Scada Sensors

SCADA Sensor Tutorial
Unleash The Power of Your SCADA System With Advanced Sensors
Unleash the power of your SCADA system by deploying environmental and

other sensors. Reliable SCADA monitoring gear paired with an array of data-col-
lecting sensors will automatically alert you to dangerous network threats. This
white paper will teach you how to determine which sensors you need at your
sites - and which core SCADA equipment you need for successful SCADA
implementation.
Version 1.0
Released February 3, 2009
www.dpstele.com • 1-800-622-3314
“We protect your network like your business depends on it”TM
NOTE: This white paper is an introduction to SCADA and sensor components. DPS Telecom
specializes in custom engineering, designed especially for you and your mission-critical network.
The information presented in this White Paper is a new application. The exact deployment of
these products and applications may change, according to your unique network. Please use this
White Paper as a tool for planning your SCADA system.
© Copyright 2008 DPS Telecom
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this white paper or portions thereof in any
form without written permission from DPS Telecom. For Information, please write to DPS
Telecom 4955 E. Yale Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-1523 • Call: 1-800-622-3314 • Email: info@
dpstele.com
Printed in the U.S.A.

DPS Telecom • 4955 East Yale Avenue, Fresno, California 93727 • (800) 622-3314 • Fax (559) 454-1688 • www.dpstele.com
Executive Summary
Do you know how to implement an effective SCADA system? Maybe you use environmental and other
sensors to collect data at some of your remote sites, but you don’t know how to incorporate them into
your core SCADA gear. You want to make your sensor data work for you, but the “small, simple”
PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) you’ve got just can’t handle anything beyond “small, simple”
problems. Wouldn’t it be nice if every threat to your operations was “small” and “simple”? Few people
are that lucky. And what about the huge variety of sensors from many different manufacturers. How do
you know which types and models are effective, and which should be avoided?
What if there was a way to remotely control conditions at your remote sites, based on the data report-
ed by your army of sensors? Imagine the successful implementation of a SCADA system, where
pager, text, and email notifications from your sensors allow you to quickly react to changing condi-
tions. After programming your SCADA system the right way, you may not need to set foot at a site for
a long time.
Your dream can be real with the right SCADA system, the right sensors, and this guide. You’ll elimi-
nate days of wasted time spent ordering, waiting for, and testing sensors. Read this entire white paper
to discover the tools you need that will slash your windshield time, improve your operations, and use
sensors to squeeze more power from your SCADA system…
Contents
SCADA Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Top 10 SCADA Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
New SCADA and Sensor Deployment “Could Save Millions” at This Water Treatment Plant . . . . . . 10
Combining the Power of SCADA and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Key Advantages of Using an Advanced RTU as Your SCADA Sensor Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SCADA Sensors Available from DPS Telecom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Control Your Equipment Remotely with Control Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
How to Evaluate SCADA Master Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SCADA Fundamentals
Depending on your network, you probably need
more alarm detail than a single discrete alarm point Price is Only the First Part
can provide. Fuel tanks, battery power, lighting sys- of Cost Justification — Make
tems, and water levels are just some of things you Sure Your Vendor Offers
need to monitor to keep your network up and running.
By harnessing the power of SCADA and combin- Guaranteed Results
ing it with a wide range of compatible sensors, you’ll In my experience, cli-
know where your network and facilities stand around ents who think hard
the clock. But to harness that power, you’ll need a
about cost justification
basic understanding of how SCADA works so you
have a more impor-
can make your environmental sensors work for you.
tant concern than just
price. They want to
What is SCADA? make sure that they’re By Bob Berry
SCADA is not a specific technology, but a type of not spending their Chief Executive Officer
company’s money on DPS Telecom
application. SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition — any application that gets data about a system that doesn’t
a system in order to control that system is a SCADA work as advertised.
application. That’s smart. You have to be careful when
A SCADA application has two elements: working with equipment vendors, espe-
1. The process/system/machinery you want to monitor cially on protocol mediation projects. Most
or control — this can be a power plant, a water sys- vendors can’t support all your legacy equip-
tem, a network, a system of traffic lights, or anything ment, and they don’t have the development
else. capabilities to make integration work.
2. A network of intelligent devices that interfaces Some vendors will charge you large NRE
with the first system through sensors and con- (non-refundable engineering) fees up front
trol outputs. This network, which is the SCADA
for custom work, and give no guarantee that
system itself, gives you the ability to measure
the resulting product will meet your perfor-
and control specific elements of the first system.
mance requirements.
Personally, I think that’s a lousy
How do SCADA systems work? way to do business. I give all my cli-
ents a 30-day guarantee: If my product
A SCADA system performs four functions:
doesn’t completely satisfy you, return
1. Data acquisition
it for a full refund. If I can’t give you a
2. Networked data communication solution, I don’t want your money. If I’m
3. Data presentation doing custom work for you, I don’t expect
4. Control you to pay for it until I’ve proven that it
works to your satisfaction.
The four SCADA functions are performed by four Very few vendors will make that guar-
kinds of SCADA components: antee. But you need to demand the best
1. Sensors (either digital or analog) and control relays level of service from your vendor to ensure
that directly interface with the managed system. that your SCADA implementation is 100%
2. Remote telemetry units (RTUs). These are small successful.
computerized units deployed in the field at specific
sites and locations. RTUs serve as local collection Call DPS Telecom at 1-800-622-3314
4
points for gathering status from sensors and deliv- Building Access System
ering commands to control relays.
3. SCADA master units. These are larger computer
consoles that serve as the central processor for the
SCADA system. Master units provide a human
interface to the system and automatically regulate
the managed system in response to sensor inputs.
4. The communications network that connects the
SCADA master unit to the RTUs in the field.
Now that you know about the SCADA application
and its components, you’ll want to know where the
sensors come in. Sensors used in SCADA systems can
be discrete or analog.
Discrete vs. Analog Alarms

