What issues need to be considered for communication between two DCS systems?
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In desulfurization and denitration projects, what issues need to be considered regarding the communication between the DCS in the desulfurization area and the DCS in the main plant? Like communication interfaces, communication protocols, and things like that? Which ones are being used more frequently these days? Thank you all!
For different manufacturers, standard communication protocols are used, such as Modbus and Profibus; or OPC communication is also possible without the need for additional hardware； It’s simple for products from the same manufacturer – just connect them directly; at most, a network converter or something similar might be needed. I haven’t worked with other communication protocols, so I’m not sure; please experts fill in the gaps
It’s more convenient to use products from the same manufacturer – all that’s needed is to add fiber transceivers and fibers. However, with systems from different brands, it’s more complicated, as an OPC server needs to be added.
I asked the DCS manufacturer before, and they said that communication between two DCS systems usually takes place over Ethernet, using the TCP/IP protocol, with fiber optic connections.
The physical connection is convenient, but in practice it’s quite troublesome. Generally, DCS does not output communication signals; usually, a large amount of information is transmitted via OPC.
Protocol, address, parity bits, stop bit. . .
OPC port authorization is required. There’s nothing special else. The person using it needs to purchase a license, while the user can do so for free.