How to connect PLC to PC (for SCADA / DCS System)

One of the ways to acquire data from each device for SCADA or DCS or KPI management systems, etc

As a system administrator, understanding how to connect different Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) is essential for maintaining efficient industrial automation systems(taking PLC to PC as an example). In this guide, we will explore various methods of interconnecting PLC and provide insights to help system administrators make informed decisions. By implementing appropriate connectivity solutions, system administrators can optimize the performance and reliability of their industrial control systems. In this guide, we will cover how to connect between PLC and PC. and before we start, you must read this article; How to connect PLC to PLC (for SCADA / DCS System). Because, it’s important to understand history of PLC!

1. How to connect PLC to PC ? – HW & Network & SW

There are several ways to connect a PC to a PLC. Let’s take a few of them as examples.

• Case 1 : Facility PLC – Facility PC (For facility control)
  You can configure by using industrial protocol and network protocol. If Siemens PLC is the facility’s PLC and Industrial PC(IPC) is the PC of facility panel, you can configure the following. In this case, If you want convert protocol, you have to program on your PC (ex) Python). The reason is that the Siemens network protocol is Profinet and the PC network protocol is TCP/IP. The details can only be understood by looking at the history in the previous article; How to connect PLC to PLC (for SCADA / DCS System)

• Case 2 : Facility PLC – SCADA PC (For SCADA or just data acquisition)
  You can configure by using OPC protocol. Assuming that Siemens PLC communicates with Profinet and KEPWARE, a program capable of OPC-UA communication, is installed in the equipment IPC, the configuration can be as follows. In this case, the network does not need to translate the communication. Because everything is solved with OPC.

2. Conclusion

Like the PLC-PLC connection method, PLC-PC communication also can be difficult. Because different communication protocols and programs are used even within the same factory. In the example above, OPC was used. Programs (KEPWARE, ZENON, etc.) that use OPC communication are all different, so just matching protocols does not solve everything. You should also know how to use each program. Problems can be overcome by using appropriate communication devices, properly configuring communication settings, and utilizing standard protocols. In addition to the cases above, connection between PLC and PC is possible in various ways. If you have any questions in this regard, please leave an email or comment and we will respond.

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