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Title: SCADA communication techniques and standards

Journal Article · · IEEE Computer Applications and Power; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/67.222741· OSTI ID:5802140
 [1];  [2]
  1. Westin Engineering, San Jose, CA (United States)
  2. Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power, CA (United States)

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems consist generally of a master station (master) and a number of geographically dispersed remote terminal units (RTUs). RTUs are interconnected to the master via a variety of communication channels, including radio links, leased lines, and fiber optics. Due to the limited availability and high cost of communication channels, the design of master and TRUs is profoundly affected. Communication channels limit the speed at which data acquisition and control can be performed, thus affecting the master user interface and applications software design. In addition, noise occurring randomly on the communication channel requires additional master and RTU hardware and software design to guarantee that information is transferred correctly from master to RTU, and from RTU to master. Configurations of communication systems are dictated by: Number of RTUs, number of points at RTUs and required update rates, location of RTUs, communication facilities available, communication equipment and techniques available. This article provides an overview of SCADA communication techniques (modulation, multiplexing, message formats, information transfer) and an update on relevant standards activities.

OSTI ID:
5802140
Journal Information:
IEEE Computer Applications and Power; (United States), Vol. 6:3; ISSN 0895-0156
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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