1

RTU (REMOTE TERMINAL UNIT) IN THE

INDUSTRY (03 Abril 2017)
Enmanuel Berruecos G., enmanuelbg@unicauca.edu.co, Student;
J. Esteban Meneses D., jmenensesd@unicauca.edu.co, Student;
And J. Manuel C. Cruz, ccjuan@unicauca.edu.co, Student.
Universidad del Cauca, Facultad de Ingeniera Electrnica y Telecomunicaciones, Programa
Ingeniera en Automtica Industrial, Popayn, Cauca

Abstract This article provides information on what a RTU

and its components are; Its protocols for communication and
established means for transmission; As well as the state of the art
technologies implemented in these devices, and why they differ
from a PLC; Its programming languages standardized and
established in the standard, to be able to have a better
understanding by anyone who accesses your information; And
other details about the use of this technology in the industry.

Resumen El presente artculo nos proporciona una

informacin sobre qu es una RTU y sus componentes; Sus
protocolos para la comunicacin y medios establecidos para la
transmisin; As como el estado del arte de las tecnologas
implementadas en estos dispositivos, y el por qu se diferencian
de un PLC; Sus lenguajes de programacin estandarizados y Fig 1. Schematic relation SCADA and RTU [1]
establecidos en la norma, para el poder tener una mejor
comprensin por cualquier persona que acceda a su informacin;
Y otros cuantos detalles sobre el uso de esta tecnologa en la II. THE RTU (REMOTE TERMINAL UNITY):
industria.
A. What is a RTU?
I. INTRODUCTION

T he technological advancement over the communication

have enabled the creation of different tools which
allow to store, to process and to transport information
between different environments in an efficient, secure
and reliable way.
In the industry, the access to the information is vital because it
always requires monitoring, control and supervision of the
different processes that are performed to go hand in hand with
quality, optimization of resources, cost reduction And
efficiency over time.
SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), a software
application program for process control, where data are
collected in real time from remote locations until equipment
control.
The microprocessor called RTU (Remote terminal unit),
through the control of electronic devices, it allows the
interconnection of SCADA systems with the physical world
through the transmission of data telemetry to a master system.
The RTU is also called remote telemetry unit or remote
control unit.
It is a stand-alone data acquisition and control unit, generally
based on microprocessors that it monitors and controls at a
remote location. Its primary task is to control and gets data
from process equipment at the remote location and to transfer
this data back to a central station. One of its great advantages
is the reduction of service costs up to 60% because this unit
allows to perform diagnosis and maintenance from any Earth's
point. [2]
In other words, the RTUs are the interface with the devices
that are located in the field (sensors, transmitters or process
equipment) so that we can relate with the eyes, ears, and hands
of the master station where it supervises and Control of
industrial processes .[3]
Remote terminal units are more advanced versions of PLCs,
which can only follow a specific programming called logic of
ladder. One RTU is sophisticated and intelligent, enough to
control multiple processes without requiring user intervention
or input from a more intelligent controller or master controller.
[4]
RTUs with the aid of appropriate sensors, monitors production
processes at remote site and transmits all data to a central
station where it is collated and monitored. An RTU can be
interfaced using serial ports (RS232, RS482, and RS422) or
Ethernet to communicate with the central stations. RTUs

