PA - CAT-2 Answer Key
PA - CAT-2 Answer Key
Some modern PLCs support structured text, which is a high-level programming language similar to
traditional programming languages like C or Pascal. It allows for more complex and structured
programming, making it easier to implement control algorithms, calculations, and data manipulation.
PLCs finds use in various application in power plants, smart grid system, manufacturing
units, monitoring machine tool or equipment, building the system, and process control functions.
Operator interface or human-machine interface (HMI) for SCADA systems provide the functions of
status indication, alarm reporting, operator intervention in control action, and data storage and
programming.
SCADA is the acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA is a computer-based
system for gathering and analyzing real-time data to monitor and control equipment that deals with
critical and time-sensitive materials or events.
Five marks:
6. Briefly explain various types of timer operations in PLC in detail with timing diagram?
In a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), timers are used to control the
timing of various processes and operations. Timers are an essential part of PLC
programming and are used to introduce time delays, control the duration of specific
actions, or trigger events based on time. PLC timers can be broadly categorized into
two types: on-delay timers and off-delay timers.
2. Data Acquisition Module: The data acquisition module is responsible for collecting data from the
sensors and input devices. It converts analog signals from sensors into digital data that can be
processed by the RTU.
3. Processing Unit: The processing unit, often a microcontroller or microprocessor, handles data
processing and communication tasks. It runs the RTU's control logic and manages data collection
and communication.
4. Communication Module: The communication module enables the RTU to send and receive data
to and from the central SCADA system. It typically uses various communication protocols, such
as Modbus, DNP3, or other industry-standard protocols, to communicate with the SCADA
master station.
5. Control Outputs: RTUs can also control various devices in the field. These control outputs can be
in the form of relays, solenoids, or other actuators that allow the RTU to send commands to
control equipment.
6. HMI (Human-Machine Interface): Some RTUs have a basic HMI that allows local operators to
monitor and control the RTU. This can include a small display and interface buttons for basic
interaction.
7. Power Supply: RTUs require a stable power source, often provided by a backup battery or an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous operation in case of power outages.
8. Security Features: RTUs should include security features to protect against unauthorized access
and cyber threats. These features may include firewalls, encryption, and user authentication
A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system typically consists of two
primary components: the Master Station and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or PLCs
(Programmable Logic Controllers). The Master Station is a crucial component in the SCADA
architecture, and it serves as the central control and monitoring point for the entire system. Here,
I will explain the role and functions of the Master Station in a SCADA system:
Role of the Master Station: The Master Station is the heart of the SCADA system and acts as
the central hub for communication, data acquisition, control, and visualization. Its primary roles
are as follows:
1. Data Acquisition: The Master Station collects data from various sensors, instruments, and
RTUs located at remote sites. These data points can include information about industrial
processes, environmental conditions, equipment status, and more. The Master Station
communicates with these remote devices through various communication protocols, such as
Modbus, DNP3, or OPC, to gather real-time data.
2. Data Processing: Once the Master Station acquires data, it processes and stores it in a central
database. Data processing may involve calculations, filtering, and transformation of raw data into
meaningful information. The Master Station can perform real-time data analysis, alarming, and
event logging.
3. Visualization: SCADA operators and engineers interact with the system through the Master
Station's human-machine interface (HMI). The HMI provides a graphical representation of the
monitored processes, presenting data in the form of charts, graphs, and control panels. Operators
can view the current state of the system, historical trends, and alarms.
4. Control: The Master Station allows operators to send commands to remote devices and RTUs to
control the industrial processes. It can issue commands for opening/closing valves, adjusting
setpoints, starting/stopping equipment, and more. Control is typically performed with careful
consideration of safety and process requirements.
5. Alarm Handling: The Master Station continuously monitors data and triggers alarms when
predefined conditions or thresholds are met. These alarms notify operators of potential issues or
anomalies in the system, allowing them to take appropriate actions promptly.
6. Historical Data Storage: The Master Station stores historical data for trend analysis, reporting,
and compliance purposes. It provides the ability to review past system performance and make
informed decisions.
