In distributed control system, each process has its own separate controller located at the site. These local controllers are interconnected via a local area network so that all controllers on the network can be monitored or reprogrammed from a single supervisory computer. Once programmed, each process is essentially operating independently.
Distributed control systems provides a more robust and safe system because all the processes will continue to function even if the supervisory computer or network goes down.
Related: Why you should replace your Old DCS systems with Modern ones
Distributed control systems are commonly used in chemical and petrochemical plants, nuclear plants, water treatment plants, food processing, etc.
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6 responses to “Basic Features of Distributed Control Systems (DCS)”
[…] designed for discrete manufacturing applications; it provides integration of controllers such as distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), H1 subsystems, foreign protocols (e.g. Modbus and […]
[…] In very sophisticated systems, PLCs have the ability to communicate with each other on a global basis and send operational data to and be controlled from a central computer terminal or they can be connected in a distributed control system like DCS. […]
[…] networks provide higher reliability, visibility and diagnosability and enable capabilities such as distributed control, diagnostics, safety and device interoperability. At higher levels networks can leverage internet […]
[…] PACs have evolved, and presently they are capable of advanced control, accomplishing the same purpose traditionally reserved for DCS systems. […]
[…] Basic Features of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) […]
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