support several standard protocols such as MODBUS, IEC
60870, and DNP3. [5].
B. Communications protocols
The posibility of implement Substation Automatization
Systems (SAS), rests on the strong development of circuits
That have led to the current availability of advanced faster and
powerful microprocessors. The result was an evolution of
substation secondary equipment, the electro-mechanical
devices turn in to digital devices. This give the possibility of
implement decentralized SAS, using various intelligent
electronic devices (IEDs) to do functions of protection,
control, local and remote monitoring, etc. Due, emerged the
necessity of efficient communications between IEDs,
especially through a standard protocol. [13]
The objective of the normalization of automatization the
substations is develop a communication standard complying
the requirements and costs that support the future technologic
develops. The communication standard should support the
operative functions of the substation and get own a
communication profile, in the individual levels of OSI, based
on exist standards IEC/ISO/OSI.
In electrical engineering and power system automation,
the International Electrotechnical Commission 60870
standards define systems used for telecontrol (supervisory
control and data acquisition). Such systems are used for
controlling electric power transmission grids and other
geographically widespread control systems. By use of
standardized protocols, equipment from many different
suppliers can be made to interoperate. IEC standard 60870 has
six parts, defining general information related to the standard,
operating conditions, electrical interfaces, performance
requirements, and data transmission protocols. The 60870
standards are developed by IEC Technical Committee 57.
1.) List of IEC 60870 parts:
IEC TR 60870-1-1:1988 General considerations.
Section One: General principles
IEC 60870-1-2:1989 General considerations. Section
Two: Guide for specifications
IEC TR 60870-1-3:1997 General considerations -
Section 3: Glossary
IEC TR 60870-1-4:1994 General considerations -
Section 4: Basic aspects of telecontrol data transmission
and organization of standards IEC 870-5 and IEC 870-6
IEC TR 60870-1-5:2000 General considerations -
Section 4: Influence of modem transmission procedures
with scramblers on the data integrity of transmission
systems using the protocol IEC 60870-5
2
IEC 60870-2-1:1995 Operating conditions - Section
1: Power supply and electromagnetic compatibility
IEC 60870-2-2:1996 Operating conditions - Section
2: Environmental conditions (climatic, mechanical and
other non-electrical influences)
IEC 60870-3:1989 Interfaces (electrical
characteristics)
IEC 60870-4:1990 Performance requirements
2.) IEC 60870-5 parts:
IEC 60870 part 5, known as Transmission
protocols, [1] provides a communication profile for sending
basic telecontrol messages between two systems, which uses
permanent directly connected data circuits between the
systems. The IEC TC 57 WG3 have developed
a protocol standard for telecontrol, teleprotection, and
associated telecommunications for electric power systems.
The result of this work is IEC 60870-5. Five documents
specify the base IEC 60870-5:
IEC 60870-5-1 Transmission Frame Formats
IEC 60870-5-2 Data Link Transmission Services
IEC 60870-5-3 General Structure of Application
Data
IEC 60870-5-4 Definition and Coding of Information
Elements
IEC 60870-5-5 Basic Application Functions
IEC 60870-5-6 Guidelines for conformance testing
for the IEC 60870-5 companion standards
IEC TS 60870-5-7 Security extensions to IEC 60870-
5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104 protocols (applying IEC
62351)
The IEC TC 57 has also generated companion standards:
IEC 60870-5-101 Transmission Protocols -
companion standards especially for basic telecontrol tasks
IEC 60870-5-102 Transmission Protocols -
Companion standard for the transmission of integrated
totals in electric power systems (this standard is not
widely used)
IEC 60870-5-103 Transmission Protocols -
Companion standard for the informative interface of
protection equipment
IEC 60870-5-104 Transmission Protocols - Network
access for IEC 60870-5-101 using standard transport
profiles

