Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Read About Basic Features And Benefits Of Scada Software

By Shane Winson

Various sensors get data from different equipments and send it over communication channels to the central master unit. The SCADA system handles all that data and analyzes all the equipments working in the factory.

The most complex industrial plants use the scada software to mange their complex equipments. There are various input output channels used. They are several hundred thousands in number. All the parameters from hundreds of equipments are managed by Scada systems.

A scada system has various hardware attached to it. These include controllers, HMI Interfaces and software. The data from various sensors is collected and sent to a central computer that may be located nearby or several miles away.

The main computer that controls everything and has scada software installed on it is called the MTU or master terminal unit. For remotely located equipments, there are several remote terminal units that work in coordination with MTU.

Scada systems used in factories are often known as Distributed Control Systems or DCS. These have their control units at a confined location. The communications are handled within a LAN. Closed loop control is more often used in such systems.

Unlike the above locations, open loop control is used in scada systems. There may be few cases where closed loop is also used but it is rare. Not all communication links are established over LAN here. The control devices are also not confined to small areas.

There are often windows in software code that are often exploited by hackers propelled by various objectives. Power infrastructure is one such vulnerable place that has to be protected from Chinese or Russian hackers. Penetration testing can minimize these problems to a big extent.

The software and hardware used in supervisory control are monitored and tested for any windows that can be exploited by hackers. The communication is also monitored. Penetration testing is very important for security purposes. - 22787

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