 above.

Host Computer System

SCADA Servers
As SCADA has proven its value in operation during inclement weather conditions, service
restoration, and daily operations, the dependency on SCADA has created a requirement forhighly
available and high performance systems. Redundant server hardware operating in a live
backup/failover mode is required to meet the high availability criteria.
High-performance servers with abundant physical memory, RAID hard disk systems,
and interconnected by 10/100 baseT switched Ethernet are typical of todays SCADA servers.

Communication Front-End (CFE) Processors

The current state of host to field device communications still depends heavily on serial
communications.
This requirement is filled by the CFE. The CFE can come in several forms based on bus
architecture (e.g., VME or PCI) and operating system. Location of the CFE in relation to the
SCADA server can vary based on requirement. In some configurations the CFE is located on the
LAN with the SCADA server. In other cases, existing communications hubs may dictate that the
CFE reside at the communication hub.
The incorporation of the WAN into the architecture requires a more robust CFE application to
compensate for less reliable communications (in comparison to LAN).
In general the CFE will include three functional devices:

1.
2.
3.

A network/CPU board,
Serial cards, and
Possibly a time code receiver.

Functionality should include the ability to download configuration and scan tables. The CFE should
also support the ability to dead band values (i.e., report only those analog values that have
changed by a user-defined amount).
CFE, network, and SCADA servers should be capable of supporting worst-case
conditions (i.e., all points changing outside of the dead band limits), which typically occur during
severe system disturbances.

Full Graphics User Interface

The current trend in the user interface (UI) is toward a full graphics (FG) user interface. While
character graphics consoles are still in use by many utilities today, SCADA vendors are
aggressively moving their platforms to a full graphics UI.
Quite often the SCADA vendors have implemented their new full graphics user interface on lowcost NT workstations using third-party applications to emulate the X11 window system.

SCADA - Full graphic display using Video Wall

Full graphic displays provide the ability to display power system data along with the electric
distribution facilities in a geographical (or semigeographical) perspective.
The advantage of using a full graphics interface becomes evident (particularly for distribution
utilities) as SCADA is deployed beyond the substation fence where feeder diagrams become
critical to distribution operations.

Relational Databases, Data Servers, and Web Servers

The traditional SCADA systems were poor providers of data to anyone not connected to the
SCADA system by an operational console.
This occurred due to the proprietary nature of the performance (in memory) database and its
design optimization for putting scanned data in and pushing display values out. Power system
quantities such as: bank and feeder loading (MW, MWH, MQH, and ampere loading), and bus
volts provide valuable information to the distribution planning engineer.
The availability of event (log) data is important in postmortem analysis. The use of relational
databases, data servers, and Web servers by the corporate and engineering functions provides
access to power system information and data while isolating the SCADA server from
nonoperations personnel.

Host to Field Communications

Serial communications to field devices can occur over several mediums: copper
wire,fiber, radio, and even satellite. Telephone circuits, fiber, and satellites have a relatively high
cost. New radio technologies ofer good communications value.
One such technology is the Multiple Address Radio System (MAS).
The MAS operates in the 900 MHz range and is omnidirectional, providing radio coverage in an
area with radius up to 2025 miles depending on terrain. A single MAS master radio can

communicate with many remote sites. Protocol and bandwidth limit the number of remote terminal
units that can be communicated with by a master radio. The protocol limit is simply the address
range supported by the protocol.
Bandwidth limitations can be ofset by the use of efficient protocols, or slowing down the scan
rate to include more remote units. Spread-spectrum and point-to-point radio (in combination with
MAS) ofers an opportunity to address specific communication problems.
At the present time MAS radio is preferred to packet radio (another new radio technology); MAS
radio communications tend to be more deterministic providing for smaller timeout values on
communication noresponses and controls.