IEC TS 60870-5-601 Transmission protocols -
Conformance test cases for the IEC 60870-5-101
companion standard
IEC TS 60870-5-604 Conformance test cases for the
IEC 60870-5-104 companion standard
IEC 60870-5-101/102/103/104 are companion standards
generated for basic telecontrol tasks, transmission of
integrated totals, data exchange from protection equipment &
network access of IEC101 respectively.
3.) IEC 60870-6 parts :
IEC TC 57 WG3 also generated standards for telecontrol
protocols compatible with ISO standards and ITU-T
recommendations. These standards include:
IEC 60870-6-1 Application context and organization
of standards
IEC 60870-6-2 Use of basic standards (OSI layers 1
4)
IEC 60870-6-501 TASE.1 Service definitions
IEC 60870-6-502 TASE.1 Protocol definitions
IEC 60870-6-503 TASE.2 Services and protocol
IEC 60870-6-504 TASE.1 User conventions
IEC TR 60870-6-505 TASE.2 User guide
IEC 60870-6-601 Functional profile for providing the
connection-oriented transport service in an end system
connected via permanent access to a packet switched data
network
IEC 60870-6-602 TASE transport profiles
IEC 60870-6-701 Functional profile for providing the
TASE.1 application service in end systems
IEC 60870-6-702 Functional profile for providing the
TASE.2 application service in end systems
IEC 60870-6-802 TASE.2 Object models [13]
4.) EPA reference model:
OSI reference model (Open System Interconnection), bring a
general description of the necessary functions to realize
reliable communications between heterogeneous systems. The
model, its organized in seven layers, each one have a specific
function in the communication. 1 to 4 layer (physical,
datalink, red and transport), define necessary functions to data
transmission between systems, while 5 to 7 layer (session,
presentation and application), define oriented functions to
user. EPA model (Enhancer Performance Architecture), uses
only three of the seven layers.
The next table show EPA model, with standards associated to
the IEC 60870-5 series, for each one layers or levels. [2]
3
For link level, the associated standards are the IEC 60870-5
and IEC 60870-5-2 publications. The first standard, allows
segment standard format that provides the requirement data
integrity with the maximum available efficiency in function of
service type to implement. The IEC 60870-5-2 publication,
gives a link transmission procedures selection, using one
control and optional direction camps. If the links between
master and diverse telecontrolled stations, share a physic
channel, so the links must to be operated in unbalanced mode,
for avoid the possibility that more than one station try to
transmit in channel, at same time. The sequence which
guarantees different tellecontrolled stations access to transmit
in the channel is determined for one process on the application
level, in master station. Associated standard specifies if it is
due use balanced or unbalanced transmission mode, jointly
with link process type (SEND/NO REPLY, SEND/CONFIRM
and REQUEST/RESPOND).
In application level, IEC 60870-5-3 standard, describes the
general information of application structure, without specify
details about information camps and his content. Specify the
general structure of ASDUs (Application Service Data Units),
used for the application process.
In the IEC 60870-5-4 publication, define the codification
specifications for information individual elements that are
frequently used in telecontrol applications.
60870-5-5 publication, define basic application functions that
are making the standard process for telecontrol systems. This
functions are application process which are located under the
7 level of the reference model ISO and uses the standard
services of the level.
5.) DATA TRANMISSION PROTOCOLS BASED ON
IEC 60870-5-101 THREE LEVEL MODEL
IEC 60870-5-101 standard, is the IEEE recommended model
for the communication between master stations, RTUs and
IEDs.
Use the plot FT 1.2 format, defined in IEC 60870-5-1
document, fulfilling with the data integrity requirements I2
class, that specify hamming distance, d= 4, which it involves
that 4 bit errors, should not cause undetectable messages
errors.
Plot format, can be changeful, between 0 and 255 characters
(user data octets), or immovable. Fig 2. [2], show plot format
with variable or fixed block length, respectively.

