LECTURE 3: SOFTWARE AND PROTOCOLS.

3.1 Introduction:
SCADA software is the most important aspect which runs on the hardware. Earlier SCADA was
mostly hardware and less on software. Presently, SCADA is 85% software and 15 % hardware.
SCADA software can be divided into two types, proprietary or open.
The important SCADA protocols can be classified into the following
DNP (Distributed Network Protocol) 3
IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) 60870
3.2 ISO MODEL
The working these protocols are based on the ISO or open systems interconnection model (OSI) are
shown below.

Fig.3.1a Schematic module of OSI model

Fig.3.1b OSI seven layer model

The OSI Reference model has seven layers, the details of which are given below. The different layers
are categorized based on the functions they perform
No
Layer Name
Description
Application Layer
This layer provides the network services to the users application
1
programs, even though actual application programs do not reside in this
layer.
Presentation Layer The presentation layer primarily takes care of data representation,
2
including encryption.
Session Layer
The sessions layer performs the control of the communications or
3
sessions between the users takes place.
Transport Layer
The transport layer manages the communications between the two end
4
systems
Network Layer
The Network Layer is primarily responsible for the routing of messages
5
Data Link Layer
The data link layer is responsible for assembling and sending a frame of
6
data from one system to another
Physical Layer
The physical layer defines the electrical signals and mechanical
7
connections at the physical level
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3.3 DNP3 Protocol

DNP3 stands for distributed network protocol and it consist of a set of communication protocols used
between components which are used in process automation systems like electric utility, chemical
process plants, etc. The purpose of DNP3 is to accomplish communication between various types of
monitoring, data acquisition systems and control equipment. This protocol forms an integral part in
SCADA systems while interconnecting the RTUs and IEDs named as the Inter Control Center
Communications (ICCP) protocol. ICCP is a part of IEC 60870 and is widely used in inter- master
station communications.
IEC 60870 was primarily design to allow important reliable communication between in electric utility
automation systems under situations of information distortion and transmission. Security of these
protocols is an important aspect to be considered. DNP3 protocols were not designed to be secure
from hackers and threats. There was a need to introduce security authentication to the DNP3
protocol. Presently it is in complaint with IEC 62315-5 and is regarded as a a set of best practices for
implementing SCADA-RTU master station communications.
3.3.1 Important Features of DNP3:
1. DNP3 protocol is characterised by important features that makes it interoperable with related
protocols like MODBUS, etc. This makes it more efficient and efficient for communicating
between components in SCADA systems.
2. DNP3, with reference to the widely used OSI model for communicating networks, corresponds
to layer 2, which provides multiplexing of various features like error checking, link control, data
fragmentation, etc.
3. DNP3 provides a transport function (layer 4) and Application layer (Layer 7) corresponding to
SCADA applications.
4. DNP3 has improved bandwidth efficiency which is accomplished through event oriented data
reporting.
5. DNP3 has good ability to handle error detection.
The DNP Protocol performs time synchronization with RTU, where time stamped variants of all data
point objects are reconstructed through a sequence of events. The DNP3 protocol has the added
advantage of supporting RTUs of different nature and complexity through four levels of subsets of the
protocols for RTU compliance. However this protocol tends to become more complex with increased
number of RTUs and interconnection.

3.4 IEC60870 PROTOCOL

IEC standard 60870 is widely used for controlling electric power transmission grids and other process
plants. This standard can be used for interoperating various equipment from different suppliers
through standardized protocols. IEC standard 60870 has six parts, defining general information
related to the standard, operating conditions, electrical interfaces, performance requirements, and
data transmission protocols. IEC 60870 provides a communication profile for tele-control messages
between two directly connected systems. This protocols provides tele-control and tele-protection of
electric power systems through associated tele-communication.
IEC 60870-5 has five parts:
IEC 60870-5-1: Transmission Frame Formats
IEC 60870-5-2: Data Link Transmission Services
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IEC 60870-5-3; General Structure of Application Data

IEC 60870-5-4; Definition and Coding of Information Elements
IEC 60870-5-5; Basic Application Functions
The two widely used protocols for SCADA Applications are
HDLC (High Level Data Link Control)
MODBUS
3.5 HDLC
HDLC (High Level Data Link Control) is a bit oriented code transparent synchronous data link layer
protocol developed by ISO. HDLC provides connection oriented and connection less service.
Though HDLC can be used for point to point multi point connections, but is preferable to use one to
one connections, known as asynchronous balanced mode (ABM). It forms the basis for all modern
protocols.
3.6 MODBUS PROTOCOL
MODBUS
MODBUS is a serial communications protocol originally published by MODICON in 1979 for use with
its programmable logic controllers. MODBUS protocol is simple and robust which has become a
widely used standard communication protocol for connecting industrial electronic devices. The
advantages of MODBUS protocol from an industry point of view are
1. Industry centric.
2. Open Source
3. Easy to use and deploy
4. Vendor independent
MODBUS allows communication between several devices connected to the network through RTUs in
SCADA. In this protocol, the master may initiate a MODBUS command to activate the connected
element / device. The command contains the MODBUS address of the device. Only the indented
device will act on receiving the command though other devices receive them. The MODBUS
command ensures that the command is received unchanged through an inbuilt checking information.
No standard way exists for a node to find the description of a data object,
there is no way for a field device to "report by exception"
Modbus is restricted to addressing 247 devices on one data link, which limits the number of field
devices that may be connected to a master station
Modbus transmissions must be contiguous which limits the types of remote communications devices
to those that can buffer data to avoid gaps in the transmission.
Modbus protocol provides no security against unauthorized commands or interception of data.

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Companies develop proprietary software to communicate to their hardware. These systems

are sold as turn key solutions. The main problem with this system is the overwhelming
reliance on the supplier of the system.
Open software systems have gained popularity because of the interoperability they bring to the
system. Interoperability is the ability to mix different manufacturers equipment on the same
system.
The widely used open software for SCADA systems are Citect and Wonderware.
Key features of SCADA Software are
User interfaces
Graphics displays
Alarms
Trends
RTU (and PLC) interface
Scalability
Access to data
Database
Networking
Fault tolerance and redundancy
Client/server distributed processing
Summary:
This section describes the introduction to SCADA , its evolution and features and applications.

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