What is an Industrial Control System?

The phrase "industrial control system" (ICS) refers to a broad category of control systems and accompanying instruments for industrial process control. Control systems can be as little as a few discrete panel-mounted devices or as large as massive linked and dynamic distributed control systems (DCSs) with thousands of field connections. Control systems obtain information from distant sensors that measure process variables (PVs), correlate the received data to desirable setpoints (SPs), and create control features that are used to control a system through final control elements (FCEs) such as control valves.

Types of Industrial Control Systems

Industrial Control Systems are classified into numerous types based on the effectiveness and intricacy of the control action. Below is a selection of the most often used control systems:

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

This is a solid-state control system with a user-programmable memory for storing instructions to accomplish particular operations such as I/O control, logic, timing, counting, three modes (PID) control, communication, arithmetic, and data and file processing.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

This industrial control system is established and operated in a distributed way, allowing individual distributed control systems or operations to be utilized. A control system pertains to control obtained through intelligence spread throughout the process to be managed rather than by a single entity positioned centrally.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

SCADA is a computerized system competent for acquiring and analyzing data and implementing operational controls over distant locations. Power transmission and transmission, as well as pipeline networks, are typical applications. SCADA was created to address the communication issues (e.g., latency, data integrity) provided by the numerous mediums, such as phone lines, microwaves, and satellites, and usually shared as opposed to dedicated.

Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)

An RTU is a microprocessor-based electronic device used in industrial control systems (ICS) to link various devices to distributed control systems (DCS) or SCADA. RTUs are sometimes known as remote telemetry units or remote telecontrol units. RTUs route sensor data from control loop input streams to an output stream for transmission to ICS centralized commands. RTUs negotiate connections to either local or remote controllers.

Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS)

Industrial automation control system solutions include a secure infrastructure for data exchanges and interactions and intelligent devices for data collecting. Sensors on machines and machinery typically accomplish this. Industrial automation control systems also include hardware, software, and communication options for converting sensor data into information.

Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)

The term "programmable automation controller" (PAC) refers to any automated control system that contains higher-level commands. The systems are used for devices in various industries, particularly vital infrastructure and industrial control systems (ICS).

Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)

An intelligent electronic device is a microprocessor-equipped electrical device (such as a regulator or circuit control) that can interact digitally through Fieldbus, real-time Ethernet, or other industrial protocols.

Applications and Uses

Today the devices and protocols used in an ICS are used in nearly every industrial sector and critical infrastructure such as the manufacturing, transportation, energy, and water treatment industries.