Course 1499: SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) Fundamentals

This course provides a thorough technical overview of the principles behind SCADA engineering. The course covers the basics of SCADA system components, architecture, protocols, security and theory of operations. The course shows you how to evaluate potential SCADA benefits of applying the technology to your process application.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the basic architecture and components of a SCADA system
• Describe the component technologies behind a SCADA system
• Apply potential benefits of SCADA applied to NYCT
• Understand the base standards that apply to SCADA
• Calculate the “scan time” required for SCADA systems of various sizes
• Recognize that Human Machine Interfaces are just a part of SCADA
• Understand the terms used in describing the technology
• Understand digital coding, protocols and modulation  
• Discuss the technical aspects  of RTUs, PLCs, MTUs, and communications methods
• Review SCADA System Design Considerations
• Explain SCADA performance and Optimization considerations
• Explore project planning process of SCADA
• Discuss successful and unsuccessful SCADA deployments
• Step through a practical process for managing SCADA Systems
• Explore the current and future SCADA market trends

• History of SCADA
• Large-scale, distributed measurement and control system.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Control Principals
• Overview of Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
• Overview of SCADA, DCS (Distributed Control System) and  (DCS, and Programmable
• Control Components
• Network Components
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• SCADA Systems
• What Can SCADA Do? 
• How SCADA Systems Work                         
• Where Is SCADA Used?                                
• What’s The Value of SCADA?
• An Example of a SCADA System                             
  • Data Acquisition                                    
  • Data Communication                                  
  • Data Presentation                                   
  • Control
• Introduction SCADA Systems Engineering
• Best Practices for SCADA Security
• Next Generation SCADA Systems
• SCADA System Challenges

• SCADA Subsystems
• SCADA Architecture
  • Hardware Architecture
  • Software Architecture
  • Real-time database (RTDB)
  • Communications
  • Interfaces
• Human Machine Interface
• Hardware solutions
• System components
• Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• Master Station
• Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• Operational philosophy
• Communication infrastructure and methods
• Distributed Control System (DCS)
• IEC 61131-3 Programming Language
• Future trends in SCADA

• Data Representation Formats
• Real Time Operations; Requirements and Features
• Typical Features of the RTU
• Packaging Issues and Designs
• PLCs and Industrial Computers

• Open- and Closed-Loop Control Concepts
• Relay Logic and Ladder Diagrams
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• The Fieldbus/Modbus Architecture
• Ethernet and IP Protocols  

• The Master Terminal Unit
• : The Human Machine Interface
• Graphical Display Developments
• Wall Systems; Map Boards and Projection Systems
• HMI/MMI Presentation Sampler

SCADA Systems Operations and Integrating

• Application Development
• SCADA System Requirements and Analysis
• SCADA Master-Slave Architecture
• Master Station to Slave Station
• SCADA Data Latency Time
• Analog Real Time Data Format Requirements
• SCADA System Communications Requirements
  • Connections
  • Communication redundancy
  • Direct communications via modem
  • IP Connection
  • Dial-up modem connections
• Types of SCADA Networks
• SCADA Configuration
• SCADA, PLC and DCS
• Distributed networked computing behind that SCADA
• SCADA Network Protocols
• Planning and Managing SCADA Projects
• Specifications; Alternative Strategies
• SCADA Procurement
• Implementation and Commissioning
• Five phases to creating a functional SCADA system
  • The Design of the system architecture
  • The supply of RTU, PLC, communication and HMI equipment
  • The Programming of the communication equipment and the HMI graphic and alarm software programs
  • The Installation of the communication equipment and the system
  • The Commissioning of the system; Systems Integration and Testing

• How to Evaluate SCADA Systems and Hardware                
• Most Important Components of the SCADA System                 
• Sensors and Networks                           
• SCADA RTU                            
• SCADA Master                           
• LAN in the Master Station
• Overview of TCP/IP and the Ethernet
• Ethernet Networks applied to the Master Station and the Field
• LAN Connectivity; Bridges, Routers and Switches
• Communications Media and Signals
• Wireless Systems
• Modem Types and Features
• Error Detection and Control Methods
• Access Control
• Alarm Handling
• Logging/Archiving
• SCADA Reliability, Redundancy and Safety Issues
• SCADA System Reliability Models
• SCADA Failure Modes
• Instrument and Equipment Interfaces
• Balanced and Unbalanced Wiring Configurations
• RS-485 Bus Architecture Features
• Cross-Over Cables
• Analog Interfaces and Instrument Concepts

SCADA Security

• Security applied to SCADA
  • Encryption
  • Firewalls and Perimeter Security
  • Creating and Populating a SCADA DMZ
  • Field-Level Firewalls in the SCADA Network
  • Access Control and Authorization: Managing Users
  • RADIUS, TACACS and Diameter Authentication Services
  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention
  • Wireless Security Issues
• SCADA Security Incidents
• Overview of Encryption and Firewalls
• SCADA Security Challenges and Solutions
• SCADA Access Control and Intrusion Detection
• Challenges of Wireless in SCADA
• Points of Vulnerability for SCADA
  • The IT Infrastructure
  • Leased Infrastructure; Frame Relay and Other Services
  • The Sensor/Fieldbus Networks
  • Wireless LAN Systems
  • Rogue (Undocumented) Dial and Wireless Links
  • Infected/Compromised Portable Equipment
  • Network Management Systems