What is industrial control system?
Industrial control systems (ICS) refers to a set of types of control systems and related tools that operate and automate industrial processes. It includes all related devices, systems, networks and controls.
Operational technology (OT) is the term used in industrial activities. It includes control systems, networks, and other industrial automation components to control processes and physical assets. The control system is at the heart of the nation's critical infrastructure, including electric power, oil and gas, water and wastewater, manufacturing plants, transportation, agriculture, and chemicals.
Industrial control systems (ICS) refers to a set of types of control systems and related tools that operate and automate industrial processes. It includes all related devices, systems, networks and controls.
Each control system has a different function depending on the industry in which it is used. In general, ICS is built to manage electronic tasks efficiently. Today, ICS devices and protocols are used in most critical industrial and infrastructure sectors, such as the manufacturing, transportation, energy, and water treatment industries.
![Hệ thống điều khiển công nghiệp]( "Hệ thống điều khiển công nghiệp")
While there are many different types of industrial control systems, perhaps the most common are supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) and distributed control systems (DCS). Each type is described in more detail below.
1 - Supervisory control and data acquisition system - SCADA
This industrial control system does not give the user full control. Instead, it focuses on allowing users to control only at the supervisor level. SCADA systems consist of various devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and commercial hardware modules that are typically distributed in multiple locations. They can capture and transmit data and have built-in human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that allow users to perform centralized monitoring and control of process inputs and outputs.
SCADA systems are commonly used in industries concerned with pipeline monitoring and control, water treatment and distribution, and power transmission and distribution.
2 - Distributed Control System - DCS
This control system controls production systems found in a single location. A DCS sends a setpoint to the controller to instruct the valves or actuators to operate while maintaining the desired setpoint. The setpoint is, of course, the desired or target value for an essential process variable or value of a DCS. Each DCS uses a centralized supervisory control loop to manage several local controllers or devices that are part of the overall manufacturing process.
DCS enables industries to quickly access production and operational data to reduce the impact of a single failure on the overall ICS control system. They are commonly used in the manufacturing, power generation, chemical manufacturing, oil refining, and water and wastewater treatment industries.
3 - Programmable logic controller (PLC)
This is a type of hardware used as a control component of an overall system. It also provides local management of processes being run through feedback control devices such as sensors and actuators.
The PLC provides the same functionality as the Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). In the distributed control system (DCS), the PLC is used as the local controller in the supervisory control scheme. PLCs are also implemented as key components in smaller control system configurations.
4 - Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are electronic devices manufactured for a variety of purposes in the fields of electrical communication, measurement, monitoring and control. IEDs are incorporated into ICS structures to facilitate very complex power automation capabilities. They are usually electronic components with microprocessors, such as circuit controllers and regulators. These electronic devices can communicate through a number of different protocols, such as through real-time Ethernet or Fieldbus, a digital communication method. IEDs can be found in many industrial control systems and processes such as DCS and SCADA.
There are many applications for Smart Electronic Devices, such as:
- Metallurgical plant
- Environmental control tools
- Pharmaceutical production
- Food and food processing
- Waste water treatment system
- Quality control
- Car manufacturing
- Mining
- Purify water factory
- Paper factory
- Agricultural chemicals and fertilizers
- Sugar refinery
- Petrochemicals and refineries
- Water management
5 - Programmable automation controller (PLC)
PLC is a solid-state control system with a sturdy, robust structure and a set of special functions. Some of these functions include an intuitive programming interface, I/O control, three-mode control (PID), arithmetic, counting and timing mechanisms, and sequence control.
PLCs are built to be highly resilient, able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as very high and low temperatures, high humidity, electrical noise and strong vibrations. These controllers are designed to monitor and manage large numbers of actuators and sensors, and they stand out when compared to conventional computer and processor systems due to the number of settings. High I/O.
