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PLC Vs SCADA
Hey there!
Welcome to the Industrial Automation blog.
We're here to talk about all things related to automation in the industrial world.
Today, we're going to be talking about the difference between PLC and SCADA systems.
When it comes to industrial automation and process control, there are two main types of systems that are used: PLC and SCADA. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the difference between the two before deciding which one is right for your needs.
PLC stands for "Programmable Logic Controller" and is a computer-type device used to control equipment in single batch or high-speed control applications. PLCs are typically used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, and packaging. They have a relatively simple, low-cost design and are flexible and generic, making them a popular choice for many applications.
SCADA stands for "Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition" and is a control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-level process supervisory management. SCADA systems are typically used in large industrial and utility applications where there is a need to monitor processes and events that are spread out across a large geographic area.
So, which one is right for you? If you need a flexible and generic system for controlling equipment in a single or high-speed application, then a PLC is a good choice. If you need a system for monitoring processes and events across a large geographic area, then a SCADA system is a better choice.
| PLC | SCADA |
|---|---|---|
Functions | Single process control | Provides communication between equipment in a plant |
Speed | Faster than DCS & SCADA | Slower than DCS |
Networking | Engineered networking as per requirements | All the components are tightly integrated into the network |
Communication | Doesn’t have a wide range of communication | Wide range of communication |
Margin for error | Only one device controls the process so there is a chance for error | Less margin for error |
Pricing | Low cost | High initial cost |
Major brands | Allen Bradley, Texas Instruments, Omron, etc. | Allen Bradley, Siemens, MODICON etc. |
Monitoring range | Short distance (single process) | Long-distance monitoring |
System composition | Hardware | No hardware, Data collection, and monitoring |
Flexibility | Highly flexible | Due to the complex architecture, it is not flexible as PLC |
Process changes | It can handle process changes | Due to the complexity, it won’t be able to handle the process change |
Applications | Used for dedicated applications | Used in big industries (Remote monitoring) |
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Article by Manmeet Singh Bhatti
Published 12 Aug 2022