Some sensors detect conditions that are reported as an
“on” or an “off” (called a discrete input or digital input).
That “on” and “off” originate as an on/off , such as The Building Access System (BAS) is a com-
a door sensor, or can represent an analog value that prehensive building management system that
crosses a threshold. Other sensors measure more complex integrates into an existing alarm management
situations where exact measurement is important. Not every platform. With the system in place, a log of all
alarm condition can be represented by an “on” and site access, including the time of day and loca-
“off”. tion that access was granted, is maintained. In
addition, alarms such as intrusions and excessive
Analogs provide you with the ability to monitor envi-
access attempts are reported to a T/Mon on a per
ronmental factors that affect your operations. These
door basis.
inputs can answer the question of “how much?”.
Common examples of analog values include tempera-
ture, battery voltages, humidity, and many more. By • Centralized entry-management and
knowing when these factors cross critical thresholds control
and by seeing their rate of change, you can take action
• Controls and regulates up to 16 door
before these conditions affect your network. As an
example, you might bring in a portable generator if
entry points
your batteries run low. • Supports up to 1,300 users
For most analog measurements, you ideally want to keep the
• Users can be granted access by day of the
value between a bottom and top level. For example, you might
want the temperature in a server room to stay between 60 and week, time of day and location
72 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes above or below • Units function independent of master
this range, you need to be notified.
• System can withstand connectivity losses
Good SCADA systems will support your custom “safe zone” to the local NetGuardian and T/Mon
and alert you automatically if the sensor detects conditions
outside of that range. In more advanced systems, there are • Entry Control Unit (ECU) passes on access
four threshold alarms for analog sensors, defining Major codes to the NetGuardian for validation
Under, Minor Under, Minor Over and Major Over alarms.
These user-defined values will help you to distinguish • Proxy card reader eliminates the chance
the severity of alarms by indicating when a monitored of forgotten keycodes and increases your
analog has passed a certain value, such as a major tem- level of access control
perature high that threatens your equipment.
5
This RTU Grows with Your

Know Exactly “How Much” with Analog
Monitoring
SCADA System
Analog monitoring is highly valuable, as it conveys When you’re planning your alarm monitoring,
specific environmental levels, fuel levels, and bat- think about the future. You don’t want to get
tery voltages from analog sensors. Near real-time locked into an alarm system that’s inadequate for
readings of these continuous values provide a much your future needs — but you don’t want to spend
clearer picture of your network than you can achieve too much for alarm capacity you won’t immedi-
with discrete alarm points alone. ately use, either.
Analog Sensors Show You Exactly The NetGuardian 864A G5 remote telemetry
What’s Happening in Your Network unit expands its capacity as your needs change.
Install a NetGuardian at your remote site now,
One of the primary advantages of using analog sen- and get exactly the right coverage for your cur-
sors for environmental monitoring is the ability to rent needs.
monitor shifting analog values in near real-time.
Then, as your remote site grows, you can extend
This gives you insight into how the temperature,
your alarm monitoring capabilities by add-
humidity, or battery voltage is rising or dropping
ing NetGuardian DX Expansion units. Each
at a site, allowing you to dispatch your technicians
NetGuardian 864DX adds 64 more discrete
most effectively. It helps you make fast, prioritized
alarm points, and you can daisy-chain up to three
decisions.
NetGuardian DXs off each NetGuardian 864A
For example, your discrete alarm notify you of 2 hot base unit.
more sites. One site is at 74 degrees, while the other
has reached 118 degrees. How do you know which Unit Capacity Analogs Controls
to fix first?
Levels measured by analog sensors can have critical Base NG 864A 64 8 8
effects on essential equipment - and when your net-
work uptime is threatened, you want all the informa- 1 DX 864 128 16 16
tion you can get.
2 DX 864 192 24 24
Powering Your Sensors
You have an important choice to make when 3 DX 864 256 32 32
deciding how to power the sensors for your
SCADA system. Here are your two major
options:
1) Commercial Power - This is a simple
way power SCADA sensors. However, when
remote sites experience a power outage, so
do your sensors. They are also unprotected
against a power surge.
2) RTU Power - The ideal way to provide
power to your sensors is through a secure,
redundant power supply. Using your SCADA
remotes as the power supply for your sensors
offers a big advantage. Your sensors are pro- NetGuardian DX: Expand your alarm monitoring
tected from commercial power failures because capacity with NetGuardian DX Expansion Units.
they’re running on the same protected battery http://www.dpstele.com/products
power as your SCADA remotes.
6
Establish Critical Thresholds and Receive Alarms when They’re Crossed

