虽然术语DCS通常适用于控制器分布式而不是集中式的任何系统，但在发电和石化过程工业中，它指的是一种特定类型的控制系统，能够执行高速复杂的模拟过程控制算法，并提供常规监控、报告和数据记录功能。大多数应用中，自动化控制系统的输入和输出模块分布在整个设施中，但控制处理器本身位于靠近控制室的中央位置。这些系统通常使用***硬件、软件和通信协议，需要从原始供应商处获得更换部件和技术支持。

    远程终端单元(RTU)

    是一种基于RTU的系统，在电力、天然气和供水工业中非常普遍，因为它们需要跨越很远的地理距离来监控和监控。在远程终端，主要是为了在无人值守的网站，如变电站，计量站，泵站和水塔提供监测和控制能力。它们通过电话线、光纤、无线电或微波传输与中心站进行通信。受监控的站点往往相对较小，RTU通常主要用于监控和有限的控制。硬件和软件是***，使用专有或开放协议将数据传输到中心站。

Although the term DCS is generally applicable to any system in which the controller is distributed rather than centralized, in the power generation and petrochemical process industries, it refers to a specific type of control system that can execute high-speed and complex analog process control algorithms and provide routine monitoring, reporting and data recording functions. In most applications, the input and output modules of the automatic control system are distributed throughout the facility, but the control processor itself is located in a central location close to the control room. These systems usually use proprietary hardware, software and communication protocols, and require replacement parts and technical support from the original supplier.

Remote terminal unit (RTU)

It is an RTU based system, which is very common in the power, natural gas and water supply industries, because they need to monitor and control across a long geographical distance. The remote terminal is mainly designed to provide monitoring and control capabilities in unattended websites, such as substations, metering stations, pumping stations and water towers. They communicate with the central station through telephone line, optical fiber, radio or microwave transmission. The monitored sites are often relatively small, and RTU is usually mainly used for monitoring and limited control. Hardware and software are proprietary and use proprietary or open protocols to transmit data to the central station.