Wireless SCADA
Wireless SCADA
In a traditional wired SCADA system, a device is monitored by some type of computer or other human-to-machine interface. The user may have something as simple as an LED indicator, or as complex as a computer server for the operator. The human interface communicates to another electronic device that is remotely located at the Central Monitoring Station. Often this remote device is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Typical SCADA System
When the distance between the central monitoring station and the device being monitored is not trivial, then a wireless link between the two sites becomes a logical means of connecting them.
Raveon’s UHF data radio modems and VHF data radio modems are well suited for very long range wireless SCADA systems. They use licened narrow-band radio frequencies, and output up to 5 watts of rf power on either UHF or VHF radio bands. Communication distances of many miles is usually easy to achieve, and with proper system design, 20-100 miles is achievable.