Applications of PLCs include:
- Injection molding control system (IMCS) for plastic
- Shaft cutter control system
- Safety control system in the tourism industry
- Elevator and elevator operations
- Milling ball, shaft furnace and brazier in cement production
- Control for flat glass processing and glass material ratio in glass industry
- Control the production of newspapers or book pages in the offset web printing process
- Washing machine
- Traffic signal control and operation
6 - Human-machine interface (HMI)
A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a hardware and software-based means of communication and information exchange between an operator and a machine and/or a computer system. With HMI, various device processes can be controlled, displayed and managed through human-machine interactions
There are many applications of HMIs, including:
- Portable handheld device
- Machine and process control for factory floors
- Machines
- Digital signage
- Medical equipment
- Centralized control room
- Building and industrial automation
- Car equipment
7 - Industrial automation and control systems (IACS)
Industrial automation and control system (IACS) is a type of mechanical, electromechanical and solid-state device that performs some control, monitoring, and action processes on a variety of logic devices and type systems. complex process. IACS can monitor and control many processes through sensors on machines, smart devices, and other software and hardware that turn sensor information into various control outputs.
Applications of IACS include:
- Motor control and accessories (AC and DC brakes, motor control unit, adjustable speed and variable frequency actuator)
- Automatic transformers, reactors, transducers
- Process control system
- Integrated production
- Various human-machine interface devices
- Machine logic control system (PLC, Process controller (PC), DCS)
- System integration service
- Car
- Transport
- Facility management
8 - Remote terminal unit (RTU)
The Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a microprocessor-based industrial control system. RTUs electronically connect a variety of hardware to other control systems such as SCADA or DCS. These electronic units carry sensor data through input and output streams, which are transmitted to the centralized ICS through a control loop. RTUs also manage connections to remote or local control, that's why they are called remote control units or telemetry units.s
Some of the applications of RTUs are:
- Offshore oil rigs and wells
- Pipeline pumping station (water supply, wastewater collection)
- Outdoor warning siren
- Natural gas network and related equipment
- Air traffic devices (ILS, GP, DVOR)
- Environmental monitoring system (emissions, pollution, air quality)
Several components are required for the ICS industrial control system to work:
- IT equipment and operational technology (OT): OT includes hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices in the field. Industrial temperature monitoring devices are examples of OT devices. While IT/OT convergence gives organizations better supply chain visibility, it also provides cyber attackers with easier access to IT and OT devices.
- PLC: This refers to a piece of hardware used as the ICS control component in both DCS and SCADA systems. They allow users to manage processes locally or on their HMI by using feedback control devices such as sensors and actuators as input providers.
- Remote terminal device (RTU): This is a microprocessor controlled field device that receives commands and sends information back to the host terminal device (MTU). The MTU is the ICS server or supervisory controller.
- Control loop: This ring is made up of hardware, including PLC and actuator. It interprets signals from sensors, control valves, circuit breakers, switches, motors and other similar devices and transmits the data to the controller so that it can perform a task or complete a task. procedure.
- HMI: This is a graphical user interface (GUI) application that allows the operator to interact with the controller hardware. It also displays the status and historical data that ICS devices collect. It monitors and configures setpoints, controls algorithms, and adjusts and sets parameters in the controller.
- Remote diagnostic and maintenance system: This system identifies and prevents anomalous operation of problems in the ICS environment.
- Control server: This server hosts the DCS or PLC monitoring control software and communicates with lower level control devices.
- SCADA server, MTU or supervisory controller: This device issues commands to the RTU in the field.
- Intelligent electronic device (IED): This is an intelligent device that can collect data, communicate with other devices, and perform local control and processing tasks. Its use in SCADA and DCS systems allows controls to be set at the local level for automatic execution.
- Data History: This is a centralized database that records all the process information of the ICS environment. It then outputs said data to the ICS owner's information system (IS). The data is then used for process analysis, statistical process control, and enterprise-level planning.