7. Security and Access Control: Ensuring the security of the SCADA system is crucial. The
Master Station typically includes security features to control user access, protect data integrity,
and guard against cyber threats.
8. Remote Communication: In larger SCADA systems, multiple Master Stations may exist, and
they can communicate with each other for redundancy, load balancing, and distributed control.
1. Input Instructions:
XIC (Examine If Closed): Checks if an input contact is closed (ON).
XIO (Examine If Open): Checks if an input contact is open (OFF).
XNC (Examine If Not Closed): Checks if an input contact is closed.
XNO (Examine If Not Open): Checks if an input contact is not open.
2. Output Instructions:
OTE (Output Energize): Energizes an output.
OTL (Output Latch): Latches an output in the ON state.
OTU (Output Unlatch): Unlatches an output that was latched with OTL.
3. Timer Instructions:
TON (Timer On-Delay): Activates an output after a preset time has passed.
TOF (Timer Off-Delay): Deactivates an output after a preset time has passed.
RTO (Retentive Timer On-Delay): A timer that retains its accumulated time value
during power loss.
4. Counter Instructions:
CTU (Counter Up): Increments a counter when a specified condition is met.
CTD (Counter Down): Decrements a counter when a specified condition is met.
5. Comparison Instructions:
EQU (Equal): Checks if two values are equal.
NEQ (Not Equal): Checks if two values are not equal.
LES (Less Than or Equal): Checks if one value is less than or equal to another.
GRT (Greater Than): Checks if one value is greater than another.
6. Math Instructions:
ADD (Addition): Adds two values.
SUB (Subtraction): Subtracts one value from another.
MUL (Multiplication): Multiplies two values.
DIV (Division): Divides one value by another.
7. Control Instructions:
JMP (Jump): Jumps to a specific rung in the program.
LBL (Label): Marks a location for a jump instruction.
CALL (Call Subroutine): Calls a subroutine.
RET (Return from Subroutine): Returns from a subroutine.
8. Data Handling Instructions:
MOV (Move): Copies data from one location to another.
COP (Copy): Similar to MOV but can perform bit-level copying.
STR (Store): Stores data in memory.
LD (Load): Loads data from memory.
9. Special Function Instructions:
These are manufacturer-specific instructions and can include advanced functions such as
math operations, communication protocols, and more. The specific instructions available
depend on the PLC model and manufacturer.
PLC programmers use these instructions to create logical sequences that control
machinery, manage industrial processes, monitor and respond to conditions, and perform various
automation tasks. The choice of instructions and their arrangement in a PLC program depends on
the specific requirements of the application and the hardware used.
1. Point-to-Point Communication:
Description: In a point-to-point communication architecture, a direct connection is
established between the SCADA master station and a remote field device, such as a PLC
or RTU. This architecture is typically used for simple, single-device control and
monitoring applications.
Protocol Examples: Modbus RTU (Serial) and Modbus TCP/IP (Ethernet) are
commonly used for point-to-point communication.
2. Distributed Control System (DCS):
Description: DCS architecture is often used in large industrial systems where multiple
controllers are distributed throughout a plant. Each controller can handle a specific
section of the process, and they communicate with a centralized system.
Protocol Examples: Proprietary protocols like PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION Fieldbus,
and HART are common in DCS systems.
3. Client-Server Communication:
Description: In client-server communication, the SCADA system acts as a server, while
remote devices and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) clients act as clients that request
data or control functions. This architecture allows multiple clients to access the same data
simultaneously.
Protocol Examples: OPC (OLE for Process Control) is a common client-server protocol
for SCADA systems.
4. Peer-to-Peer Communication:
Description: In a peer-to-peer communication architecture, remote devices communicate
directly with each other without necessarily involving the central SCADA system. This
can be useful for redundancy and distributed control.
Protocol Examples: In this case, protocols like DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3)
and IEC 61850 are used for peer-to-peer communication in some applications.
5. Hierarchical Communication:
Description: In this architecture, multiple levels of communication exist within the
SCADA system. Field devices communicate with local controllers, which then
communicate with a regional SCADA server, and so on, forming a hierarchy.