Fig 2. Plot format with variable or fixed block length,
respectively [2]
Each character, are composed by: Star bit (value = 0), Stop Bit
(value = 1), eight data bit and parity bit (P). Each plot has
one checksum composed by eight bits, module 256. Some
of protocols based on this reference model are:
5.1.) Distributed Network Protocol 3.0(DNP 3.0).
DNP 3.0 is an industrial protocol for communications between
IEDs and controlled stations, components of SCADA systems.
Was created in 1990 for Westronic Inc., actually GE Harris. In
1993 was in public domain.
The protocol is based in the IEC 60870-5 standard, and
therefore adopt OSI 3 levels EPA model.
Physic level, support RS 485 and required interface. Link
level, has as main characteristic, changeable length, with
maximum 255 characters; use the FT3 plot format, hamming
distance, d = 4; possess collision avoidance in unsolicited
mode; use the unbalanced transmission mode, to allow
spontaneous transmission from remote stations, and the link
process Send/Confirm, Send/No Reply, Request/respond and
confirm. Possess pseudotransport functions or limit transport
function, allowing data and block information transfer.
Application level, define the APDU (Application Protocol
Data Unit) format and services, based on IEC 60870-and 5-3
60870-5-4 documents. Structurally the application level PDU
(Protocol Data Unit), it fits at ASDU (Application Service
Data Unit) IEC description. Support Request/Response
formats. Remote station can decide to transmit
spontaneously information. For master stations, can accept
an unsolicited response meanwhile the transaction is carried
out. For one remote station, Request/Response transaction
must be completed before anyone requirement be accepted or
unsolicited response be sent. In this level, also are defined
diverse priority information classes, such as high, medium,
any, exception information. [14]
Between the important protocol characteristics, can be
mentioned the next ones: Request, manifold information types
answer in the same message; message segmentation in
multiple plots, to ensure excellent detection and error
recovery; change inclusion only in response messages;
unsolicited response; priority assignment to information items
and recurring request of the information items; time
synchronization and standard time format support; it allows
multiple master operations and peer-to-peer; permit objects
define by user, transfer data includes. User-server terms are
applicable to DNP3.0. It can define a server, such as device or
4
software process that possess information or data that other
need (Substation PC) and a user, is a device or software
process that requires server data(Master station).
Fig 3. [2] Show server-user relation and brings a simple
scheme of data vases and involved process. Figure higher
blocks for server case, show data bases and out devices.
Fig 3. Server-user relation and brings a simple scheme of
data vases and involved process. [2]
User and server has similar data bases, the objective is keep it
update for different purposes, such as: show system states,
alarm notification, do close loop control, etc. [14]
5.2.) Modbus RTU.
Modbus RTU is an open, serial (RS-232 or RS-485) protocol
derived from the Master/Slave architecture. It is a widely
accepted protocol due to its ease of use and reliability.
Modbus RTU is widely used within Building Management
Systems (BMS) and Industrial Automation Systems (IAS).
This wide acceptance is due in large part to MODBUS RTUs
ease of use.
MODBUS RTU messages are a simple 16-bit CRC (Cyclic-
Redundant Checksum). The simplicity of these messages is to
ensure reliability. Due to this simplicity, the basic 16-bit
MODBUS RTU register structure can be used to pack in
floating point, tables, ASCII text, queues, and other unrelated
data.
MODBUS is considered an application layer messaging
protocol, providing Master/Slave communication between
devices connected together through buses or networks. On the
OSI model, MODBUS is positioned at level 7. MODBUS is
intended to be a request/reply protocol and delivers services
specified by function codes. The function codes of MODBUS
are elements of MODBUS request/reply PDUs (Protocol
Data Unit).
In order to build the MODBUS application data unit, the client
must initiate a MODBUS transaction. It is the function which
informs the server as to which type of action to perform. The
format of a request initiated by a Master is established by the
MODBUS application protocol. The function code field is
then coded into one byte. Only codes within the range of 1
through 255 are considered valid, with 128-255 being
reserved for exception responses. When the Master sends a
 5

message to the Slave, it is the function code field which
informs the server of what type of action to perform.
To define multiple actions, some functions will have sub-
function codes added to them. For instance, the Master is able
to read the ON/OFF states of a group of discreet outputs or
inputs. It could also read/write the data contents of a group of
MODBUS registers. When the Master receives the Slave
response, the function code field is used by the Slave to
indicate either an error-free response or an exception
response. The Slave echoes to the request of the initial
function code in the case of a normal response. [15]
5.2.1.) Data object properties
Ethernet, and MODBUS TCP/IP) is that MODBUS TCP runs
on an Ethernet physical layer and Modbus RTU is a serial
level protocol. Modbus TCP also uses a 6 byte header to allow
routing.
Bit Structure in the Byte
The Bit of least importance is sent and received first. All
devices within the network must interpret each transmitted
byte analogously in this manner. There are no methods for
automated recognition of baud rates is not assigned and the
same baud rate must be utilized by the Server as well as all
clients connected to the bus. No specific baud rate is specified
by the MODBUS: typical baud rates are 9600 or 19200.