As we have seen in this post, industrial control systems are critical in supporting critical infrastructures and maintaining security. Without them, we wouldn't have clean water or electricity in our homes. Cars and other machines will take longer to build, and so on. That is why ICS operators should prevent attacks on their networks at all costs.
What is an industrial control system?
Industrial control systems (ICS) refers to a set of types of control systems and related tools that operate and automate industrial processes. It includes all related devices, systems, networks and controls.
Each control system has a different function depending on the industry in which it is used. In general, ICS is built to manage electronic tasks efficiently. Today, ICS devices and protocols are used in most critical industrial and infrastructure sectors, such as the manufacturing, transportation, energy, and water treatment industries.
Types of industrial control systems
While there are many different types of industrial control systems, perhaps the most common are supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) and distributed control systems (DCS). Each type is described in more detail below.
1 - Supervisory control and data acquisition system - SCADA
This industrial control system does not give the user full control. Instead, it focuses on allowing users to control only at the supervisor level. SCADA systems consist of various devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and commercial hardware modules that are typically distributed in multiple locations. They can capture and transmit data and have built-in human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that allow users to perform centralized monitoring and control of process inputs and outputs.
SCADA systems are commonly used in industries concerned with pipeline monitoring and control, water treatment and distribution, and power transmission and distribution.
2 - Distributed Control System - DCS
This control system controls production systems found in a single location. A DCS sends a setpoint to the controller to instruct the valves or actuators to operate while maintaining the desired setpoint. The setpoint is, of course, the desired or target value for an essential process variable or value of a DCS. Each DCS uses a centralized supervisory control loop to manage several local controllers or devices that are part of the overall manufacturing process.
DCS enables industries to quickly access production and operational data to reduce the impact of a single failure on the overall ICS control system. They are commonly used in the manufacturing, power generation, chemical manufacturing, oil refining, and water and wastewater treatment industries.
3 - Programmable logic controller (PLC)
This is a type of hardware used as a control component of an overall system. It also provides local management of processes being run through feedback control devices such as sensors and actuators.
The PLC provides the same functionality as the Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). In the distributed control system (DCS), the PLC is used as the local controller in the supervisory control scheme. PLCs are also implemented as key components in smaller control system configurations.
4 - Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are electronic devices manufactured for a variety of purposes in the fields of electrical communication, measurement, monitoring and control. IEDs are incorporated into ICS structures to facilitate very complex power automation capabilities. They are usually electronic components with microprocessors, such as circuit controllers and regulators. These electronic devices can communicate through a number of different protocols, such as through real-time Ethernet or Fieldbus, a digital communication method. IEDs can be found in many industrial control systems and processes such as DCS and SCADA.
There are many applications for Smart Electronic Devices, such as:
- Metallurgical plant
- Environmental control tools
- Pharmaceutical production
- Food and food processing
- Waste water treatment system
- Quality control
- Car manufacturing
- Mining
- Purify water factory
- Paper factory
- Agricultural chemicals and fertilizers
- Sugar refinery
- Petrochemicals and refineries
- Water management
5 - Programmable automation controller (PLC)
PLC is a solid-state control system with a sturdy, robust structure and a set of special functions. Some of these functions include an intuitive programming interface, I/O control, three-mode control (PID), arithmetic, counting and timing mechanisms, and sequence control.
PLCs are built to be highly resilient, able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as very high and low temperatures, high humidity, electrical noise and strong vibrations. These controllers are designed to monitor and manage large numbers of actuators and sensors, and they stand out when compared to conventional computer and processor systems due to the number of settings. High I/O.