Basic SCADA systems almost never include analog inputs, so you’ll never be able to measure exact values. Analog
sensor support gives you the key advantage of complete visibility.
For example, suppose you are measuring the temperature of a remote site. Under normal conditions, the building’s
heating and cooling system will keep the temperature within an acceptable range. But if climate control fails and
your equipment is threatened, will you have enough information to make the right decisions?
As an example, you might set up 4 different threshold values:

1) When the temperature is below 45 degrees, page a technician and notify the Network Operations Center (NOC)
with a major alarm. A value this low might indicate that the heater is not working at all.
2) When the temperature is below 60 degrees, notify the NOC with a minor alarm. This may indicate that the heater
is not functioning at full capacity.
3) When the temperature is above 90 degrees, notify the NOC with a minor alarm. This may indicate that the air
conditioning unit is not functioning at full capacity.
4) When the temperature is above 100 degrees, notify the NOC with a major alarm. This may indicate that the air
conditioning unit has failed - Equipment and services are in jeopardy.
To ensure that you can react appropriately to rapidly fluctuating site conditions, it’s essential to choose the right
SCADA system that features analog inputs that report real-time analog values.
Analog Parameters and Scaling
Once you’ve determined what your different threshold values need to be, you’ll want to be notified if they are
crossed. But how can you make sure your alarm notifications arrive in native units (like ° F) that make sense? An
advanced SCADA RTU uses analog scaling to convert voltage readings to the units you need, such as degrees. For
example, let’s say you need to monitor outside temperature, and you’ve got a sensor with a measurable range of –4°
to 167° Fahrenheit (–20° to 75° Celsius). The voltage for the analog channel is between 1 and 5 VDC for that sen-
sor, and is reported as ° F. Here, 1 volt represents –4° F and 5 volts represents 167° F. Simply by inputting these
two values into your remote, every notification you receive will be in ° F instead of meaningless voltages. Scale it
once, use it forever.
7
The Top 10 SCADA Sensors:

1.) Temperature Sensors - The most basic way to monitor temperature is a discrete threshold sen-
sor. This is very similar to a simple home thermostat. You set a high-point threshold or a low-point
threshold (one per sensor). When these presets are exceeded, you get a contact closure alarm, which
translates to a basic high or low temperature alarm. The downside to this type of alarm is that if your
threshold was set to 80°F, you could be at 81°F or 181°F - and all you wouldn’t be able to tell the
difference!
More advanced temperature sensors output analog values. Analog monitoring allows you to monitor
fluctuating sensor levels at your remote sites. With the right SCADA system, you can use your ana-
log readings to send alarms based on configurable thresholds. You can have different thresholds for
low, critically low, high, and critically high.
2.) Humidity Sensors - Often, humidity monitoring is overlooked. But it is one of the key envi-
ronmental alarms to monitor in every unmanned remote site. Looking at both internal and external
humidity ranges, it’s very important to monitor what conditions your revenue-generating equipment
is operating in. If your environmental control unit failed and you didn’t have adequate monitoring
of the humidity at your site, you would be completely unaware of the damage and would be too late
in preventing equipment failure. Humidity can be monitored with both discrete and analog sensors,
much like temperature. Where possible, look for a sensor that monitors temperature and humidity.
3.) Motion Sensors - The most critical element of physical site security is being able to detect intruders and
receive an immediate alert. Motion sensors provide you with the instant information you need to react to an intrud-
er before the real damage is done. Discrete motion sensors can even turn on a light and send an immediate intru-
sion notification when movement is detected in its field of vision. It’s very important to consider placement when
installing motion sensors. Windows and other possible intrusion points should be protected by motion sensors.
4.) Liquid Level Sensors - Liquid level sensors can be used to monitor water towers and fuel tanks. This makes
them especially useful for alarm circuits that control motor starters, contactors, solenoids, and relays. You should
always know how much fuel you have before activating any piece of equipment. With a discrete liquid level sen-
sor, you can configure the sensor to latch a contact closure when your liquid level has fallen below a critical line.
This allows you to receive a notification when your water, fuel, or other tanks are low. Don’t risk running dry by
ignoring the liquid levels of your machines and other equipment.
5.) Water Flow Sensors - Using water flow sensors gives you an accurate picture of your fluid flow rates. Most
flow sensors can monitor water with an internal flowmeter or a flow datalogging device. At at water treatment
plant, water flow is one item on a long list of data that must be collected during the treatment process. It’s impor-
tant to find a reliable water flow sensor that produces accurate flow results and allows you to make quick decisions
based on that data.
8
6.) Smoke Sensors - Smoke sensors are critical safety devices needed in every home, and the same principle
holds true for your remote sites. There are many possible reasons a fire could break out at a site. Overheated
equipment, electrical short, wildfire . . . the list goes on. In order to save your revenue-generating equipment, you
need to know right away if smoke or fire is present at a remote site. Fires cause irreparable damage, and smoke
sensors are your first line of defense.
7.) Door Sensors - Whether or not you’ve already experienced theft or vandalism in your network,
your unmanned sites are vulnerable. While you might expect this type of criminal activity from
strangers, an alarming amount of damage is done by employees, ex-employees, and outside
contractors. Door sensors keep your revenue-generating equipment secure. You’ll know the
moment someone tries to gain unauthorized access to one of your remote sites, or if an employee
enters when they’re not supposed to. Without the protection a door sensor and other BAS sensors can
provide, an unknowing technician could walk into a dangerous situation. Door sensors provide a warning, “Hey,
nobody’s supposed to be there at 3 a.m.!”
8.) Power Failure Sensors - The primary damage caused by a power outage is obvious: If com-
mercial power and you don’t have a reliable backup power supply, that site will eventually go dark.
Dark sites mean network downtime, lost revenue, and frustrated customers.
A power failure sensor will send an alarm when power is disrupted. This is a discrete sensor that
outputs a contact closure when power is not detected for a user-defined amount of time. Most users
want to receive a critical alarm after any failure lasting more than a few seconds.
9.) Current Sensors - You must always know whether your battery chargers, backup generators, and other
power sources are outputting power. Analog current sensors tell you way more than, “They’re outputting power”.
You’ll also know how much. Measuring AC/DC currents, current sensors isolate the sensor output from the con-
ductor. These type of sensors are highly useful for motor drives, UPS systems, and battery supplies.
10.) Propane Tank Sensors - Monitoring your propane tanks can save you from running out of fuel.
Some propane sensors send an audible alert when they’re running low. Depending on your tanks, a float sen-
sor that gauges the propane remaining in your tank may be all you need. At sites where propane is the main fuel
source, you may need advanced sensors that track gas usage rates and report back to an on-site RTU, like the
NetGuardian, with the exact amount left. These type of analog sensors will allow you to order more propane for
your tank - before it runs empty. An empty propane tank means you have to wait for your next delivery from
your supplier, and you may have to suffer without fuel for some time.
9
New SCADA and Sensor Deployment “Could Save Millions” at This