MODBUS RTU packets are only intended to send data; they 5.2.5.) Modbus RTU memory map
do not have the capability to send parameters such as point
name, resolution, units, etc. If the ability to send such
parameters is needed, one should investigate a BACnet,
Ethernet/IP, or other modern protocols.

5.2.2.) Modbus RTU versus other protocols

Despite the limitations of MODBUS RTU, there are still many

good reasons as to why it is still a contender among other
industrial automation protocols. For one, MODBUS RTU is
much easier to implement than newer protocols and is a
dominant force in the market place. MODBUS RTU also
requires significantly less memory. To implement MODBUS
RTU, you can fit the necessary size of 2Kb on a small 8-bit
CPU or PIC processor, whereas with BACnet and Ethernet/IP,
you may require 30-100Kb of memory. [15]

5.2.3.) Modbus RTU address requirements

Standard MODBUS RTU node addresses are 1-254, with 0

being reserved for broadcast messages and write only.
However the 0 address is rarely used due to the fact that there
is no confirmation that the message was properly received at
the slave node. This doesnt have much affect if your physical
5.2.6.) The difference between Modbus RTU and
layer is RS-232 as only one node can be implemented anyway.
Modbus/ascii
RS-485 limits the number of nodes to 32, though some drivers
will allow you to extend the amount. [15]
There are two basic transmission modes found in serial
MODBUS connections, ASCII and RTU. These transmission
modes determine the way in which the MODBUS messages
5.2.4.) The difference between Modbus RTU and Modbus
are coded. In ASCII format, the messages are readable,
TCP
whereas in RTU the messages are in binary coding and cannot
be read while monitoring. The trade-off is that the RTU
The most basic difference between MODBUS RTU and messages are a smaller size, which allows for more data
MODBUS TCP (Also known as MODBUS IP, MODBUS exchange in the same time span. One should be aware that all
nodes within one MODBUS network must be of the same
 6

transmission mode, meaning MODBUS ASCII cannot RTUs This technology allows a reliable, secure and
communicate with MODBUS RTU and vice versa. [15] scalable communication in a short time over IIOTs
platforms such device WISE, Fusion Connect,
In MODBUS/ASCII, messages are encoded with hexadecimal IPwebcontrol, SCADA IQ Web so that through
value, represented with comprehensive ASCII characters. The software, third parties can connect without problems
characters used for this encoding are 09 and AF. For and achieve monitor equipment control.
every byte of information, two communication-bytes are used
OpenVPN .is a VPN technology that allows
because every communication-byte can only define 4 bits in
the hexadecimal system. MODBUS RTU, however, to establish encrypted VPN tunnels
exchanges data in binary format where each byte of data is generating security in the remote
coded in one communication-byte. transmission of data.
SCADALink VPN. Technology that
The MODBUS messages on a serial connection are not Provides secure VPN access to RTUs for
broadcast in plain format. They are constructed in a way that SCADA data communications, putting into
allows receivers an easy way to detect the beginning and end service, maintenance and troubleshooting.
of a message. The characters start and end a frame when in
ASCII mode. To flag the start of a message, a colon : is
used, and each message is ended with a CR/LF combination.
MODBUS RTU uses a different method. In RTU, framing is D. Lenguajes de programacin
constructed by measuring gaps of silence on the
communication line. Before each message, there must be a An RTU or PLC in a SCADA system, fulfills a specific
minimum gap of 3.5 characters. To prepare for new messages, task apart from the reception and transmission of information;
the receiver clears the buffer when a gap of 1.5 characters is this task performs a specific function that is provided by code
detected. One of the main differences between instructions to the machine, so as to allow the conditions of
MODBUS/ASCII and MODBUS RTU is that ASCII allows activation of outputs or timings, etc., to control each process.
gaps between the bytes of a message with a maximum length To program such instructions, each software manufacturer
of 1 second. With MODBUS RTU, continuous streams of provides machine languages for programming the logical
messages must be sent sequence of the process. This routine will run continuously on
the PLC while be in "Run" mode, performing the instructions
and activations provided in the programming.
C. Technologies that incorporate RTUs The IEC through IEC 61131-3 [IEC, 2013] established five
programming languages for programmable controllers: [9]
1) GPS (global positioning system). Technology that [11]
aims to synchronize in the RTUs the storage and
backup of a high number of events located in
different areas.
2) Wireless Transmission Media.
PSTN (public switched telephone network)
network Traditional circuit switching that
allows remote communication of industrial
processes.
GSM-2G(global system for mobile
communications)GSM modem allows
interconnection between PLCS, SCADA,
RTUs through SIM cards of any public
network that support this technology. Data
can be transferred via two ways: SMS,
telephone connection.
Radio. The RTU radio system offers a perfect
solution for controlling distributed irrigation Fig 4. Programming Languages Representation Table.
systems when the use of cables is impossible [12]
or unwanted. RTU radio can also serve as a
repeater for remote RTUs and thus multiply 1) Ladder logic (LD):
the range of communication.
3) Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) Cloud Models networks of functions of simultaneous
Connectivity .Red Lions RAM industrial cellular electromechanical elements such as relays and coils, timers,

