Complete Guide to SCADAPack RTUs by Schneider Electric
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
- What Is SCADAPack?
- Telepace Studio Installation and Setup
- Telepace Studio Interface Overview
- Ladder Logic Programming
- I/O Configuration
- DNP3 Outstation Configuration
Sub-Article Index
- What Is SCADAPack?
- SCADAPack vs Bristol FB300
- Telepace Studio Installation
- Telepace Studio Interface
- Ladder Logic
- Structured Text
- I/O Configuration
- Analog Input Scaling
- DNP3 Outstation Configuration
- Modbus Master/Slave Configuration
- PID Control
- Data Logging and Reports
- Communications and Radio Telemetry
- Program Download, Upload, and Monitoring
- Fault Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
SCADAPack RTUs are manufactured by Schneider Electric. The product line was originally developed by Control Microsystems, a Canadian company that Schneider Electric acquired.
SCADAPack RTUs are programmed using Telepace Studio, which supports IEC 61131-3 languages including ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram, and sequential function chart.
SCADAPack supports DNP3 (Level 2 outstation and master), Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and HART for smart transmitter communication.
SCADAPack RTUs are widely deployed in oil and gas pipeline monitoring, wellsite automation, water/wastewater utility telemetry, and remote SCADA applications across North America.