Water Treatment Plant
SCADA Solution for Water Treatment...
With the important responsibility of providing clean, safe water for his Sonoma, Calif. com-
munity, Chris LaVay was looking for a better SCADA solution for his water treatment plant.
Maintaining high-quality water at De Anza Moon Valley is not a job LaVay takes lightly.
“We’re on a well, a 600-foot deep well – and I’m in charge of all that,” said LaVay, the facil-
ity manager. He spends a lot of his time physically monitoring his water-treatment equipment,
which primarily consists of analog sensor data.
Since this tedious process often eats up much of his time,

“We do have an existing
LaVay said water mishaps can still occur at night. “If I see
alarm system, but frankly high flow rates in the middle of the night and it’s outside
it doesn’t hold a candle to the parameters that I’ve set, I’ll know we’ve got a massive Chris LaVay
De Anza Moon Valley
DPS equipment. I mean, leak somewhere,” he said. “In waiting a few hours, the Facility Manager
it’s not even close.” community probably gets flooded and I finally get a phone
call, but the damage is done.”
Constant Equipment Monitoring Kept Him From Other Job Responsibilities…

A key part of LaVay’s job of providing safe drinking water is to disinfect in accordance with the Department of Health
Services regulations. A mountain of data from different sensors must be collected during this process. “It takes up a lot
of my time going down there and monitoring - physically monitoring the equipment, getting the outputs, velocities, flow
rates, injection rates, dosages, chlorine residuals and all that,” LaVay explained.
SCADA and Analog Implementation Are Just The Solution He’s Been Looking For…
The equipment currently in use at De Anza Moon Valley has simply not produced the results LaVay has in mind. “We
do have an existing alarm system, but frankly it doesn’t hold a candle to DPS equipment,” he said. “I mean, it’s not even
close.”
“It could save us millions of dollars.”

For his water treatment plant, LaVay plans to strengthen his alarming with analog
sensors and control relays. “If we just had some analog sensors in the right places, it
Pager and email alerts from NetGuardian would save me a tremendous amount of time,” he said. “If I had a sensor that could
RTUs provide 24/7 notification of threats sense when chlorine residuals fell below our parameters, I get paged and BOOM – I
go out there and take care of it.” LaVay knows that the pager and email notifications
available with NetGuardian remotes will help to prevent many of the leaks and other
pesky problems he’s faced in the past.
A Better, More Efficient SCADA Monitoring System at De Anza Moon Valley…