counters, etc. [9]
It is designed to be easy to understand in terms of electrical
inputs and outputs and its logic can be assimilated with actual
elements of the process.
It is realized as the parallel representation of two power lines,
which are connected through horizontal lines that connect them,
and in the middle of these (in series), are connected stages that
allow or not the passage of current to an output Connected as
end element of the ladder, being mediators of the current flow as
specific conditions of the process. These stages and outputs are
elements that can be connected electrically to the PLC.
Fig 5. Representation of an (LD) Flow Diagram. From:
https://wiki2.org/es/Lenguaje_Ladder
2) Function Blocks (FBD):
Models networks of functions of simultaneous electronic
elements such as adders, multipliers, shift registers, gates, etc.
[9]
This language allows you to easily connect pre-designed blocks
of logic operations between circuits, for the use and
modification of incoming variables, and obtain a desired process
variable at the output. It consists of steps, which are the ones
that allow us to have a pre-designed block with a text describing
the function performed by that block; Transitions, showing the
flow of some process from a step n, to a step n + 1; Conditions,
which are associated with the transitions, and allow us to know
what condition must be met to go to the next step; And links,
which indicate the flow direction of the process (default is top to
bottom and left to right).
Fig 6. Representation of an (FBD) Flow Diagram. From:
http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S
0123-921X2011000200010
7
3) Structured Text (ST):
Models typical information processing tasks such as numerical
algorithms, using constructs similar to those found in high-level
programming languages such as Pascal or C ++. [9]
It is a language very similar to the programming language of
high level "C", that contains functions or restricted words that
realize logical operations or conditions, such as: FOR, TO,
REPEAT, UNTIL "X"; WHILE "X"; IF. THEN, ELSE.
Fig 7. Representation of a Sequential Programming in
(ST). From: http://reea-
blog.blogspot.com.co/2013/05/perdiendo-el-miedo-al-scl-
i.html
4) Instruction List (IL):
Models low-level programming of control systems in assembler
language. [9]
It consists of simple instructions, basic and registers, which
allow low level communication with the PLC using codes in
assembly language.
Fig 8. Representation of an (IL) Programming.
5) Sequential Functions Diagram (SFC):
Models control devices and algorithms based on events and
time. [9]
 8

It is very similar to a Grafcet flow diagram, which has a few E. References

steps, which indicate the stage or moment of the process in
which it is; Transitions, which are conditions to pass from one 1.) Adam 3600 (Advantech).[16]
step to another; Actions, which are linked to a step and that
perform such action or corresponding actions at that time.
Process tracking is top-down by connecting arcs with arrows
indicating the process flow direction.

