An Industrial Control System is a system that is concerned with monitoring and controlling industrial processes. ICS mainly comprises a network of complex interactive control systems along with some controllers that are formed out of various connections.
The system usually receives data from the remote sensors that are responsible for monitoring and measuring the process variables. The ICS security vendor ensures that the operations are smoothly done and the minor issues are also eliminated in time preventing greater problems.
In this article, we will discuss the working of the Industrial Control System and its different types.
How does the Industrial Control System work?
The ICS security mainly works regarding the following areas:
- Industrial control systems ensure that the machinery and the processes run smoothly
- Industrial control systems security vendor ensures safeguarding and securing the industrial control system along with the hardware and software that is used in managing and controlling the machines in the factories and the different devices used in other industrial businesses
- The ICS checks upon whether the data and information placed on the screens and control room dashboards are accurate or not. It also ensures that the information is reflecting in the production floor or the plant
Types of Industrial Control System
Based on the complexity and the functionality of the control action, the Industrial Control System is divided into different types. Mentioned below are the different types of control systems.
- Remote Terminal Units(RTUs)
RTU is an electronic-based control system that is a microprocessor used in the ICS (industrial control system). Remote Terminal Units are also known as remote units of telecontrol or units of telemetry.
It is mainly responsible for monitoring and controlling field devices that are connected to SCADA or to plant control.
- Intelligent Electronic Devices(IEDs)
An intelligent electronic device is an electronic-based component just like a circuit control, transformers, and regulators. It consists of a microprocessor that helps in communication using real-time Ethernet, Fieldbus, and various industrial protocols digitally.
The applications of Intelligent Electronic Devices are mining, quality control, paper mills, sugar refining plants, water management, environmental control instruments, etc.
- Programmable Logic Controllers(PLCs)
A programmable logic controller consists of a user-programmable memory that helps store the instructions to carry out some functions like data and file processing, logic, counting, communication, I/O control, etc.
PLCs are responsible for monitoring and recording the runtime data such as the generation of alarms during machine failure, machine productivity, operating temperature, automatic start, and stop processes, etc.
- Programmable Automatic Controller(PACs)
PACs is an automation controller responsible for holding and executing the embedded programs. They have more connectivity options and consist of higher-level instructions.
Programmable Automatic Controllers can work more suitably for the complex automation solutions that deal in terms of motion control, advanced process control, visualization, and many more.
- Distributed Control System(DCS)
A DCS is a system of the associated computers, sensors, or controllers. These elements usually provide different purposes like graphical display, data acquisition, data storage, and process control.
The Distributed Control System was mainly used to handle the continuous operations that were led by the autonomous controllers using analog control. SCADA is considered the core system of DCS.
- Industrial Automation and Control System (IACS)
The IACS solutions have a safe infrastructure that allows the effective transfer of smart devices, information, and communication to collect the information. Industrial Automation and Control System (IACS)ensures higher flexibility, good quality, high productivity, proper safety, and more accuracy in the information.
The system is also vital at a national level along with the manufacturers.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA)
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition were mainly developed to overcome the challenges of communication. The unique communication challenges include data integrity and delays created by different media such as satellite, phone lines, and microwave.
SCADA can effectively process data to make smarter decisions and also help eliminate downtime by communicating the system issues.
Conclusion
The article features different types of industrial control systems for the effective monitoring and controlling of industrial processes. Apart from this, it also consists of various technologies that include programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, remote terminal units, and other technologies to run industrial automation.