At a recent training event at DPS Headquarters, LaVay’s ultimate goal was to learn about SCADA implementation. During
training, LaVay learned about DPS devices that will accomplish this task and offer better alarm notification. Now armed
with new knowledge and understanding, LaVay is working on a proposal to revamp the alarm monitoring for De Anza
Moon Valley.
His visions for the future include analog and relay solutions, as well as sensors for alarm contacts. Part of LaVay’s plan is
to use electric valve isolation. “When high flow rates are sensed somewhere, you can start shutting down appropriate isola-
tion valves and isolate that leak before it gets out of control,” he explained. “So by the time I get there, it’s isolated and it’s
just a matter of repairing it.”
With DPS solutions in mind, LaVay plans to retrofit his current alarm system. “It could save us millions of dollars.”
10
Combining the Power of SCADA and Sensors
Current
Sensor
Humidity
Sensor
Temperature Liquid Level Sensor

Sensor
A wide variety of sensors can be hooked up in your SCADA system to

monitor the various components of your network.
5 Key Advantages of Using an Advanced RTU As Your

SCADA Sensor Integration Platform
1.) All Inclusive Sensor Platform - Collect all the discrete and analog data you need at a single on-site RTU. The NetGuardian
832A G5 in the example above has 8 inputs for analog sensor data, as well as 32 discrete alarm inputs for discrete sensors. Sensors
attached to the RTU input their “on” / “off” data (discrete) or actual measured values (analog). Data is processed at the RTU and
transported via LAN. RTUs like the NetGuardian 832A G5 can send 24/7 email and pager notifications to your techs, based on the
information provided from your sensors.
2.) Derived Alarms and Controls - Derived alarms are software-based alarms that occur whenever a user-defined
combination of events occurs. Commercial power failure at an enclosure might be a minor alarm. Low battery at
an enclosure might be a minor alarm. But the combination of a power failure and a low battery should be reported
as a critical alarm, and derived controls allow you to do just that.
Derived controls take this concept one step further. They are automatic responses to alarm combinations. In the
example above, you could setup a simultaneous power failure and low battery to automatically latch a control relay
tied to a backup generator. This kind of advanced automation corrects network threats within seconds, protecting
mission-critical equipment and keeping your client base happy.
3.) Hardened, Industrial Grade Units - Do your remote sites run the risk of being snowed in? Does the humidity
in your location reach extreme highs?
If so, site climate is an important issue for your SCADA system. Rugged engineering allows advanced remotes
to perform in the harshest conditions. The RTU for your SCADA system should be built to withstand extreme
high and low temperatures, as well as humidity and other factors that are relevant in your region.The NetGuardian
11
216 has an industrial temperature ratings. This highly

durable RTU withstands extreme hot and cold condi- 3 Advanced RTUs For Your
tions, thanks to rugged engineering and brutal product SCADA Deployment
testing. The NetGuardian 216 operates at temperatures
between 32 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At sites The NetGuardian RTU family scales to fit
where conditions can be very unpredictable, don’t your needs …
settle for RTUs that can’t take the heat (or cold).
NetGuardian 864A G5:
4.) Non-Proprietary Sensors - (+/- 5V) Using non-
proprietary sensors gives you a wider variety of vendors to
choose from. An advanced RTU will give you this freedom
by accepting the standard +/- 5V input from analog sensors. • Wireless option for alarm reporting via
This will prevent you from being “locked” into a single ven- GSM or CDMA
dor because of compatibility issues. • 64 discretes, 32 pings, 8 analogs and 8
controls
5.) Analog Value Scaling - In the event of an alarm set • SNMPv1, v2c and v3 compatible
off by one of your sensors, you need to know the severity of
• 8 terminal server serial ports
the situation immediately. Use sensor calibration with analog
value scaling on a modern RTU to program a translation • Dial-up backup
from meaningless voltage output to useful sensor readings. • Web browser interface
For example, an alarm goes off at a remote site, and the sensor • Pager and email notification
is reading 3.6v. What does that mean? To your technicians, it • Dual -48 VDC, -24 VDC or 110 AC
probably won’t mean anything. But an advanced RTU would • 1 RU for 19” or 23” rack
hide the voltage and display “110 degrees Fahrenheit”. Now
anyone on your team would instantly recognize the danger!
Heavy-duty NetGuardian 480
• 80 discretes, 4 controls
• Dual -48 VDC
• 1 RU for 19” or 23” rack
Economical NetGuardian 216 G3
This tech has no clue what this

voltage is supposed to mean...
• 16 discretes, 2-8 analogs, 2 controls
• 1 terminal server serial port
• Single or dual -48VDC or 110 VAC
• 2 compact form factors for rack or wall
mount
http://www.dpstele.com/rtus
But this one with an advanced RTU

leaps into action to stop an outage...
12
SCADA Sensors Available From DPS Telecom

Monitor Temperature, Humidity, Battery Levels and Building Alarms
Call DPS For More Information in Sensors: 1-800-622-3314
Analog Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Temperature Sensor with Probe (100° to 355° F)
D-PG-274-10A-00
High temperature analog temperature sensor with probe
measures from 100° to 355° F (37.8° to 179.4° C).
Temperature Sensor with Probe (–20 to 180° F)
D-PG-275-10A-00
Analog temperature sensor with probe measures from –20° to
180° F (-28.9° to 82.2° C). Native operating voltage 24 VDC
to 35 VDC. This package includes resistor for use in –48 V
Temperature Sensor with Probe operations.
Analog/Temperature and Humidity Sensor Package (–48 V)

