Remote monitoring and SCADA access
The SimtoLink RTU (remote terminal unit) is built for remote measurement and control. It carries several AI (analog input), DI (digital input), and DO (digital output) channels, plus serial ports and Ethernet, and speaks Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 60870-5-104 (IEC 104) along with other power and water protocols. It fits data collection and remote control at unattended pump stations, gates, pipe networks, and substations.
The design is industrial: wide temperature, lightning protection, and moisture resistance. SimtoLink RTUs are in service in water supply, water conservancy, power, and oil and gas, with more than 10,000 units deployed, and they run unattended 7×24.
Specifications and protocols
SimtoLink RTUs are offered by I/O count and protocol, for different SCADA remote-monitoring jobs. The table is a typical reference:
| Industry | Typical protocols | Typical I/O |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply / water conservancy | Modbus, DNP3 | 4～16 AI, 8～32 DI/DO |
| Power | IEC 104, DNP3 | 4～16 AI, 8～32 DI/DO |
| Oil and gas | Modbus, DNP3 | Several AI/DI/DO |
| Communications | 4G, fiber, BeiDou | Dual-channel redundancy optional |
AI: 4～20mA/0～5V; serial ports: 2～4; Ethernet: 2 ports; operating temperature -40℃～70℃; local storage with a 30-day offline buffer; remote configuration and program update; optional GPS and BeiDou time sync. Ratings can differ by model; the product specification governs.
Typical applications and results
From water pump stations to irrigation gates and oilfield well pads, the RTU covers unattended remote monitoring in several industries. Typical jobs and what they achieved:
Unattended water pump stations
A water utility placed RTUs at 50 pump stations to read pressure, flow, and pump status, and to start and stop pumps remotely, so the stations run unattended.
Remote gate control on an irrigation scheme
An irrigation district placed RTUs at 30 gates to read water level and set gate opening from a distance.
Remote watch on oilfield well pads
An oilfield placed RTUs at 100 well pads to read oil pressure, production, and equipment status, and to send that data to the production command center for remote monitoring and dispatch.
Telemetry and control in distribution rooms
A power company placed RTUs in its distribution rooms and joined the dispatch SCADA over IEC 104 for telemetry, status, remote control, and remote setpoints.
Deployment and selection
- I/O and protocols: Pick the I/O size from the point count. For power, choose a model that speaks IEC 104. If the unit must join SCADA, confirm the protocol match first.
- Communications: Where there is no network, use 4G or BeiDou. A remote station should have dual-channel redundancy.
- Installation and protection: Bond the lightning earth when you install. Outdoors, order the higher ingress rating.
- Maintenance and buffering: If the link drops, the RTU keeps sampling and stores the data, then backfills when the link returns. Keep the clock aligned with SCADA so timestamps stay true.
- Delivery support: SimtoLink supplies an RTU configuration tool, SCADA integration support, a site survey, and solution design.
Rollout and maintenance
A practical order for putting an RTU into service:
SimtoLink helps with RTU configuration and the SCADA join, so the system comes together without a long integration loop.
Support
SimtoLink helps select the RTU and join it to SCADA, including power and water protocols, and can configure the unit and commission it on site. Product manuals and proposal pricing are available.