BASIC PRINCIPLES OF

DCS
Prepared by:
Engr. Athena Dextrae T. Celestra, CICT
 Distributed Control System
DCS Meaning
Decentralized Control System
 It is a microprocessor-based control
system designed to perform process
control functions involving mostly
DCS Function
analog variables that are previously
performed by conventional, stand-
alone controllers (like PLC).
 A distributed control system (DCS) is a
platform for automated control and operation
of a plant or industrial process. A DCS
combines the following into a single
DCS Function automated system: human machine interface
(HMI), logic solvers, historian, common
database, alarm management, and a common
engineering suite.
 This system typically consists of
multiple controllers or computers that
are distributed across various locations
within a plant or industrial process. The
DCS Purpose distribution of control functions
increases reliability, flexibility, and
redundancy in industrial automation
systems.
Basic Components of PLC
 Basic Similarities and Differences with PLC

PLC DCS

Controller
 Basic Similarities and Differences with PLC
PLC DCS
• Handles single processes and primarily • Controlling many autonomous controllers
use for repetitive discrete control that handle many continuous operations,
• For small production environment mainly using analog control
• Traditionally use for single batch or • Environment for large I/O counts
Highspeed control • Use for continuous complex controls
• Low-cost design • Integrated control center much like SCADA
• Processing time typically very fast • Processing time is somewhat slower
• Typically use graphical display like SCADA • Most reliable for safety
• Control equipment only • Control and Supervisory as one package
• Best option for smaller sized process • For larger and more complex processes
• Factory Automation • Process Automation
 Basic Similarities and Differences with PLC

Basic Architecture
Basic Components of a DCS
 Basic Components of a DCS

1. CPU or Processor Module

It typically has a microprocessor
chip and is the brain of the system. It
implements the logic and communication
among the modules. It contains a memory to
store the user program, and the results of
the logical operations performed by the
microprocessor. The memory consists of the
RAM and ROM. Modern CPU has removable
memory media.
 Basic Components of a DCS
2. Input Module (DI, AI)
It is the interface between the field input
devices and the controller. It conditions the signals
received to the format used by the processor. The
field input devices are hard-wired to the input
modules.
INPUTS
Discrete Input Devices Discrete Input Signals
• Binary Sensors Voltage: 0 and 5Vdc
• Pushbuttons 0 and 24Vdc
• Switches 0 and 24 Vac
0 and 110Vac
0 and 220Vac
Analog Input Devices Analog Input Signals
• Sensors 4 to 20 mAdc
• Transmitters 0 to 20 mAdc
• Transducers 0 to 10Vdc
mV from T/C
Ohms from RTD
Frequency
 Basic Components of a DCS
3. Output Module (DO, AO)
It is the interface between the field output
devices and the controller. It conditions the signals
from the processor to be converted into that required
by the devices. The field output devices are hard-
wired to the output modules.
OUTPUTS
Discrete Output Devices Discrete Output Signals
• Lamps Voltage: Relay Contact
• Solenoids 0 and 24Vdc
• Relays
• Contactors 0 and 24 Vac
0 and 110Vac
0 and 220Vac
Analog Output Devices Analog Input Signals
• VFD • 4 to 20 mAdc
• Drives • 0 to 20 mAdc
• Control Valve • 0 to 10 Vdc
• Proportioning FCE
 Basic Components of a DCS

4. Power Supply Module

It receives an AC or DC supply
voltage and converts this into the DC voltage
required by the modules. It does not supply
power to the field devices (an external power
supply unit Is used).
It rece
 Difference Between Analog, Digital, and Discrete
Signals
DISCRETE SIGNAL DIGITAL SIGNAL
This is called BINARY or BOOLEAN. There are It has many possible values. These are referred
to as value stages, steps, or counts. A digital
only 2 values an are defined as high or low, on
signal is defined by several value steps. It is
or off, yes or no, on or off, and true or false. formed inside a computer from an analog
signal conversion.
ANALOG SIGNAL
It has many possible values. It is generated as a
result of process variable measurement and
control. The industry standard is the 4mAdc
and 1to 5 Vdc ranges.
 I/O SYSTEM TYPES FOR COMMUNICATION

Parallel Bus I/O

Parallel Bus I/O allows multiple signals to be
transmitted simultaneously using multiple
modules, enabling fast data transfer but
requiring more connection.

Serial Bus I/O

Serial Bus I/O transmits signals one after the
other through a processor, simplifying but
resulting in slower data transfer.
DCS System Architecture
Uses closed loop control
Operator Station
• Typical plant starts with this control center
• Heart of the system
• Can observe operations, view process warnings
and alarms, monitor production, etc.
Servers
• used for the collection of data at the processor
• Responsible for data that moves between the OS
and processors
Archiving
• used for storing historical data that may be used
for trends or compliance
Engineering Station
• used for creating the projects on which the
processes run
• Includes hardware configuration, creating logics,
graphical displays for operator interaction,
administration of installed software packages
• used to download the projects to controllers and
graphical displays
DCS System Architecture

Master Controllers
• Supervise the individual processors as well as I/O
modules
• Responsible for providing the data to the servers,
which in turn supply data for the graphical
interface
• Processor executes the logic
Field Devices
• Transmitters, switches, valves, remote or
distributed I/Os, etc.
Primarily use for repetitive discrete control
Communication Protocols
• Profinet, Fiber Optics, Profibus, Modbus,
Ethercat, etc.
• For field devices, uses whichever is compatible
 Basic Methods Used by DCS
• Function Block Diagram
• Sequence Function Chart

Configuration Basic Methods Used by PLC

• Ladder Diagram
and • Instruction List
Programming Requirements of IEC 61131-3 and ISA for any System
Methods • Ladder Diagram (LD)
• Instruction List (IL)
• Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Sequence Function Chart (SFC)
• Structured Text (ST)
 LADDER DIAGRAM (LD)

Configuration
and
Programming
Methods
 INSTRUCTION LIST (IL)

Configuration
and
Programming
Methods
 FUNCTION BLOCK DIAGRAM (FBD)

Configuration
and
Programming
Methods

Continuous Function Chart (CFC)

 SEQUENCE FUNCTION CHART (SFC)

Configuration
and
Programming
Methods
 STRUCTURED TEXT (ST)

Configuration
and
Programming
Methods
Configuration and Programming Methods
 LOGIC FUNDAMENTALS
1. The BINARY Concept
There are only 2 logic states and are defined as High or Low, On or Off, 1 or 0, and True or
False. These are called binary or discrete signals.

2. The AND Function

It has 2 or more inputs and only 1 output. The output is True only if all inputs are True. In
electrical wiring logic, it is a series connection of contacts.

3. The OR Function
It has 2 or more inputs and only 1 output. The output is True if any inputs are True. In
electrical wiring logic, it is a parallel connection of contacts.

4. The NOT Function

It has only 1 input and 1 output. The output is the inverse of the input. It is therefore an
inverter.
See you again ☺

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