D-PG-281-10A-00
Single unit self-contained temperature and humidity sen-
sor. Temperature range: 23° to 131° F (–5° to 55° C).
Humidity Range: 0% RH to 100% RH temperature com-
pensated. Both temperature and humidity outputs are
linearized across the 4 to 20 mA output. Package includes
–48 V power adapter.
Temperature/Humidity Sensor
with –48 VDC to –12 VDC Converter
Analog Temperature/Humidity Sensor Only

D-PK-SENSR-12001.00001
Same as above, except power supply not included. Typically used
with NetGuardian units equipped with 12 V output power option.
RoHS 6 of 6 compliant.
Temperature/Humidity Sensor
13
Discrete Temperature, Humidity, and Motion Sensors

TempAlert Sensor (30° to 100° F)
D-PR-589-10A-00
Discrete temperature sensor with high and low alarm
thresholds Separate alarms for high and low temperatures.
Temperature range from 30° to 100° F. (–1.1° to 37.8° C).
Requires no power to operate. Wall mount rectangular box
design. Includes screw kit for mounting hardware.
TempAlert Sensor (30° F to 100° F)
Meter Type TempAlert Sensor(–30° F to 130° F)

D-PR-492-10A-00
Discrete temperature sensor with high and low alarm thresholds.
Separate alarms for high and low temperatures. Temperature
range from –30° to 130° F. (–34.4° to 54.4° C). Requires no
power to operate. Not for use in freezers.
Meter Type TempAlert Sensor (–30° to 100° F)
Humidity Sensor (Discrete)

D-PR-579-10A-00
Monitors a humidity range of 20% to 80% relative humidity. One
alarm threshold that can be used as either a high or low humidity
alarm. Great for monitoring humidity in computer rooms, COs,
cell sites, nodes, and CEVs. Requires no power to operate.
Humidity Sensor (Discrete)
Motion Sensor (Discrete)

D-PR-599-10A-00
Monitors motion within a user-specified field of vision. Detection
range from 3m-6m. Powered by 12 to 28 VDC. Integrates with
the Building Access System (BAS) to provide automatic exit
tracking and intrusion notifications.
14
Discrete Liquid Level Sensor

D-PK-SENSR-12003.00001
Provides a discrete contact closure when liquid levels fall below
parameters. Contains a dry reed switch encapsulated within a
stem. Supports N/O and N/C alarm contacts. Operates at a
maximum temperature of 105° C and a maximum pressure of
150 PSI.
Building Status Sensors

Water Sensor and Controller
D-PG-271-10A-00
Provides a discrete contact closure when water is detected. The
sensor will not trigger an alarm due to condensation or high
humidity. Supports N/O and N/C alarm contacts. Powered by 8
to 28 VAC or DC (not included). For 110 VAC, use 24 V wall
transformer (D-PR-105-10A-00).
Water Sensor Only, #1040 (for WB200)
Water Sensor and Controller D-PR-596-10A-00
Photoelectric Smoke Detector with Heat Sensor

D-PR-560-10A-00
Photoelectric smoke detector uses pulsed infrared diodes to elimi-
nate false alarms caused by dust, insects, FR and ambient light.
Integrated heat detector triggers alarms at temperatures above
135° F or at temperatures above 105° F with a rise rate of 15° F
per minute. Either heat detector or smoke detector can trip and
latch LED and alarm relay outputs. UL listed. Powered by either
12 VDC or 24 VDC. For 110 VAC use 24 V wall transformer
(D-PR-105-10A-00). For –48V DC, use –48 VDC to –12 VDC
DC to DC converter (D-PC-766-10A-00).
Smoke Detector
Door Sensor (Surface Mount)

D-PR-550-10A-01
Closed loop magnetic contact sensor. Consists of magnet and
contact. Gap distance is 5/8”. Includes screw kit for mounting
hardware.
Door Sensor
15
Power, Battery and Voltage Sensors

Power Out Alert Sensor (Discrete)
D-PR-592-10A-00
Plugs into any 110 VAC circuit that needs to be monitored.
When power is interrupted for three to eight consecutive minutes,
sensor outputs a contact closure.
Power Out Alert Sensor
Current Sensor 0 to 100 Amp AC/DC (Analog)

D-PR-577-10A-00
Current sensor and signal conditioner measures AC/DC currents
and isolates sensor output from conductor. Outputs 4 to 20 mA.
User-selectable 50, 75 and 100 Amp scales. Split core design,
allows sensor to be placed around cable without interrupting
operation. Great for motor drives, UPS systems, battery chargers,
power supplies, and replacement for shunts.
Current Sensor
Call DPS For More SCADA Sensor Information

DPS For
1-800-622-3314
Learn SCADA the Easy Way: Attend DPS Telecom Factory Training
“DPS Factory Training is a big help in not feeling intimidated by your network monitoring
system. It’s excellent — presented in the right way and tailored to the needs of the class.”
— Bill Speck, 3 Rivers Telephone
Learn network alarm monitoring in-depth in a totally practical hands-on class. The DPS Telecom Factory Training
Event will show you how to make your alarm monitoring easier and more effective. You’ll learn about SCADA
deployment, ASCII alarm processing, derived alarms and controls, and how to configure automatic email and
pager notifications. DPS training is the easiest way to learn alarm monitoring, taught by technicians who have
installed hundreds of successful alarm monitoring deployments
For dates and registration information, call 1-800-693-3314 today or go to www.dpstele.com/training.