Applications of PLCs include:
- Injection molding control system (IMCS) for plastic
- Shaft cutter control system
- Safety control system in the tourism industry
- Elevator and elevator operations
- Milling ball, shaft furnace and brazier in cement production
- Control for flat glass processing and glass material ratio in glass industry
- Control the production of newspapers or book pages in the offset web printing process
- Washing machine
- Traffic signal control and operation
6 - Human-machine interface (HMI)
A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a hardware and software-based means of communication and information exchange between an operator and a machine and/or a computer system. With HMI, various device processes can be controlled, displayed and managed through human-machine interactions
There are many applications of HMIs, including:
- Portable handheld device
- Machine and process control for factory floors
- Machines
- Digital signage
- Medical equipment
- Centralized control room
- Building and industrial automation
- Car equipment
7 - Industrial automation and control systems (IACS)
Industrial automation and control system (IACS) is a type of mechanical, electromechanical and solid-state device that performs some control, monitoring, and action processes on a variety of logic devices and type systems. complex process. IACS can monitor and control many processes through sensors on machines, smart devices, and other software and hardware that turn sensor information into various control outputs.
Applications of IACS include:
- Motor control and accessories (AC and DC brakes, motor control unit, adjustable speed and variable frequency actuator)
- Automatic transformers, reactors, transducers
- Process control system
- Integrated production
- Various human-machine interface devices
- Machine logic control system (PLC, Process controller (PC), DCS)
- System integration service
- Car
- Transport
- Facility management
8 - Remote terminal unit (RTU)
The Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a microprocessor-based industrial control system. RTUs electronically connect a variety of hardware to other control systems such as SCADA or DCS. These electronic units carry sensor data through input and output streams, which are transmitted to the centralized ICS through a control loop. RTUs also manage connections to remote or local control, that's why they are called remote control units or telemetry units.s
Some of the applications of RTUs are:
- Offshore oil rigs and wells
- Pipeline pumping station (water supply, wastewater collection)
- Outdoor warning siren
- Natural gas network and related equipment
- Air traffic devices (ILS, GP, DVOR)
- Environmental monitoring system (emissions, pollution, air quality)
What makes up an Industrial Control Systems - ICS environment?
Several components are required for the ICS industrial control system to work:
- IT equipment and operational technology (OT): OT includes hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices in the field. Industrial temperature monitoring devices are examples of OT devices. While IT/OT convergence gives organizations better supply chain visibility, it also provides cyber attackers with easier access to IT and OT devices.
- PLC: This refers to a piece of hardware used as the ICS control component in both DCS and SCADA systems. They allow users to manage processes locally or on their HMI by using feedback control devices such as sensors and actuators as input providers.
- Remote terminal device (RTU): This is a microprocessor controlled field device that receives commands and sends information back to the host terminal device (MTU). The MTU is the ICS server or supervisory controller.
- Control loop: This ring is made up of hardware, including PLC and actuator. It interprets signals from sensors, control valves, circuit breakers, switches, motors and other similar devices and transmits the data to the controller so that it can perform a task or complete a task. procedure.
- HMI: This is a graphical user interface (GUI) application that allows the operator to interact with the controller hardware. It also displays the status and historical data that ICS devices collect. It monitors and configures setpoints, controls algorithms, and adjusts and sets parameters in the controller.
- Remote diagnostic and maintenance system: This system identifies and prevents anomalous operation of problems in the ICS environment.
- Control server: This server hosts the DCS or PLC monitoring control software and communicates with lower level control devices.
- SCADA server, MTU or supervisory controller: This device issues commands to the RTU in the field.
- Intelligent electronic device (IED): This is an intelligent device that can collect data, communicate with other devices, and perform local control and processing tasks. Its use in SCADA and DCS systems allows controls to be set at the local level for automatic execution.
- Data History: This is a centralized database that records all the process information of the ICS environment. It then outputs said data to the ICS owner's information system (IS). The data is then used for process analysis, statistical process control, and enterprise-level planning.
Ending
As we have seen in this post, industrial control systems are critical in supporting critical infrastructures and maintaining security. Without them, we wouldn't have clean water or electricity in our homes. Cars and other machines will take longer to build, and so on. That is why ICS operators should prevent attacks on their networks at all costs.