Field Devices
Distribution Automation (DA) field devices are multi-featured installations meeting a broad
range of control, operations, planning, and system performance issues for the utility personnel.
Each device provides specific functionality, supports system operations, includes fault detection,
captures planning data and records power quality information. These devices are found in the
distribution substation and at selected locations along the distribution line. The multi-featured
capability of the DA device increases its ability to be integrated into the electric distribution system.
The functionality and operations capabilities complement each other with regard to the control
and operation of the electric distribution system.
The fault detection feature is the eyes and ears for the operating personnel. The fault detection
capability becomes increasingly more useful with the penetration of DA devices on the distribution
line.
The real-time data collected by the SCADA system is provided to the planning engineers for
inclusion in the radial distribution line studies. As the distribution system continues to grow, the
utility makes annual investments to improve the electric distribution system to maintain adequate
facilities to meet the increasing load requirements.
The use of the real-time data permits the planning engineers to optimize the annual capital
expenditures required to meet the growing needs of the electric distribution system.
The power quality information includes capturing harmonic content to the 15th harmonic and
recording Percent Total Harmonic Distortion (%THD). This information is used to monitor the
performance of the distribution electric system.

Modern RTU
Todays modern RTU is modular in construction with advanced capabilities to support functions
that heretofore were not included in the RTU design.
The modular design supports installation configurations ranging from the small point count
required for the distribution line pole-mounted units to the very large point count required for large
bulk-power substations and power plant switchyard installations.

Modern RTU Scada

The modern RTU modules include analog units with 9 points, control units with 4 control pair
points, status units with 16 points, and communication units with power supply.

The RTU installation requirements are met by accumulating the necessary number of modern RTU
modules to support the analog, control, status, and communication requirements for the site to be
automated. Packaging of the minimum point count RTUs is available for the distribution line
requirement.
The substation automation requirement has the option of installing the traditional RTU in one
cabinet with connections to the substation devices or distributing the RTU modules at the devices
within the substation with fiberoptic communications between the modules.
The distributed RTU modules are connected to a data concentrating unit which in turn
communicates with the host SCADA computer system.
The modern RTU accepts direct AC inputs from a variety of measurement devices including linepost sensors, current transformers, potential transformers, station service transformers, and
transducers. Direct AC inputs with the processing capability in the modern RTU supports fault
current detection and harmonic content measurements. The modern RTU has the capability to
report the magnitude, direction, and duration of fault current with time tagging of the fault event to
1-millisecond resolution. Monitoring and reporting of harmonic content in the distribution electric
circuit are capabilities that are included in the modern RTU.
The digital signal processing capability of the modern RTU supports the necessary
calculations to report %THD for each voltage and current measurement at the automated
distribution line or substation site.
The modern RTU includes logic capability to support the creation of algorithms to meet specific
operating needs.
Automatic transfer schemes have been built using automated switches and modern RTUs with
the logic capability. This capability provides another option to the distribution line engineer when
developing the method of service and addressing critical load concerns.
The logic capability in the modern RTU has been used to create the algorithm to control
distribution line switched capacitors for operation on a per phase basis. The capacitors are
switched on at zero voltage crossing and switched of at zero current crossing.
The algorithm can be designed to switch the capacitors for various system parameters, such as
voltage, reactive load, time, etc. The remote control capability of the modern RTU then allows the
system operator to take control of the capacitors to meet system reactive load needs.
The modern RTU has become a dynamic device with increased capabilities. The new logic and
input capabilities are being exploited to expand the uses and applications of the modern RTU.

PLCs and IEDs

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) are components
of the distribution automation system, which meet specific operating and data gathering
requirements.

PLC SCADA Panel

While there is some overlap in capability with the modern RTU, the authors are familiar with the
use of PLCs for automatic isolation of the faulted power transformer in a two-bank substation and
automatic transfer of load to the unfaulted power transformer to maintain an increased degree of
reliability.

The PLC communicates with the modern RTU in the substation to facilitate the remote
operation of the substation facility.
The typical PLC can support serial communications to a SCADA server. The modern RTU has the
capability to communicate via an RS-232 interface with the PLC.
IEDs include electronic meters, electronic relays, and controls on specific substation
equipment, such as breakers, regulators, LTC on power transformers, etc.
The IEDs also have the capability to support serial communications to a SCADA server.
However, the authors experience indicates that the IEDs are typically reporting to the modern RTU
via an RS-232 interface or via status output contact points.
As its communicating capability improves and achieves equal status with the functionality
capability, the IED has the potential to become an equal player in the automation communication
environment.
However, in the opinion of the authors, the limited processing capability for supporting the
communication requirement, in addition to its functional requirements (i.e., relays, meters, etc.),
hampers the widespread use of the IEDs in the distribution automation system.
Resource: Power System Operation and Control - George L. Clark and Simon W. Bowen