SCADA Vs PLC
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SCADA, which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is
a computer-based industrial control system that monitors and controls machinery and processes. It collects real-time data from remote locations to give a high-level overview of an entire operation, allowing for centralized control. 
How SCADA works
A SCADA system provides a complete picture of an industrial process by coordinating communication between key components.
- Data acquisition: Sensors and other field devices collect real-time data on parameters such as temperature, pressure, and fluid levels.
- Field controllers: Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) collect data from the field devices and convert analog signals to digital data. They can also execute commands locally without involving the central computer.
- Communication network: A communication infrastructure, which can be wired, wireless, or a mix of both, transports the data from the field devices and controllers to the central supervisory system.
- Supervisory system: One or more computers gather and process data from the field controllers. This system compiles the information, triggers alarms if necessary, and logs historical data for analysis.
- Human-Machine Interface (HMI): A graphical user interface (GUI) provides operators with a visual dashboard of the system's status. Operators can use the HMI to monitor data, acknowledge alarms, and issue commands to the system.
SCADA vs. PLC
PLCs and SCADA systems are often used together in industrial automation, but they have distinct functions.
| Feature | PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) | SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Real-time control of specific machines or processes. | High-level monitoring and data analysis for an entire plant or distributed sites. |
| Scope | Operates at the local level, directly interacting with field devices. | Oversees and coordinates multiple PLCs and RTUs across a large area. |
| Interface | Typically has a limited or no native user interface, and is often programmed via a separate computer. | Provides a comprehensive, graphical HMI for operators to interact with the system. |
| Data Handling | Focused on executing control logic and reacting to sensor inputs. | Collects data from PLCs and other devices for long-term |
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