A student of mine asked about which one of DCS and PLC is better? Unfortunately, I could not answered directly. This is a very late effort to help him.
Now, let us start with some definition. DCS stands for Digital Control System and PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller. Hence both of them are referring to controller technology. Also, PLC is a digital controller which mean that PLC is a subset of DCS.
However, DCS can also means Distributed Control System. It is another member of the family. This type usually has better hardware than PLC and hence more expensive.
In general, for any project, an electrical engineer should have an ability to evaluate the applicability of PLC first as it is a lot cheaper. If it is clear that PLC is not sufficient, then one should consider using Distributed Control System or other alternatives.
Returning to the question, it is difficult to answer because it is not clear which criteria is used to judge those alternatives. I think that is why at that time, in addition that I did not have the opportunity to reply, I simply did not answer. This is my late answer for now.
Peace be upon you all.
Now, let us start with some definition. DCS stands for Digital Control System and PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller. Hence both of them are referring to controller technology. Also, PLC is a digital controller which mean that PLC is a subset of DCS.
However, DCS can also means Distributed Control System. It is another member of the family. This type usually has better hardware than PLC and hence more expensive.
In general, for any project, an electrical engineer should have an ability to evaluate the applicability of PLC first as it is a lot cheaper. If it is clear that PLC is not sufficient, then one should consider using Distributed Control System or other alternatives.
Returning to the question, it is difficult to answer because it is not clear which criteria is used to judge those alternatives. I think that is why at that time, in addition that I did not have the opportunity to reply, I simply did not answer. This is my late answer for now.
Peace be upon you all.
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