IEEE 1046:1991 (R1996)

New IEEE Standard - Inactive-Withdrawn.
Withdrawn Standard. Withdrawn Date: Feb 06, 2006. Alternate approaches to applying a digital control system, for both new construction and existing plant modernization projects, are described, and their advantages and disadvantages are compared. Criteria to be used to judge the suitability of commercially available systems for use in the power generation industry are provided. Terminology is defined, and the objectives of distributed control and monitoring systems are described. The following system application issues are addressed: integrated versus segregated systems functional and geographic distribution, hierarchical architecture and automation, control and protection functions, input/output systems, environmental considerations, and documentation. The data communications structure and the functions that support it are considered. Data acquisition and monitoring (the man/machine interfaces) are discussed. Reliability, availability, and fault tolerance of distributed control and monitoring systems are addressed.

Digital control technology, microelectronics, and digital data communication are rapidly evolving fields. Controversial issues such as geographical and functional distribution, network topologies, hierarchical architectures, medium access control, and the physical connection are not resolved. A single design standard to cover the scope outlined above is impractical. This guide, thereefore, addresses alternate approaches to the task of applying a digital control system, comparing relative advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, and addresses criteria to be used to judge the suitability of commercially available systems for use in the power generation industry.
The purpose of this application guide is to establish the following:1) A consistent set of definitions and terminology for distributed digital control and monitoring systems (Section ); 2) Definition of objectives and requirements for distributed systems (Section 3); 3) Practical methods and criteria to assess the performance of distributed systems as pertinent to power plant requirements Sections 4 through 8).