Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for SCADA Systems - Specifications and Verification

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Remote Terminal Unit

Definition

A Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a critical component within Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, serving as the interface between the central supervisory computer and field devices in geographically dispersed locations. It collects data from sensors and instruments, converts the data into digital form, and transmits it to the central SCADA system. Simultaneously, it receives control commands from the central system and executes them on actuators, valves, motors, and other field equipment, enabling remote monitoring and control of industrial processes. The RTU is designed for harsh industrial environments, with an operating temperature range of -40 to 85 °C and ingress protection ratings from IP54 to IP65, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor cabinet installation. It supports a wide supply voltage range of 9 to 36 V DC, accommodating various industrial DC supplies. Power consumption varies from 5 to 15 W depending on the I/O configuration. The unit offers configurable I/O channels: 4 to 16 analog inputs, 8 to 32 digital inputs, 2 to 8 analog outputs, and 4 to 16 digital outputs. Analog input accuracy is ±0.1% of full scale at 25 °C, including linearity and hysteresis. Communication is supported via multiple protocols, including Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 60870-5-104, and DNP3, ensuring interoperability with existing SCADA systems. The RTU is housed in a metal or plastic enclosure with typical dimensions of 200 x 300 x 120 mm and weighs between 2 and 5 kg, depending on configuration. It is designed for DIN-rail mounting. The device operates in non-condensing humidity conditions of 5 to 95% relative humidity. For verification, model-specific values and standards must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer or supplier, as the listed parameters are reference ranges for directory purposes.

Working Principle

The RTU operates by continuously scanning connected analog and digital input channels from field sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, level, status switches). It digitizes analog signals, processes data (including alarm checking and scaling), and stores it temporarily. Using a communication protocol (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5), it transmits this data to the Master Terminal Unit (MTU) or SCADA master station via wired or wireless networks. Upon receiving control commands from the master, it converts digital commands into appropriate output signals (analog or digital) to operate field control devices. Many RTUs also support local logic execution and data logging.

Common Materials

Electronic Components (ICs, resistors, capacitors), Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Metal or Plastic Enclosure, Communication Interface Modules

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Extended range available for extreme environmentsIEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2
Supply Voltage	9–36 V DC	Wide range for industrial DC suppliesIEC 61131-2
Power Consumption	5–15 W	Depends on I/O configuration
Analog Input Channels	4–16 channels	Configurable per module
Digital Input Channels	8–32 channels	Dry contact or 24 V DC
Analog Output Channels	2–8 channels	4–20 mA or 0–10 V
Digital Output Channels	4–16 channels	Relay or transistor
Analog Input Accuracy	±0.1 % FS	At 25 °C, including linearity and hysteresisIEC 60770
Communication Protocol	Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3	Multiple protocols supportedIEC 60870-5-104, IEEE 1815
Ingress Protection	IP54–IP65	For indoor/outdoor cabinetsIEC 60529
Humidity	5–95 % RH	Non-condensingIEC 60068-2-78
Dimensions (W x H x D)	200 x 300 x 120 mm	Typical DIN-rail mount
Weight	2–5 kg	Depends on I/O configuration

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Executes control logic, processes data from I/O modules, manages communications, and handles local data logging.

Material: Semiconductor (Silicon)
Input/Output (I/O) Modules
Interface directly with field devices; digital modules read/write discrete signals, analog modules read/write continuous signals (with A/D and D/A conversion).

Material: Electronic Components on PCB
Communication Interface
Provides physical and protocol layers for network connectivity (e.g., RS-232/485, Ethernet, radio modem, cellular modem).

Material: Electronic Components on PCB
Power Supply Unit
Converts incoming AC or DC power to regulated DC voltages required by the RTU's internal electronics.

Material: Electronic Components (transformers, regulators, capacitors)

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Remote Terminal Unit.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Remote Terminal Unit

1 company lists this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Acrel Co., Ltd.

Shanghai, CN

CE IEC VDE

Also makes: Current Transformer, Active Power Filter, Power Distribution and 5 more

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical operating temperature range for an RTU?

The RTU is designed to operate in a temperature range of -40 to 85 °C, as listed in the directory. However, extended ranges may be available for extreme environments, so you should verify the specific model's capabilities with the manufacturer.

Which communication protocols are supported by the RTU?

The RTU supports multiple protocols including Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 60870-5-104, and DNP3. These protocols are commonly used in SCADA systems. Confirm protocol availability for your specific model, as not all protocols may be enabled by default.

What is the accuracy of the analog inputs?

The analog input accuracy is ±0.1% of full scale at 25 °C, including linearity and hysteresis. This is a reference value; actual performance may vary with temperature and configuration, so check the manufacturer's specifications.

What are the power supply requirements?

The RTU accepts a supply voltage of 9 to 36 V DC, which covers a wide range of industrial DC supplies. Power consumption ranges from 5 to 15 W depending on the I/O configuration. Always verify the exact requirements with the supplier.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	N/A (electronic device, not in direct contact with process media)
other spec:	IP65/IP67 ingress protection, 24VDC typical power supply, 10-30VDC operating range
temperature:	-40°C to +85°C (operating range)

Remote Terminal Unit

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards