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The mystery of SCADA systems: How do they comprehensively monitor modern industries?
In today's context of accelerated digitalization, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems have become a key component in modern industry. These systems are not just simple control tools, but complex architectures that integrate monitoring, data collection and process control to ensure the efficient operation of production processes. The main function of the SCADA system is to achieve advanced monitoring and control of equipment and processes through computers, network data communications and graphical user interfaces, which undoubtedly has a profound impact on industrial production, safety and efficiency.
SCADA system is a model that combines advanced supervision with on-site control, providing a universal remote access solution for local control modules from different manufacturers.
The key feature of a SCADA system is its ability to supervise multiple proprietary devices, which enables large-scale number and scope of processes to be efficiently controlled. These systems usually consist of four levels: zero-level field devices such as flow and temperature sensors; first-level industrial input/output (I/O) modules; and second-level monitoring computers that collect data from each node of the system and provide The operator's control interface; the third level is production control, which does not directly control the process but focuses on production monitoring; and the fourth level is the production scheduling level.
Even if communications are lost, RTUs and PLCs can still operate autonomously in near real time, meaning system stability is not affected.
The core of the SCADA system is its monitoring computers, which are mainly responsible for collecting data and sending control instructions to field equipment. Smaller SCADA systems may consist of just a single computer, while larger systems are typically made up of multiple workstations and servers designed to ensure continuous monitoring and control at all times. If a server fails, the dual-redundancy configuration ensures continuous operation of the system, improving overall reliability.
In addition to the hardware setup, the communication infrastructure of the SCADA system is also crucial, which connects the supervisory computer system with the RTUs and PLCs. Common communication protocols include Modbus, DNP3 and IEC 60870 series. With the rise of the industrial Internet in recent years, the connectivity and security of these systems have been further enhanced.
SCADA systems have gone through four generations of development, from the earliest independent systems to today's networked systems, demonstrating the evolution and popularization of technology.
The security issues of SCADA systems cannot be underestimated. As systems become more open and standardized, they are increasingly becoming targets of cyber attacks. Many systems are designed and implemented without adequate consideration for security, making them vulnerable to today's growing risk of cyberattacks. Experts have repeatedly mentioned that the information security strategy for SCADA systems should be addressed in a multi-layered protection approach, just like information security.
This makes us wonder, in the face of the increasing automation and digitization, what challenges and opportunities will the SCADA system face in the future?
