DCS
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Engineering
| Stands for | Distributed control system |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
DCS stands for Distributed control system, an engineering abbreviation.
Plant-wide control system in which controllers distributed throughout a facility manage individual process units, coordinated over a network with central operator stations. DCSs run continuous processes in refineries, chemical plants, power stations and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Example: Operators in the central control room monitor 3,000 control loops through the DCS.
Usage notes
Honeywell's TDC 2000 and Yokogawa's CENTUM, both introduced in 1975, were among the first DCS products. The distinction from PLC-and-SCADA systems has blurred, but DCSs remain typical for large, continuous processes requiring tight integrated control.
Related abbreviations
More engineering abbreviations
- CAE – Computer-aided engineering
- CAM – Computer-aided manufacturing
- CFD – Computational fluid dynamics
- CNC – Computer numerical control
- COP – Coefficient of performance
- CTE – Coefficient of thermal expansion
- DFA – Design for assembly
- DFM – Design for manufacturing
- ECN – Engineering change notice
- ECO – Engineering change order
- EIT – Engineer in Training
- EPC – Engineering, procurement and construction