SCADA Prep

What does SCADA stand for?

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

What are the main components of a SCADA system?

Supervisory computers

What is the role of an RTU in a SCADA system?

Collect data from sensors and control devices

How does an HMI function in a SCADA system?

It provides a user-friendly interface for operators to monitor and control processes

Why is reliability important in SCADA systems?

SCADA systems often control critical infrastructure

What is the difference between SCADA and PLC?

SCADA is a system for monitoring and controlling processes

Name two types of communication networks used in SCADA systems?

Wired (Ethernet

What are some common industries that use SCADA systems?

Utilities (water

What is the purpose of alarms and alerts in a SCADA system?

To notify operators of abnormal conditions or faults requiring immediate attention

How do SCADA systems enhance operational efficiency?

By providing real-time monitoring

What is a DCS

and how does it differ from SCADA?

What is the role of a historian in a SCADA system?

To store and retrieve historical data for analysis and reporting

What is redundancy in SCADA systems

and why is it important?

Explain the concept of "tag" in a SCADA system.

A tag is a unique identifier for a data point

What is polling in the context of SCADA communication?

Polling is the process of the master station requesting data from RTUs or PLCs at regular intervals

How does a SCADA system handle data security?

Through encryption

What are the advantages of using SCADA systems?

Real-time monitoring

What is an example of a SCADA protocol?

Modbus

What is the importance of scalability in SCADA systems?

Scalability allows the system to grow and accommodate additional devices or sites without major redesign

How do SCADA systems integrate with other enterprise systems?

Through APIs

What is a master station in a SCADA system?

The central control unit that collects data from RTUs/PLCs and provides overall supervision

What is the role of sensors in a SCADA system?

To measure physical parameters like temperature

How does a PLC differ from an RTU?

A PLC is designed for local control and automation tasks

What are the key features of SCADA software?

Real-time data acquisition

Why is data logging important in SCADA systems?

To keep a record of historical data for trend analysis

What is a control loop in SCADA systems?

A feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors a process variable and adjusts control elements to maintain the desired setpoint

How do SCADA systems improve safety in industrial operations?

By providing early warning of unsafe conditions

What is the difference between open-loop and closed-loop control in SCADA?

Open-loop control does not use feedback to adjust the process

What is a soft PLC?

A software-based PLC that runs on standard computer hardware

How do SCADA systems support predictive maintenance?

By analyzing data trends to predict equipment failures before they occur

What is the role of a gateway in SCADA systems?

To facilitate communication between different network protocols or devices

How do cloud-based SCADA systems differ from traditional ones?

Cloud-based SCADA systems offer remote access

What is the significance of real-time data in SCADA systems?

It enables immediate monitoring and response to changing conditions

How do SCADA systems contribute to energy management?

By monitoring and controlling energy usage

What is a virtual HMI?

An HMI that runs on virtual machines or in a web browser

How do SCADA systems handle large volumes of data?

Through efficient data management techniques like compression

What is an OPC server in SCADA systems?

A software interface that allows different devices and software applications to communicate within a SCADA system

What are some common challenges in implementing SCADA systems?

Integration with legacy systems

How does redundancy enhance SCADA system reliability?

By providing backup components and paths to ensure continuous operation even if part of the system fails

What is the role of a fieldbus in SCADA systems?

To provide a networked communication system for industrial devices

How does a SCADA system interface with IoT devices?

Through IoT gateways and protocols that enable data exchange between IoT devices and SCADA components

What is the importance of user authentication in SCADA systems?

To ensure that only authorized personnel can access and control the system

How do SCADA systems support environmental monitoring?

By collecting and analyzing data on environmental parameters

What is a SCADA master-slave architecture?

A hierarchical system where the master station controls and communicates with multiple slave RTUs/PLCs

How do SCADA systems integrate with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)?

By exchanging real-time production data to improve manufacturing efficiency and decision-making

What is the function of a SCADA alarm management system?

To prioritize and manage alarms

How does SCADA support remote operations?

By allowing operators to monitor and control processes from remote locations via secure communication channels

What is the significance of modular design in SCADA systems?

To allow for easy expansion

How do SCADA systems enhance regulatory compliance?

By providing accurate data collection

What is the role of cybersecurity in SCADA systems?

To protect the system from cyber threats and ensure the integrity