Distributed Control Systems Require Accurate Telemetry Data Reporting

A distributed control system (DCS) is a broad term referring to a process in which the controlling elements are distributed throughout, rather than controlled centrally. In more general terms, a DCS is a process that requires separate computers at each step of the process.

It's the sort of control system you'd see in processes that require a separate system of logic for each individual step, such as municipal electric bus systems, or flow and pressure control for oil refining. Really, DCS is advantageous in any project with a large number of variables that you want to automate.

This differs from Programmable Logic Control-based systems, in which process control is handled centrally. PLC-based systems work very well for less-variable processes, where each step can be timed or expected to behave in a specific manner.

They two aren't necessarily at odds, however. Programmable logic controllers can act as the individual distributed controls in a DCS.

RTUs Help You Control the Control System

While distributed controls are handy for highly variable processes, they can present serious problems if a single controller goes down. In a PLC, if the controller goes down, the process follows. In a DCS, if a single controller goes down, the rest of the controls don't necessarily stop, which can result in ruined batches or damage to the system.

RTUs working with a Remote Alarm Master in a DCS

Therefore it's critical to your DCS-based processes to have a reliable monitoring system so your technicians can take action the instant they recognize a problem. You should distribute a series of remote telemetry units like the NetGuardian series throughout the system to notify technicians if anything goes awry. These RTUs can report not only on the status of the distributed controls, but the communications network, and any external variables (temperature, humidity, etc.) that might have an effect on your system, keeping you in the loop.

Working with an alarm management system like T/Mon can also provide you with comprehensive network visibility. The management system will bring in alarms for the entire monitoring system and provide a map-based graphical interface for your DCS, so your technicians can know what's wrong and where to go to fix it.

For more information about DPS Telecom's Remote Telemetry Solutions, see:

• Our full compliment of RTUs
• T/Mon LNX, the Remote Alarm Master

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