What Are The Different Types of Industrial Automation Control Systems?
Industrial automation control systems can potentially create efficiencies and reduce operating costs for almost every industry. They offer a world of possibilities for production that is safe, consistent, and accurate. But there are different types of industrial control systems. Do you know what the different kinds are and what they can do for you?
Below we examine seven different types of industrial control systems so you can better understand their role and benefits in the industrial and manufacturing sector.
7 Different Types Of Industrial Control Systems
You know that industrial motor controls govern the electrical system of your plant. They offer efficiency and reliability with minimum power use and risk for error. But what do other industrial controls do?
Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS)
Industrial automation and control systems control various processes in the production of goods. This vital infrastructure of electromechanical, solid-state, and mechanical devices translates information to control outputs through several means, including specialized software and sensors.
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
This computerized control system distributes autonomous controllers through your system with various control loops. A distributed control system has no central operator supervisory control.
Modern distributed control systems provide access through web hosting, thanks to embedded servers. These are at the forefront of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. A DCS allows you to add more computers to the network, and scale up your operations with ease.
The capacity of the controllers of a DCS is very high. Thus, a DCS has a far higher computing speed than a simple PLC.
One of the best features of this industrial controller is its distribution of control through nodes in the system. Should any processor fail, only a limited section of your processing plant will be affected.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Programmable logic controllers, otherwise known as PLCs, are industrial computers, specifically designed for the harsh manufacturing environment.
A PLC receives an input of data. Then its outputs contain operating instructions for other machines, robotic components, and assembly lines.
PLCs offer fault diagnosis along with easy programming and high reliability in the industrial setting. With this technology, you can:
- control machine functions
- automate specific processes
- and remotely oversee entire production lines
Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)
Commonly confused with PLCs because of their similar terminology, programmable automation controllers or PACs are also specialized industrial computers. So what’s the difference between PLCs and PACs?
While every automated system in the industrial sector needs one or the other, PLCs and PACs have different programming interfaces.
APAC can control more complex automated systems than a PLC can. Therefore larger-scale automation projects will benefit from a PAC.
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
Also known as an RTU, a remote terminal unit is an electronic device controlled by a microprocessor. It creates the interface between physical objects and the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system.
It does so by transmitting telemetry data to a master system from where it then controls connected equipment. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as remote telecom or remote telemetry units, Various industrial and even commercial sectors use this industrial control technology.
Remote terminal units have been largely replaced by PLCs across many industries. But they are still in use in certain applications.
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Supervisory control and data acquisition (otherwise known as SCADA) is a vast system that supervises and controls process plant machinery. This system includes computers, graphical user interfaces, and networked data communications.
SCADA interacts with PLCs and other devices to interface with your plant’s machinery. Unlike the decentralized concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), SCADA is a more centralized system of industrial control.
SCADA is seen in various industries, including the oil and gas industry, wastewater facilities, and chemical treatment plants. Electrical power utility plants also use this system.
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
Your circuit breakers, transformers, capacitor banks, and other power system components are controlled by an integrated microprocessor-based controller. This controller is called an intelligent electronic device. It is a vital industrial control system in the electric power industry.
IEDs are a modern alternative to conventional remote terminal units. They receive data from sensors and can issue safety commands when current, voltage, or frequency anomalies are detected. IEDs can trip circuit breakers and control voltage regulators and relays.
Final Thoughts
Industrial control systems take many forms, and the typical industrial environment will have more than one of these on-site. Together, they contribute to the smooth operation of your equipment.
With the right industrial control systems in place, you can virtually eliminate human error, improve safety, and reduce workplace incidents or disruptions significantly.
If you need expert assistance with selecting the right industrial automation controls for your industry, contact us today.
