SCADA

DATALINK TELEMETRY SOFTWARE

IPscada is a low cost packet-data network for linking remote telemetry devices (such as terminals and logic controllers) with base control computers. It uses satellite or terrestrial network communications to provide network coverage options for any location. Functionally it connects the server computer located at single or multiple base offices to remote monitoring terminals and other devices at petroleum and gas wells, pipelines, pumping stations, remote mining sites, compressor stations, reservoir storage tanks and remote seismographs.

IPscada can be configured to provide a two-way transparent link between third-party remote devices and host software. This interface can support most protocols that use a TCP/IP connection on the host side and an asynchronous RS-232 serial connection at the remote device. The link can be used to extend base networks, where the human machine interfaces (HMI’s) connect using a terminal server or as an example a Modbus/TCP mode, and where the remote terminal units (RTU’s) have an RS-232 serial connection. The link can use both terrestrial and satellite networks to provide local and worldwide coverage.

The Technology

IPscada has a “designed in” simplicity, making integration with existing legacy systems a straight-forward solution.

Datalink's Tracker i50 communications terminal can provide a multi-network wireless link (satellite and terrestrial) between remote RTUs - PLCs and Cathodic Monitoring and Control terminals and your base computers.

Remote connection

Our SCADA communicator acts as an interface between an existing RTU Terminal device and a packet- data satellite network. The SCADA communicator connects to the third-party device using an asynchronous RS-232 serial connection. When data is received from the DataGate server the unit routes the data via its serial port to the third-party device and also sends an acknowledgement back to the server. Likewise, when the unit receives data from the third-party device, it forwards this to the server (again using acknowledgments to ensure data integrity). The data is forwarded on either the receipt of a data termination character (normally carriage return), or by a customer selected timeout. The SCADA communicator can be configured to provide a daily or weekly "heartbeat" confirming the system is functioning. Click here to view a typical data flow diagram.

Our SCADA software is compatible with Iridium and Globalstar satellite networks and GSM or spread spectrum terrestrial networks.

Specialized applications can be addressed with custom Software development.

Host connection

The third-party host software connects to the DataGate server program using a TCP/IP socket. It then sends a Modbus (or other protocol with addressing scheme) packet to the server, which decodes the address field and uses a look-up table to direct the packet to the appropriate remote device. The server then communicates with the device and waits for an acknowledgement. Any responses from the device are sent back to the third-party host software using the same TCP/IP socket. At this point the third-party software may close the socket, or continue to exchange data. For SCADA operation third party Software should be OPC compatible.

For those host software systems that are restricted to legacy PSTN "phone" dial-up sessions, Datalink can provide a PSTN-to-IP internet interface software module allowing full TCP/IP communications over any of the integrated wireless networks.

Network Routing Interface

DataGate acts as a packet-data router processing and routing packets between a number of host computers connected to the Internet and the remote terminal devices linked via satellite or terrestrial wireless services. DataGATE may be located at the customers base offices, creating a closed loop link, or in our central servers with routing services provided on a contracted basis. Dual Mode communications is an attractive feature providing the ability to make use of very low cost VHF/UHF radios to link a number of well heads within say 30 miles of each other and one central satellite hub.

Advantages

Automated data transfer
Security encryption available
Much lower satellite cost than Vsat and other circuit-wwitched satellite services
Short training cycle
Transparent data transfer
Multi-point data transmission
Easy integration to existing IT infrastructure
Internet connectivity between PCs and the satellite ground station provides virtually instantaneous data acquisition and remote control

Remote Intelligence

Many SCADA systems are based on polling remote RTUs from the base software program every x seconds or minutes. This is not an issue when the link uses dedicated telephone lines, microwave or Vsat. However, the cost of linking to remote RTUs using the above options is often cost prohibitive.
Datalink has overcome this problem by introducing intelligent monitoring at the remote device. By issuing the appropriate commands to the RTU in the field , the SCADA communicator can detect an anomaly in seconds and will send an alert to the base monitoring program or desk. This eliminates the need for frequent polling and allows the use of low cost satellite links on a global basis.

Demonstration Software available on request.

Satellite transmission is via Iridium, Globalstar or Inmarsat D+. Terrestrial networks are GSM-GPRS, CDMA, VHF/UHF and short range spread spectrum.

Please contact us if you wish to discuss your particular remote monitoring and control requirements with our technical sales department.

Our philosophy: develop products with operational simplicity and long term reliability