Scribd
Upload
189 views2 pages

What Is The Difference Between PLC and DCS

This document discusses the differences between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a distributed control system (DCS). A PLC is a specialized computer that controls an automation task for a plant or factory by processing all field inputs and issuing commands. While simpler, a PLC can become overloaded and fail to segregate critical functions. A DCS distributes control logic and hardware across multiple microprocessors called functional groups to ease implementation, provide segregation, reduce cabling costs, and allow critical systems to operate independently at higher speeds. The document explains that a DCS can solve issues with processing power and integration that a single PLC may face for large, complex control systems.

Uploaded by

r4kin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
189 views2 pages

What Is The Difference Between PLC and DCS

This document discusses the differences between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a distributed control system (DCS). A PLC is a specialized computer that controls an automation task for a plant or factory by processing all field inputs and issuing commands. While simpler, a PLC can become overloaded and fail to segregate critical functions. A DCS distributes control logic and hardware across multiple microprocessors called functional groups to ease implementation, provide segregation, reduce cabling costs, and allow critical systems to operate independently at higher speeds. The document explains that a DCS can solve issues with processing power and integration that a single PLC may face for large, complex control systems.

Uploaded by

r4kin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

What is the difference between PLC and DCS? https://www.quora.

com/What-is-the-difference-between-PLC-and-DCS

What is the difference between PLC and DCS?

To understand the difference lets know what PLC and DCS are:-

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a specialized processor/ computer with all the hardware and
software to do a specific automation task, say running a plant/factory. This means that all the Field/Realworld
Inputs are processed by the PLC (using Input interface hardware )and the same then issues commands to
various devices and actuators(via Output interface). This has some Pros and Cons.

Pros:-

1. As a single processor is working it can easily access all the data / inputs and use it as it requires.
2. It has a simple architecture and is easier to implement and maintain.
3. It has reduced hardware and reduced cost.

Cons:-

1. As all the functions are done by the same processor it increases the loading on the controller. For large
systems the processing power required can be too high.
2. There is no physical segregation for critical application such as protections.
3. Failure of the controllers (though redundant controllers can be provided) will lead to complete shutdown
of the control system. For some applications a true standalone system is required.
4. If the various areas are far away the cabling cost of inputs and outputs to the PLC can increase to much
and for long distance it can be impracticable.

If a standalone system is made for such application then it will be difficult to integrate them in a common
SCADA/ HMI/ interface and the spare for maintaining different systems will increase cost.

DCS (distributed control system)can solve these problems. In a DCS the entire logic and hardware is distribute
or broken into different microprocessors or Functional groups(FGs) for ease the implementation and provide
segregation.

1 of 2 12/14/2018, 11:23 AM
What is the difference between PLC and DCS? https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-PLC-and-DCS

These separate Functional groups(FGs) are linked to the same HMI/SCADA/interface. The entire control of
the plant is broken in small groups with each groups having something similar. For example:- The
AC/ventilation system can be separated from the production part as it is not related functionally.

If separate FGs need to communicate some signals, the same is done through Hardwire or Network/protocol
such as OPC, modbus, profibus etc. As most of the processing is already done in the other FG the cabling is also
reduced.

Protection system and critical systems can be made into a separate FG and this processor having low input and
controls can work with low loading and higher speed.

As a engineer working in Control systems, I too find it very confusing when people use the term PLC and DCS
interchangeable. This is because DCS are an advanced or a larger implementation of the PLCs. A number of
vendors call the same processor as PLC or DCS depending on the execution or architecture used for the
application as illustrated.

I hope this is helpful to you and for any queries do comment.

Image source :- Google.com, wikipedia

Related link-

Distributed control system - Wikipedia

2 of 2 12/14/2018, 11:23 AM

You might also like