Manufacturing Automation & SCADA
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
Let’s start with the basics, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). A popular definition of SCADA is a control system architecture that uses PCs, networked data communications and human machine interfaces for higher level process supervisory management, but uses other peripheral devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field I/O devices, industrial machine computer and communication gateways to interface with the plant or machinery. The operator interfaces which enable monitoring and the issuing of process commands, such as controller set point changes, are handled through the SCADA computer system.
Data analytics software used for predictive maintenance, OEE, production information and other data can also be integrated into the system through an ERP or other enterprise system. Let’s break down some of the terms used and then we will get into some of the specific roles each part plays and the interactions they have with each other.
Human Machine Interface (HMI) is the user interface in a manufacturing or process control system. It provides a graphics based panel with controls, feedback, text, buttons and pages of an industrial control and monitoring system. Sometimes referred to as a GUI or Graphical User Interface, these are usually how persons control and interact with the PLC or PC that is controlling the equipment process. Think start/stop, recipes, setup and feedback such as temperatures, speeds, positions and other general information. Newer HMIs typically have networking capabilities built into them for centralised control from designated computers on the network.
Field I/O or distributed I/O are controller installations where end devices are located long distances away, systems can greatly reduce wiring costs. Localising field terminations at the machine or device being monitored/controlled, allows for easier installations/modifications and shorter wire runs. A PLC can be used as field I/O but not every field I/O is a PLC; it is basically a unit that controls equipment inputs and outputs that is remotely controlled by you.
An industrial machine computer is a ruggedised PC that is programmed specifically to operate the equipment it is integrated in; much like a PLC except with specific advantages and disadvantages. For more information I recommend researching the topic further.
Communication gateways are devices that translate a device’s particular communication protocol into another communication protocol. They are particularly useful in applications where multiple pieces of equipment from different manufacturers utilise proprietary protocols. Some gateways can translate for multiple devices using different communication protocols like Modbus or RS232 and translate it into say Ethernet/IP. This allows for multiple devices to communicate directly with or through a server or remote PC for cloud computing and data analytics
Taken all together we have the ingredients for SCADA system architecture. How you configure the SCADA system depends entirely on the specific control and information needs. Other variables are the setup and types of equipment controls, HMIs and PLCs for example you have in your system group. I will give a description of a common scenario and how you would use the various components to get the desired result. Say I have a manufacturing plant and it has 3 different machines that I would like to control from a single location with real time information. I would like to gather specific production data for my ERP system. I also want equipment data and sensor information for cloud based analytics resulting in predictive maintenance. First I would need a communication gateway to translate the needed information into a uniform protocol which is then sent over the network. I can then route the data to a control PC for real time information centralised control and remote access of the equipment. Simultaneously I can send the needed data to my server or cloud for integration into my ERP system and data analysis software.
Envirotech (India)