DC Systems

RTscada: Communication

Flexible Communication Front-End Processor (FEP)

One of the most flexible, yet powerful aspects of the RTscada system is the communication subsystem. RTscada uses cost-effective PC-based FEPs to manage communications with field devices. Each FEP supports up to 64 serial channels, with a separate protocol per channel. The software is implemented as a multi-tasking native Win32 program using a separate thread per channel. The FEPs are designed to be located at convenient locations for communication multiplexing. FEPs can be located at the master station, and at distributed locations connected via the corporate intranet. FEPs can even be located in substations, where they can communicate with a host of IEDs using popular protocols. In addition to serial channels, the RTscada FEP also supports TCP/IP channels.

All protocols are contained in separate DLL files, allowing for easy addition of new protocols.

The software features a built-in protocol analyzer which can be used to display raw or decoded device data. Data can be displayed, printed, or logged to a disk file. Data can be displayed by device or channel, with support for multiple, simultaneous windows. The main window features a channel display which shows the status of available channels, along with their present status.

The RTscada FEP features an advanced native-mode interface to the UtiliNet packet radio system. Active program DCWs are downloaded into radios attached to field devices. The radio-based programs perform device polling and change detection. Exception changes are sent spontaneously to the FEP. This scheme supports large device populations up to thousands of devices. Remote programming of field device parameters is supported for many popular devices from EnergyLine, Cooper, and others.