Remote Terminal Units

A Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is an industrial control system that is microprocessor-based. RTUs electronically connect various kinds of hardware to other control systems such as a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems or Distributed Control Systems (DCS). These electronic units carry sensor data through input and output streams, which are transmitted to a centralized ICS through a control loop. RTUs also manage connections to remote or local controls, which is why they are known as remote units of Telecontrol or remote units of telemetry. RTUs collect data from sensors, valves, actuators and other field devices and send that information to a master system. It also receives commands from the master system and executes them on the field devices. RTUs are used in industrial applications such as power generation, oil and gas, water treatment and transportation.

An RTU consists of a central processing unit (CPU), a power supply, a communication port and input/output (I/O) modules. The CPU is a microprocessor that performs data processing and logic functions. The power supply provides the necessary voltage and current for the RTU and its connected devices. The communication port enables data exchange with the master system using various protocols such as RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet. The I/O modules interface with the field devices using analog or digital signals.

Some of the common applications of RTUs are:

• Offshore platforms and oil wells
• Pipeline pump stations (water supply and wastewater collection)
• Outdoor community warning sirens
• Natural gas networks and related equipment
• Air Traffic equipment (ILS, GP and DVOR)
• Environmental monitoring systems (emissions, pollution and air quality)

Contact Midwest Engineered Systems to learn how we can analyze your current production systems and develop an industrial control system that increases productivity and efficiency!