Olga Weis
Dec 12, 2019
As a result of the global distribution of computer systems, today more and more industrial organizations tend to automate their production processes by using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System). SCADA is one of the most crucial components of the automated control systems which include the complex set of software and hardware elements.
SCADA is a specialized software package that supports various systems of data collection, redirection, information processing, displaying the equipment status, etc.
To provide the communication between the object and equipment, SCADA control systems use specialized input/output drivers or OPC/DDE servers. SCADA can be programmed in many popular programming languages, like C++, Visual Basic, etc.
SCADA systems are usually installed on the engineering and operator workstations (PCs). The vast majority of automated control systems are based on industrial controllers which serve for collecting and processing information, controlling technological parameters, alarms, protection and locking systems (the lower level of the control system). The information received by the controllers is transmitted to computerized systems for its further processing by an operator (technologist). Thanks to SCADA, the collected information is presented to the operator in a visually friendly format (the higher level of the control system).
In the hierarchy of the industrial automation soft hardware, SCADA systems are the top level.
The existing SCADA packages perform many functions that can be generally divided into several groups:
A SCADA system is typically based on the technologies of remote access and port virtualization. The development of such a system often becomes a costly and time-consuming process. Instead of writing their own data redirection technologies, SCADA creators can integrate Electronic Team Port Virtualization Technology (EPVT) into the core of their solutions and this way greatly simplify their task.
Port Redirection Technology created by Electronic Team can be used as an integral component of any SCADA system. The technology will help virtualize remote devices (controllers, PCs, industrial equipment, etc.) and forward them over the network. Added to the software part of the SCADA system, EPVT will allow establishing a communication between the system’s single data center and any remote hardware. This way, the technology will become a binding component connecting separate specialized devices and control systems across the network. The flexible Port Virtualization Technology can be built into any OS and feature any additional functionality to fit the requirements of various industry-specific products.
