
DCS is included with basic elements such as engineering workstation, operating station or HMI, process control unit, smart devices, and communication system.ĭistribution Control Systems (DCS) can be used in various control applications with more number of I/O’s with dedicated controllers. The organizing of the entire control structure as a single automation system can be done with DCS as it unites sub-systems through a proper command structure and information flow. These are interconnected by a high-speed communication bus and their functions include data presentation, data acquisition, process control, process supervision, reporting information, storing and retrieval of information.Ģ) The second characteristic is the automation of manufacturing process by integrating advanced control strategies.ģ) The third characteristic is arranging the things as a system.

Levels 3 and 4 do not strictly process control in the traditional sense, but where production control and scheduling takes place.ĭistribution Control Systems (DCS) consists of three major qualities.ġ) Various control functions can be distributed into small sets of subsystems that are of semiautonomous. On the other hand, Level 1 and Level 2 are the functional levels of a traditional DCS, in which all equipments are part of integrated systems from a single manufacturer. Level 4: It is the production scheduling level Level 3: It is the production control level, which does not directly control the process, but is concerned with monitoring production and monitoring targets. Level 2: It is included with supervisory computers that help to gather information from processor nodes on the system, and provide the operator control screens. Level 1: It consists of the industrialized Input / Output (I/O) modules, and their associated distributed electronic processors.

Level 0: It consists of the field devices such as temperature sensors, flow, and final control elements such as control valves. The below diagram showcases the functional manufacturing levels using computerized control: This distribution of computing power to the field Input / Output (I/O) field connection racks also ensures fast controller processing times by removing possible network and central processing delays.

It will affect one section of the plant process if a processor fails and the whole process will be affected when the central computer fails. These systems are used on large continuous process plants where high reliability and security is required.Īs DCS contains the distribution of the control processing around nodes in the system, the complete system is reliable and mitigates a single processor failure. What is Distributed Control Systems (DCS)?ĭistributed Control Systems (DCS) is a computerized control system for a process or plant that consists of a large number of control loops, in which autonomous controllers are distributed throughout the system, but there is central operator supervisory control.ĭCS can be used to enhance reliability and reduce installation costs by localizing control functions near the process plant, with remote monitoring and supervision. Moreover, it supports modification, upgrade, and integration to the existing architecture of any industry. To manage the database, control logic, graphics, and system security, DCS uses a set of configuration tools. Individually controlling, reporting, and monitoring the components are enabled using integrating distributed control systems with process plants.

The major concept of distributed control systems application is derived from the idea of decentralizing the control unit and establishing a common network between the engineering stations.įigure: Overview of DCS Market Size and Forecast The networking capabilities of DCS are useful in the process management and the inputs or resulted outputs can be an analog signal or discrete signal.ĭistributed Control Systems are used merely in the innovative emerging process industries as an extension of traditional controllers. “The global total revenue of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) will enhance to $23.37 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 4.5% owing to a continuous adoption of automation systems (DCS) in various industry verticals, according to 's report.”ĭistributed Control Systems (DCS) plays a vital role in manufacturing industries as they are used to control and manage the processes. An Overview Of Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
