SCADA RTU Custom Objects for Multi-Machine Data Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing control for a diverse set of industrial machines with differently formatted outputs and communication types requires separate SCADA systems or patchwork solutions, posing challenges in integrating new machines into existing networks.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based development process is used to create custom objects for remote terminal units (RTUs) that can convert input and output types and manage communication channels, allowing seamless integration of new industrial machines into a SCADA system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate SCADA systems or patchwork solutions are used to control diverse industrial machines with differently formatted outputs, then each machine type can be controlled, but the system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RTU platform that can control multiple types of industrial machines through configurable communication protocols and data formatting capabilities. The system uses a single RTU design that adapts to different machine types by loading appropriate configuration files and protocol handlers, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each machine type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by loading different configuration files that define communication protocols, data formats, and mapping relationships for different industrial machines. This allows the same hardware platform to adapt to diverse machine types by modifying software parameters rather than hardware architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom solutions are developed for each new set of industrial machines, then specific machine requirements are met, but the development and deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by providing pre-built communication protocol handlers and data formatting templates for common industrial machine types. When a new machine type is introduced, the system can quickly assemble a working solution by combining existing modular components and configuration files, significantly reducing development time compared to building from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The RTU software is segmented into modular, independently configurable components including communication protocol handlers, data formatting modules, and machine-specific configuration files. This segmentation allows rapid development and testing of individual components before integration, and enables parallel development of different machine type support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary and legacy industrial devices with analog signals are incorporated into a managed network, then device compatibility is achieved, but the complexity of data formatting and communication management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU acts as an intermediary device between proprietary and legacy industrial devices with analog signals and the digital SCADA network. It provides analog-to-digital conversion, implements communication protocol translation, and handles data formatting automatically through configured mapping relationships, shielding the upper-level system from the complexity of legacy device interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for remotely configuring one or more remote terminal units (RTUs) of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The method includes providing, using a graphical user interface (GUI), a configuration area in which to specify one or more configurations that define a custom object for one or more RTUs associated with a type of one or more industrial machines and identifying a subset of the one or more RTUs associated with the type of one or more industrial machines. The custom object defined by the one or more configurations is obtained and provided to the subset of the one or more RTUs associated with the type of one or more industrial machines, which are updated. Data from the type of one or more industrial machines is obtained using the custom object and thereafter converted, via the subset of one or more RTUs, from the type of one or more industrial machines to another type.