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Anonymous Poster

DCS and PLC

08/23/2008 10:50 AM

Can somebody explain in detail the difference between DCS and PLC and their applications in any process industry.Though books can be referred but it would take a long time.Hope to get a +ve reply.
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april05
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#1

Re: DCS and PLC

08/23/2008 11:14 AM

Hi Guest - I've seen this same question posted recently: "DCS" can mean either "Distributed Control System" or "Digital Control System", depending on your application and the company you work for. "PLC" means "Programmable Logic Controller". The distinction is that a PLC is an element in a DCS, and is used for dedicated process control for critical applications, like controlling fuels in a gas turbine combustor. GE's "Fanuc" controls division uses a controller called the "Mark 5e+", so maybe you're looking for GE Fanuc's definition of those acronyms (check out Fanuc's web site if so). Otherwise, for a more neutral definition that would apply across companies, I suggest you consult the non-profit trade organization "ISA", Instrumentation Society of America (it's been around since 1945), at http://www.isa.org. Good luck, Guest! -april05
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JohnDG
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#2

Re: DCS and PLC

08/23/2008 12:28 PM

Hi, Guest. You can also find some useful information on this thread: http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/14212/Difference-between-PLC-DCS

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jamsshed
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#3

Re: DCS and PLC

08/23/2008 1:11 PM

Hi Guest,

U can find more information about DCS,PLC,SCADA,HMI .Just visit on

http://globalautomation.info
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tooz
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#4

Re: DCS and PLC

08/23/2008 11:31 PM

Hi, with current controllers the lines between DCS and PLC now are blurry. PLC's have now developed to be called PAC's (Programmable Automation Controllers). Rockwell with ControlLogix and the Schnieder/Modicon PLC's are now capable of taking on applications that were considered to be DCS applications. Rockwell did have a system called ProcessLogix which was a joint development with Honeywell, but have now dropped this line as their ControlLogix and RSViewSE is a system able to make 'in roads' into DCS applications.

Redundancy is an area that DCS systems are still stronger in.

Cheers.

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jcchiefeng
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#5

Re: DCS and PLC

08/24/2008 8:51 AM

Hello Guest! My life's work is designing, installing, commissioning, validating and servicing DDC/PLC systems! Go to www.innovativelogicalcontrols.com and call me for a short "FREE" training session!

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PWSlack
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#6

Re: DCS and PLC

08/26/2008 4:36 AM

There are good articles on these subjects for further reading in on-line encyclopediae, like Wikipedia.

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martin
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#7

Re: DCS and PLC

08/27/2008 11:57 AM

Welll PLC is some sort of a mini DCS, but as of now PLC can be compatible to any DCS.
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april05 (1); jamsshed (1); jcchiefeng (1); JohnDG (1); martin (1); PWSlack (1); tooz (1)

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