Description:

AI / 8DI / 4DO / 4-Slot Expansion Wireless

Intelligent RTU

High Performance CPU Cortex A8 600MHz

Low Power DDR3L 256MB RAM
Embedded Real-time Linux Kernel
Domain Focused Onboard IO -8AI / 8DI / 4DO
4-Slot I/O Expansion
High I/O Flexibility with 4-slot I/O Expansion
Multiple wireless options for ZigBee/ Wi-Fi/ 3G/ 4G/
GPRS
IEC 61131-3&C Programming Language
Fig 9. Representation of an (SFC) Flow Diagram. From: Modbus & DNP3 Protocol
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/GRAFCET Operation Temperature -40~70C

The IEC 61131-3 standard [IEC, 2013] states that a program of 2.) Sicam AK (Siemens).[16]
instructions for application in processes, can be created in any of
the 5 programming languages and executed as specific files in
the PLC. Which can be copied to any other PLC and executed
correctly (if the parameters have been defined the same). [9]
[11]
A fundamental restriction of the standard is the interfaces
between the different tools, for which a specific file format is
required. For example, for the portability of programs developed
in graphic languages such as FBD, LD and SFC, the source The innovative SICAM AK 1703 ACP automation component
code must be in one of the text languages. It should be noted provides a high level of flexibility and functionality, making
that the application software should be compiled in the assembly for a successful automation system. Comprehensive options
language of the target processor, rather than IL or structured for communication, telecontrol and for connecting peripheral
text. equipment are included.

The SICAM AK 1703 ACP aids automation of the power

supply networks which can match redundancy and
performance requirements due to its system concept. In full
compliance with IEC 61850 standards, the flexible
combination of telecontrol, automation and communication
functions can be achieved. Client and server functionality on
only one Ethernet interface is possible with this system.
Interoperability was certified by an independent laboratory for
this interface.
 9

3.) 750-880/025-002 (Wago).[16] from the telemeter telecontrol system to conduct

online controls in real time.

5.) Ion 7550 (Schneider electric) [16]

The Power Logic ION7550 RTU (remote terminal unit) is

an intelligent, web-enabled device ideal for combined
utilities metering of water, air, gas, electricity and steam
(WAGES). The device collects, scales, and logs readings
from a large number of connected meters or transducers
and delivers the information to one or more head-end
Though it has a limited number of I/O modules, the WAGO's
systems through a unique combination of integrated
ECO Telecontroller (750-880/025-002) is cost effective and
communication gateways.
the best alternative to complex control units. Nonetheless, not
all applications in the telecontrol sector requires a large
Characteristics
number of I/O modules. This telecontroller only connects to a
Up to 10 Mbytes of memory
maximum of four I/O modules.
1 pulse output
There are numerous advantages of this new and efficient
device and some of these advantages include: they are cheaper
24 digital or analogue inputs (max)
by far as compared to other telecontrollers with many I/O
modules, they are smaller in size and thus saving on space as
30 digital or analogue outputs (max, including pulse
well as making it easier to install in small spaces. The areas of
output)
applications for this device are also quite wide and they
include local network station monitoring, virtual power plant
Ethernet port (Modbus/TCP/IP protocol)
control as well as EFG plant power reduction. Some of the
technical features of this device include an SD card interface
Modbus TCP Master / Slave on Ethernet port
and a two-port switch.
Optical port
4.) Master RTU/IP (LS IS).[16]
RS 485 port

RS 485 / RS 232 port

Modbus RTU Master / Slave (Serial port)

Internal modem

Modem gateway (Modem Gate)

DNP 3.0 through serial, modem, and I/R ports

Alarm notification via email (Meterm@il)

HTML web page server (Web Meter)

The Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) collects data from
field instruments & sensors and transmits the
information to the Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition System (SCADA) installed in a central
control room through wire/wireless communication
systems and lines, and receives control commands

