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Complete Guide to SCADAPack RTUs by Schneider Electric

By NFM Consulting 4 min read

Key Takeaway

SCADAPack is a family of remote terminal units (RTUs) and programmable automation controllers manufactured by Schneider Electric. They are programmed using Telepace Studio and support IEC 61131-3 languages including ladder logic and structured text. SCADAPack RTUs are widely deployed in oil and gas pipeline monitoring, water utility telemetry, and remote SCADA applications using DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870 communication protocols.

Quick Answer

SCADAPack is a family of remote terminal units (RTUs) and programmable automation controllers manufactured by Schneider Electric. They are programmed using Telepace Studio and support IEC 61131-3 languages including ladder logic and structured text. SCADAPack RTUs are widely deployed in oil and gas pipeline monitoring, water utility telemetry, and remote SCADA applications using DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870 communication protocols.

What Is SCADAPack?

SCADAPack is Schneider Electric's RTU and PAC product line purpose- built for remote telemetry and SCADA applications. Originally developed by Control Microsystems, a Canadian company later acquired by Schneider Electric, SCADAPack has become one of the most widely deployed RTU families in North American oil and gas pipeline automation and utility telemetry. SCADAPack RTUs are designed for harsh, remote environments with low power consumption, solar-compatible operation, and robust communication capabilities over serial, Ethernet, radio, and cellular networks.

SCADAPack Product Family

SCADAPack 300 Series

The 300 series (including the SCADAPack 334 and 350) is a compact RTU designed for remote wellsite monitoring, pipeline measurement stations, and small lift stations. It includes onboard analog and digital I/O, serial communication ports, and supports DNP3 and Modbus protocols. The SCADAPack 350 is the most commonly deployed model in oilfield applications.

SCADAPack 500 Series

The 500 series provides higher I/O capacity, additional communication ports, and greater processing power for more complex SCADA nodes such as compressor stations, multi-well pads, and large pump stations.

SCADAPack E Series

The E series is an IEC 61131-3 programmable automation controller (PAC) with full support for all five IEC languages. It features Ethernet-first connectivity, higher processing capability, and is suited for applications requiring complex control logic alongside SCADA telemetry.

SCADAPack x70 Series

The x70 series is Schneider Electric's next-generation RTU platform built on a Linux-based architecture. It includes integrated cybersecurity features (IEC 62443 compliance), embedded cellular modem options, and enhanced processing for edge computing and IIoT applications.

Telepace Studio Programming Software

Telepace Studio is the programming and configuration environment for SCADAPack RTUs. It provides IEC 61131-3 program editors (ladder, ST, FBD, SFC), hardware configuration tools, I/O mapping, communication protocol setup, and online monitoring. Telepace Studio replaces the legacy Telepace 32 software and connects to SCADAPack RTUs via USB, serial, or Ethernet.

Supported IEC 61131-3 Languages

  • Ladder Diagram — Primary language for discrete logic, motor control, and interlock programming
  • Structured Text — High-level text language for calculations, flow algorithms, and state machine sequencing
  • Function Block Diagram — Graphical blocks for analog signal processing and PID control
  • Sequential Function Chart — Step-based sequencing for batch and multi-stage processes

Communication Protocols

  • DNP3 — Level 2 outstation and master capability for SCADA communication. DNP3 is the primary protocol for pipeline and utility telemetry.
  • Modbus RTU/TCP — Master and slave for field device polling and SCADA integration.
  • IEC 60870-5-101/104 — International telecontrol protocols for utility applications.
  • HART — Smart transmitter communication for advanced field instrument diagnostics.

SCADAPack in Oil and Gas Pipeline Automation

SCADAPack RTUs are one of the most common RTU platforms in North American oil and gas operations. Typical deployments include:

  • Wellsite monitoring — Pressure, flow, and level measurement with pump control at remote well pads powered by solar panels and communicating via radio or cellular
  • Pipeline measurement stations — Custody transfer metering with gas flow calculation, chromatograph integration, and DNP3 reporting to pipeline SCADA
  • Tank farm automation — Multi-tank level monitoring, truck loading control, and LACT unit automation
  • Compressor stations — Compressor control, vibration monitoring, and surge protection with reporting to central SCADA
  • Water/wastewater — Lift station pump control, treatment plant remote sites, and distribution system monitoring

SCADAPack vs Other RTU Platforms

SCADAPack competes with Emerson Bristol FB300, ABB RTU560, and Motorola ACE RTUs in the pipeline and utility SCADA market. For a detailed comparison, see SCADAPack vs Bristol FB300. SCADAPack's advantages include IEC 61131-3 programmability, multi- protocol flexibility, tight integration with Schneider's Geo SCADA Expert platform, and the x70 series cybersecurity features.

Getting Started

  1. What Is SCADAPack?
  2. Telepace Studio Installation and Setup
  3. Telepace Studio Interface Overview
  4. Ladder Logic Programming
  5. I/O Configuration
  6. DNP3 Outstation Configuration

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