Designing SCADA Application Software

Designing SCADA Application Software

Released July 2013
Publisher(s): Elsevier
ISBN: 9780124170353

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Book description

Automation systems, often referred to as SCADA systems, involve programming at several levels; these systems include computer type field controllers that monitor and control plant equipment such as conveyor systems, pumps, and user workstations that allow the user to monitor and control the equipment through color graphic displays. All of the components of these systems are integrated through a network, such as Ethernet for fast communications.

This book provides a practical guide to developing the application software for all aspects of the automation system, from the field controllers to the user interface workstations. The focus of the book is to not only provide practical methods for designing and developing the software, but also to develop a complete set of software documentation. Providing tested examples and proceducres, this book will be indespensible to all engineers managing automation systems.



  • Clear instructions with real-world examples
  • Guidance on how to design and develop well-structured application programs
  • Identification of software documentation requirements and organization of point names with logical naming system
  • Guidance on best practice of standardized programming methods for SCADA systems

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. About the Author
  6. Preface
  7. 1. Introduction
    1. Objectives
    2. 1.1 SCADA: Convergence of Evolving Technologies
    3. 1.2 Basics of SCADA Signal Processing
    4. 1.3 Defining the Scope of SCADA Software
    5. 1.4 Use of Generalized Terminology
    6. 1.5 The Need for Programming Standards
    7. 1.6 The Importance of Software Documentation
    8. 1.7 Purpose and Overview of This Book
  8. 2. The Elements of SCADA Software
    1. Objectives
    2. 2.1 Understanding the Elements of SCADA Software
    3. 2.2 Typical SCADA System Architecture
    4. 2.3 Sample Application: WTP SCADA System
    5. 2.4 Getting the Most from Field Data
  9. 3. Practical Procedures for SCADA Software Development
    1. Objectives
    2. 3.1 Life Cycle of a SCADA Project
    3. 3.2 Identifying Process Area Field Signals
    4. 3.3 Creating and Documenting Application Databases
    5. 3.4 Defining and Documenting the Process Controller Operations
    6. 3.5 Designing and Developing the SCADA Application Software
    7. 3.6 System Integration and Checkout
    8. 3.7 User Operations Reference Manual
  10. 4. Documentation for SCADA Systems
    1. Objectives
    2. 4.1 SCADA Software Documentation
    3. 4.2 Database Reference
    4. 4.3 Process Control Logic Descriptions
    5. 4.4 Controller Application Program Listings
    6. 4.5 SCADA Workstation Application Software Reference
    7. 4.6 SCADA User Operations Reference
  11. 5. Tagnames and Signal Naming Conventions
    1. Objectives
    2. 5.1 Original Signal Tagnames
    3. 5.2 Purpose of Standardized Tagnames
    4. 5.3 Constructing Tagnames with Phrases
    5. 5.4 Tagname and Signal Naming Convention Structure
    6. 5.5 Tagname Fragment Dictionaries
    7. 5.6 Illustration of Tagname Application
  12. 6. Developing the Application Program Databases
    1. Objectives
    2. 6.1 Review of Data Types and Databases
    3. 6.2 Using Spreadsheets to Create Points Lists
    4. 6.3 Developing the Controller Database
    5. 6.4 Developing the SCADA Workstation Database
  13. 7. Process Control Logic Descriptions
    1. Objectives
    2. 7.1 Purpose of PCLDs
    3. 7.2 Structure of PCLDs
    4. 7.3 System Control Strategy Overview
    5. 7.4 Facilities and Parameters
    6. 7.5 Control Logic Descriptions
    7. 7.6 Special Considerations
    8. 7.7 Sample PLCD for Pump Station
  14. 8. User Operations Reference Manual
    1. Objectives
    2. 8.1 Structure and Purpose of User Reference Manual
    3. 8.2 System Overview and Introduction
    4. 8.3 System Graphic Displays
    5. 8.4 Process Graphic Displays
    6. 8.5 Historical Reports and Trend Displays
    7. 8.6 Special Operating Procedures
  15. 9. Guidelines for Controller Application Programming
    1. Objectives
    2. 9.1 Identifying the Controller Processes
    3. 9.2 Creating the Application Databases
    4. 9.3 Tasks, Programs and Program Structures
    5. 9.4 Programming Guidelines and Style
    6. 9.5 Some Final Notes on Programming
  16. 10. Guidelines for Workstation Application Programming
    1. Objectives
    2. 10.1 Identifying the Process Areas
    3. 10.2 Configuring the HMI Application
    4. 10.3 Developing the Process and Historical Databases
    5. 10.4 Design and Development of Process Graphic Displays
    6. 10.5 Configuration of I/O Server
  17. 11. System Integration, Commissioning and Checkout
    1. Objectives
    2. 11.1 In-House Factory Testing and Checkout
    3. 11.2 On-Site Field I/O Checkout
    4. 11.3 Commissioning and Site Acceptance Testing
  18. 12. Sample Project – Applying the Principles
    1. Objectives
    2. 12.1 Overview of Project
    3. 12.2 Identify Process Area Field Signals
    4. 12.3 Create and Document Application Databases
    5. 12.4 Defining and Documenting Controller Operations
    6. 12.5 Develop Process Controller Application Software
    7. 12.6 Develop SCADA Workstation Application Software
    8. 12.7 Commission the Completed System
    9. 12.8 Finalize Software Documentation
  19. Appendix A. Glossary of Technical Terms
  20. Appendix B. TSNC Dictionaries
    1. B.1 Tagname Signal Naming Convention
  21. Appendix C. Sample Process Control Logic Description
    1. High Lift Station
    2. C.1 System Control Strategy Overview
    3. C.2 Facilities and Parameters
    4. C.3 Control Logic Description
    5. C.4 Special Considerations
  22. Appendix D. Program Listings for PPC Program
    1. D.1 Program Structure

Product information

  • Title: Designing SCADA Application Software
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: July 2013
  • Publisher(s): Elsevier
  • ISBN: 9780124170353