F. Other Characteristics:
1) RTUs Architecture:
Fig 10. Hardware structure of an RTU. [6]
RTUs architecture is composed of a CPU, volatile
memory and nonvolatile memory for processing and
storing programs and data. It communicates with
other devices via either serial ports or an onboard
modem with I/O interfaces. It has a power supply
with a backup battery, surge protection against
spikes, real-time clock and a watchdog timer.
a) Central processing unit (cpu):
Current RTU designs utilize a 16bit or 32
bits microprocessor with a total memory
capacity of 256kbytes expandable to 4
Mbytes. It also has two or three
communication ports (RS232, RS422 and
RS485) or Ethernet link. This system is
controlled by a firmware and a real-time
clock with full calendar, A watchdog timer
provides a check that the RTU program is
executing regularly [5]
b) Analog input modules
An analog input signal is generally a
voltage or current that varies over a
defined value range, in direct
proportion to a physical process
measurement [6].
c) Analog Output Module
Analog Output modules function is to
convert a digital value supplied by the
CPU to an analog value by means of a
digital to analog converter [7]
d) Digital Input Modules
10
These are used to indicate status and
alarm signals [8]
e) Digital Output Modules
These modules are used to drive an output
voltage at each of the appropriate output
channels with three approaches possible:
Triac Switching [9], Read Relay
Switching, TTL voltage outputs [7]
f) Power Supply Module
RTUs need a continuous power supply to
function, but there are situations where
RTUs are located at quite a distance from
an electric power supply. In these cases,
RTUs are equipped with alternate power
source and battery backup facilities in
case of power losses [6].
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
[1] https://www.motorolasolutions.com/content/dam/msi/Products/scada-
systems/SCADA_Sys_Wht_Ppr-2a_New.pdf generally used in the
engineering area.
[2] G. Clarke, D. Reynders, E. Wright. great britain Practical Modern
SCADA Protocols: DNP3, 60870.5 and Related Systems,2004
[3] H. Gonzalez, Supervision of remote transmission units of Electrifying
Santander S.A ESP by protocol IEC 60870 5 101 grades thesis,
Industrial University of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, 2006.
[4] https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1033/remote-terminal-unit-rtuIs
generally used in the engineering area.
[5] Shaw, W.T. Cybersecurity for SCADA systems. Pennwell books,
2006. pp.25 32. RTU physical architecture. Shaw, W.T.
Cybersecurity for SCADA systems. Pennwell books, 2006. pp.25
32. RTU physical architecture.
[6] F. Enejo, Review of Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and Gateways for
Digital Oilfield delpoyments, vol. 3, no.8, 2012.
[7] Sumathi S. and Surekha.P. LabVIEW based advances instrumentation
sustems. Springer, 2007. pp 242 246.
[8] Patrick, D.R. and Fardo, S.W. Electricity and electronics fundamentals.
Fiarmont Press, Inc, 2008.
[9] Linda Karina Duran Bautista, Plataforma Hardware/Software abierta
para aplicaciones industriales de automatizacin, by PhD. Carlos Ivn
Camargo Bareo, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogot D.C.,
Colombia 2014.
[10] https://infosys.beckhoff.com/espanol.php?content=../content/1034/tcplcc
ontrol/html/tcplcctrl_languages%20sfc.htm&id=
[11] http://www.emb.cl/electroindustria/articulo.mvc?xid=1303&tip=7
[12] http://www.infoplc.net/files/documentacion/automatas/infoPLC_net_len
guajes_programacion_V4.pdf
 11

[13] H.D Gonzales Barbosa, Supervisin de las unidades de transmisin

remota de electrificadora Santander S.A E.S.P, Ms. dissertation, Dpto.
ingenieras fsico-mecnicas, Univ. Santander, Santander, Stder, 2006.

[14] Wikipedia.(2017,4), IEC 60870 (3rd edition), [Online]. Available:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60870

[15] Rta automatization (2017, 4), Modbus RTU Unplugged An

introduction to Modbus RTU Addressing, Function Codes and Modbus
RTU Networking (First Edition.)[Online]. Available:
http://www.rtaautomation.com/technologies/modbus-rtu
/
[16] Direct Industry(2017,4), Unidades Terminals Remotes[Online],
Available: http://www.directindustry.es/fabricante-industrial/unidad-
terminal-remota-95772.html