16
Control Your Equipment Remotely with Control Relays

Do you need to adjust the on-off status of your equipment remotely? With control relays, you can gain the control
you need.
Control relays allow you to remotely switch equipment on and off. They are simply a switch mechanism that can
be activated remotely, no matter where you are located. This can be used for anything from light switches to gen-
erators to door locks and more. You’ll also want to make sure that your RTU supports both N/O and N/C so that
if power fails, relay will return to intended operation.
A sufficiently sophisticated master unit or RTU can run these controls completely automatically, without the
need for human intervention. Of course, you can still manually override the automatic controls from the master
station.
In real life, SCADA systems automatically regulate all kinds of industrial processes. For example, if too much
pressure is building up in a gas pipeline, the SCADA system can automatically open a release valve. Electricity
production can be adjusted to meet demands on the power grid.
How to Evaluate SCADA Master Stations
Analog inputs allow you to monitor important values, including environmentals and battery levels.
You must also understand the overarching SCADA master that displays the data for you and your team.
Transporting Data Back to Your SCADA Master

You want to be able to monitor multiple systems from a central location, so you need a communications network to transport all
the data collected from your sensors.
Early SCADA networks communicated over radio, modem or dedicated serial lines. Today the trend is to put SCADA data on
Ethernet and IP over SONET. For security reasons, SCADA data should be kept on closed LAN/WANs without exposing sensi-
tive data to the open Internet.
17
Real SCADA systems don’t communicate with just simple

electrical signals, either. SCADA data is encoded in protocol Alarm Master Choice:
format. T/MonGFX
Older SCADA systems depended on closed proprietary pro-
tocols, but today the trend is to open, standard protocols and
protocol mediation.
Sensors and control relays are very simple electric devices that
can’t generate or interpret protocol communication on their
own. Therefore the remote telemetry unit (RTU) is needed
to provide an interface between the sensors and the SCADA
network. The RTU encodes sensor inputs into protocol format
and forwards them to the SCADA master; in turn, the RTU
receives control commands in protocol format from the mas-
ter and transmits electrical signals to the appropriate control T/Mon NOC has many features to
relays. make your alarms more meaningful,
including:
Advanced SCADA Data Presentation 1. T/GFX software for intuitive mon-

itoring with a multi-layered graphi-
A real SCADA system reports to human operators over a cal view of your network.
specialized computer that is variously called a master station, 2. Detailed, plain English alarm
an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) or an HCI (Human-
descriptions include severity, loca-
Computer Interface).
tion and date/time stamp.
The SCADA master station has several different functions. 3. Immediate notification of COS
The master continuously monitors all sensors and alerts the alarms, including new alarms and
operator when there is an “alarm” — that is, when a control alarms that have cleared
factor is operating outside what is defined as its normal opera-
4. Standing alarm list is continuously
tion. The master presents a comprehensive view of the entire
managed system, and presents more detail in response to user updated.
requests. 5. Nuisance alarm filtering, allowing
your staff to focus its attention on
The master also performs data processing on information gath- serious threats.
ered from sensors — it maintains report logs and summarizes
historical trends.
6. Pager and email notifications sent
directly to maintenance person-
An advanced SCADA master can add a great deal of nel, even if they’re away from the
intelligence and automation to your systems manage- NOC.
ment, making your job much easier. 7. Derived alarms and controls that
combine and correlate data from
multiple alarm inputs and automati-
cally control remote site equipment
to correct complex threats.
For more information, check
out T/Mon on the Web at
www.dpstelecom.com/tmon.
18
Perfect Fit • DPS Telecom • 4955 East Yale Avenue, Fresno, California 93727 • (800) 622-3314 • Fax (559) 454-1688 • www.dpstele.com
Get the Facts Before You Purchase Your Next Network Monitoring System
If you found the information in this white paper useful, you’ll also be interested in the other white papers in the DPS Telecom
Network Monitoring Guide series. Each paper is a complete guide to an essential aspect of network monitoring. These are the
facts you need to know to make an informed purchase of your next network monitoring system.
SCADA Tutorial: A Fast Introduction to SCADA Fundamentals and

Implementation
This white paper is a complete guide to what SCADA is and what SCADA can do for you. It includes
details about real-world SCADA applications, including how to monitor, manage, and control your facili-
ties while staying on time, staying on budget, and increasing profitability. To receive this report, visit:
http://www.dpstele.com/white-papers
SNMP Tutorial
This guidebook has been created to give you the information you need to successfully implement SNMP-
based alarm monitoring in your network. To receive this report, visit:
http://www.dpstele.com/white-papers
Monitoring Alarms Over T1

