Traffic signals, water management control systems, mass transit systems, manufacturing processes, environmental control systems, electric power generation, and transmission and distribution systems all require control capability from a master location.

SCADA, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, is a cross industry solution used in industrial and civil engineering applications that accomplishes just that.

Modern technology has allowed the evolution of SCADA to include greater data accuracy, complex analysis, automatic intelligence control, sophisticated data manipulation, improved scalability and tighter security.

SCADA permits control of remote equipment from a central location, allowing more efficient and cost-effective management of remote sites.

For instance, routine adjustments to levels, power, pressure, temperature, etc., which improve system performance while reducing maintenance costs, can now be better managed through SCADA. In addition, response time to emergencies is significantly reduced.

ILLUMINAT offers the higher tier Motorola SCADA product, (MOSCAD) - an expandable SCADA system specifically designed to monitor, control and automate the hardware and processes at distributed equipment sites to enhance the performance of remote installations.

Motorola's family of MOSCAD Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) provides turn-key solutions that include a large number of RTUs, versatile control centres, third party smart sensors, IEDs, and virtually any process controller unit.

Features include:

Modularity
Allows for easy system configuration optimisation according to the specific and unique requirements at a particular site. MOSCAD has a large selection of plug-in I/O modules which allows each remote site to be configured to run specific applications as required.

Dual Functionality
Functions as both an RTU and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). If the application loaded into the CPU module is simple, then MOSCAD functions as an RTU; if the application utilises a decision-making code, then MOSCAD functions as a PLC.

Network Adaptability
Connects directly to VHF, UHF, 800 and 900 MHz trunked and conventional radios, Private DataTAC modems, iDEN, TETRA, GSM, Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) modems, Multiple Address System (MAS) data radios, and Spread Spectrum radios. MOSCAD's specialised I/O modules provide connectivity to both digital and analog sensors.

Interoperability
The MOSCAD family of RTUs is capable of communications with other vendors' PLCs, IEDs, and RTUs, by utilising MODBUS, Allen Bradley DF/1, and other protocols. MOSCAD allows you to integrate new SCADA systems or expand existing ones, utilising the enterprise's current communication media, Master Control Center (MCC) software, and the most suitable data protocol.

Motorola Data Link Communication (MDLC) Protocol
MDLC, a modern and powerful data communications protocol, is based on the International Standards Organisation's (ISO's) seven-layer protocol recommendation. It was created to be particularly robust on crowded, shared two-way radio communication circuits. Its seven-layer OSI/ISO compatible structure allows powerful networks functions.