Above and Beyond
Datalink SCADA Software
Datalink’s DataGate and its WebGate GUI provide a multi-network transparent, wireless pipe. Our applications enable the linking of remote sensors, control PLCs, GPS, and other 3rd party hardware to GIS servers and databases.
DataGate uses a unique transmission process called PIP (Packet Inside Packet) where any type of IP packet protocol or a serial string of data is encrypted and wrapped inside a DataGate packet. DataGate transports this packet from point A to point B, unwraps, and routes it to a communications port on a 3rd party server or database.
An i50MobiHUB is required where remote PLCs are in use. Other data sources may not require i50 data processing.
Remote Connection
WebNET is a low cost satellite or terrestrial network communications link between remote telemetry devices such as RTUs, PLCs, and other remote sensors with base HMI control computers. Functionally it acts as a transparent pipe that links remote monitoring terminals with other devices for oil and gas wells, pipelines, pumping stations, remote mining sites, compressor stations, reservoir storage tanks, and remote seismographs to the host HMI software. IP-SCADA can support most protocols that use a TCP/IP connection on the host side and an asynchronous RS-232 serial connection at the device. The link can use both terrestrial and satellite networks to provide regional or worldwide coverage. The technology has a simple design making integration with existing legacy systems a straight-forward solution.
Use Cases
Dams
Use SCADA satellite links to monitor remote small dams and power turbines.
Solar
Monitor remote solar arrays over Iridium satellites.
Pumping Stations
SCADA remote control of pumping stations with low cost Iridium satellites.
Fuel Storage
Monitor remote fuel storage sites against theft and vandalism.
Host Connection
The third-party host software connects to the DataGate server program using a TCP/IP socket. For instant status polling a Modbus (or other protocol with addressing scheme) packet can be sent to the server, which decodes the address field, and uses a look-up table to direct the packet to the appropriate remote device. The server then communicates with the device and waits for an acknowledgement. Any responses from the device are sent back to the third-party host software using the same TCP/IP socket. At this point the third-party software may close the socket or continue to exchange data. For SCADA operation, third party software should be OPC compatible. For those host software systems that are restricted to legacy PSTN "phone" dial-up sessions, Datalink can provide a PSTN-to-IP internet interface software module allowing full TCP/IP communications over any of the integrated wireless networks.
Network Routing Interface
DataGate acts as a packet data router processing and routing packets between a number of host computers connected to the internet with the remote terminal devices linked via satellite or terrestrial wireless services. The DataGate software can be located at the customers base offices or on Datalink's cloud servers. Dual mode communication is an attractive feature providing the ability to make use of very low cost VHF/UHF radios to link a number of well heads within roughly 30 miles of each other to one central WebNET satellite uplink hub.
Advantages
-
Automated data transfer
-
Security encryption available
-
Much lower satellite cost than VSAT and other circuit switched satellite services
-
Transparent data transfer
-
Multipoint data transmission
-
Easy integration into existing IT infrastructure
-
Internet connectivity between PCs and the satellite ground station provides virtually instantaneous data acquisition and remote control
Remote Intelligence
Many SCADA systems are based on polling remote RTUs from the base software program every X seconds or minutes. This is not an issue when the link is dedicated telephone lines, micro-wave, or VSAT. However the cost of linking to remote RTUs using the above options is often cost prohibitive.
Datalink has overcome this problem by introducing intelligent monitoring at the remote device. By issuing the appropriate commands to the controller in the field, the MobiHUB i50 SCADA communicator can detect an anomaly in seconds and will send an alert to the base HMI controller. This eliminates the need for frequent polling and allows the use of low cost satellite links on a global basis.