Monitoring sites outside of your existing LAN used to be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Now,
new technology allows you to effectively monitor sites when T1 is the only available connection. This
new white paper will show you how to monitor your outside plant sites, cost-effectively provide Ethernet
to site equipment, and maximize your ROI. To receive this report, visit: http://www.dpstele.com/white-
papers
Give Us Your Feedback

Send your comments to feedback@dpstele.com
This all sounds great, but where can I get product details?
If you would like to know more about the products and services mentioned in this white paper, visit www.dpstele.com and
click “Applications.” or “Products.”
DPS Telecom Tech Support for Your SCADA Questions

The NetGuardian and sensor products offered by DPS include comprehensive
technical support. If you’ve purchased DPS products to set up your SCADA sys-
tem and have questions, contact DPS Tech Support today at 559-454-1600.
At DPS Telecom, the representative who answers your call isn’t an intern reading
from a script. DPS Tech Support representatives are engineers who contribute
to product development. And, if your problem requires additional expertise, the
DPS Engineering Department that designed your product is right down the hall. Chris Hower
Tech Support at DPS
19
“We do have an existing alarm system, but frankly it doesn’t hold

a candle to DPS equipment. I mean, it’s not even close.”
—Chris LaVay, De Anza Moon Valley
“It is hard to find companies with the intelligence and aptitude to meet
the customer’s exact needs, and I believe that is what DPS is all about.”
—Lee Wells, Pathnet
Written by Robert Berry and Andrew Erickson
About the Authors

Robert Berry is founder and CEO of DPS Telecom, an industry-leading devel-
oper of network alarm management solutions. Two decades’ experience
designing remote telemetry systems have taught Berry that technology is most
powerful when it meets real-world business needs. DPS Telecom clients have
grown to appreciate Berry’s dedication to developing technology solutions that
lower costs and raise revenue.
Andrew Erickson is Lead Writer for The Protocol, the monthly alarm monitoring ezine from
DPS (www.TheProtocol.com). Experience writing web content and product documentation have
prepared him to capture the expertise of the DPS Engineering team in a clear, concise white
paper.
www.dpstele.com
1-800-622-3314
US $36.95
“We protect your network like your business depends on it”TM
20

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SCADA Sensor Tutorial

Unleash The Power of Your SCADA System With Advanced Sensors

Unleash the power of your SCADA system by deploying environmental and

© Copyright 2008 DPS Telecom

Printed in the U.S.A.

The Top 10 SCADA Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Combining the Power of SCADA and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 Key Advantages of Using an Advanced RTU as Your SCADA Sensor Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SCADA Sensors Available from DPS Telecom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Control Your Equipment Remotely with Control Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

How to Evaluate SCADA Master Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Discrete vs. Analog Alarms

This RTU Grows with Your

Establish Critical Thresholds and Receive Alarms when They’re Crossed

As an example, you might set up 4 different threshold values:

The Top 10 SCADA Sensors:

New SCADA and Sensor Deployment “Could Save Millions” at This

Since this tedious process often eats up much of his time,

Constant Equipment Monitoring Kept Him From Other Job Responsibilities…

“It could save us millions of dollars.”

A Better, More Efficient SCADA Monitoring System at De Anza Moon Valley…

Combining the Power of SCADA and Sensors

Temperature Liquid Level Sensor

A wide variety of sensors can be hooked up in your SCADA system to

5 Key Advantages of Using an Advanced RTU As Your

216 has an industrial temperature ratings. This highly

Economical NetGuardian 216 G3

This tech has no clue what this

But this one with an advanced RTU

SCADA Sensors Available From DPS Telecom

Analog Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Analog/Temperature and Humidity Sensor Package (–48 V)

Analog Temperature/Humidity Sensor Only

Discrete Temperature, Humidity, and Motion Sensors

TempAlert Sensor (30° F to 100° F)

Meter Type TempAlert Sensor(–30° F to 130° F)

Meter Type TempAlert Sensor (–30° to 100° F)

Humidity Sensor (Discrete)

Humidity Sensor (Discrete)

Motion Sensor (Discrete)

Discrete Liquid Level Sensor

Discrete Liquid Level Sensor

Building Status Sensors

Photoelectric Smoke Detector with Heat Sensor

Door Sensor (Surface Mount)

Power, Battery and Voltage Sensors

Power Out Alert Sensor

Current Sensor 0 to 100 Amp AC/DC (Analog)

Call DPS For More SCADA Sensor Information

For dates and registration information, call 1-800-693-3314 today or go to www.dpstele.com/training.

Control Your Equipment Remotely with Control Relays

How to Evaluate SCADA Master Stations

Transporting Data Back to Your SCADA Master

Real SCADA systems don’t communicate with just simple

Advanced SCADA Data Presentation 1. T/GFX software for intuitive mon-

SCADA Tutorial: A Fast Introduction to SCADA Fundamentals and

Monitoring Alarms Over T1

Give Us Your Feedback

DPS Telecom Tech Support for Your SCADA Questions

“We do have an existing alarm system, but frankly it doesn’t hold

—Chris LaVay, De Anza Moon Valley

Written by Robert Berry and Andrew Erickson

About the Authors