Protocol Examples: Typically, standard industrial protocols like Modbus, Profibus, or
Ethernet/IP are used at the lower levels, while higher-level communication may involve
more complex protocols.
6. Web-Based Communication:
Description: Some modern SCADA systems use web-based communication for remote
monitoring and control. This enables users to access data and control processes through
web interfaces from anywhere with an internet connection.
Protocol Examples: HTTP/HTTPS and WebSockets are often used in web-based
SCADA systems.
7. Wireless Communication:
Description: Wireless communication is increasingly used in SCADA systems to
connect remote field devices and eliminate the need for physical cabling. Wireless
protocols can include Wi-Fi, cellular (4G/5G), and proprietary wireless technologies.
Protocol Examples: MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a common
protocol for SCADA systems using wireless communication.
8. Redundant Communication:
Description: Redundant communication architectures ensure system reliability by
providing backup communication paths. If the primary communication link fails, the
system switches to a redundant link.
Protocol Examples: Redundant communication can use the same protocols as the
primary link but requires additional configurations for failover mechanisms.
The choice of communication architecture and protocol in a SCADA system depends on factors
such as the specific application, the type of field devices used, the required reliability, and the
existing infrastructure. Different industries and systems may use various combinations of these
architectures and protocols to meet their unique needs for data acquisition, control, and
monitoring.
12. Explain the block diagram of SCADA?
A block diagram of a SCADA (Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition) system provides an overview of its major
components and their interconnections. While SCADA system
architectures can vary based on specific requirements and industry
applications, the following is a simplified block diagram that
illustrates the key components commonly found in a SCADA system:
1. Field Devices:
Field devices include sensors, transmitters, actuators, and
instruments that monitor and control physical processes in the
field. These devices gather data and send control signals to the
SCADA system. Examples of field devices include temperature
sensors, pressure transmitters, flow meters, motor starters,
and valves.
2. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic
Controllers (PLCs):
RTUs and PLCs act as the interface between field devices and
the central SCADA system. They collect data from sensors,
process it, and execute control commands as needed. RTUs
and PLCs are often responsible for performing local control
functions.
3. Communication Network:
The communication network provides the infrastructure for
data exchange between field devices, RTUs/PLCs, and the
central SCADA system. This network can use various
technologies, including wired (e.g., Ethernet, serial
communication) and wireless (e.g., radio, cellular, Wi-Fi)
connections. It ensures that data from remote locations
reaches the SCADA master station.
4. Master Station (SCADA Host):
The Master Station, also known as the SCADA host, is the
central component of the SCADA system. It serves as the core
of the system and performs the following functions:
Data Acquisition: It collects data from RTUs, PLCs, and
field devices.
Data Processing: The Master Station processes, analyzes,
and stores the collected data in a database.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface): It provides an interface
for operators and engineers to monitor and control the
industrial processes. The HMI typically includes graphical
displays, alarms, and control panels.
Control: Operators can issue commands through the HMI
to control the field devices remotely.
Data Storage: Historical data is stored for trend analysis,
reporting, and compliance.
5. Historical Data Storage:
Historical data is often archived for analysis, troubleshooting,
and regulatory compliance. It can be stored in databases or
data historians for future reference.
6. Security System:
Security measures are crucial to protect the SCADA system
from unauthorized access and cyber threats. This includes
firewalls, authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection
systems.
7. Alarm System:
The alarm system monitors data and triggers alarms when
predefined conditions or thresholds are met. It notifies
operators of potential issues or anomalies in the system.
8. Reports and Analysis Tools:
These tools allow users to generate reports, analyze historical
data trends, and make informed decisions based on past
system performance.
9. Redundancy and Failover Systems:
To ensure system reliability, redundancy and failover systems
can be implemented. These systems provide backup hardware
and communication paths in case of primary system failures.
10. Local Control Centers:
In some cases, local control centers or substation SCADA
systems may exist to manage specific sections of a larger
SCADA system. These local centers can communicate with the
central Master Station.