DCS is the English abbreviation for Distributed Control System, also known as Distributed Control System in the domestic automation industry. Compared to centralized control systems, it is a new type of computer control system that has developed and evolved from centralized control systems. It is a multi-level computer system composed of process control level and process monitoring level, connected by a communication network. It integrates 4C technologies such as computer, communication, display, and control. Its basic idea is decentralized control, centralized operation, hierarchical management, flexible configuration, and convenient configuration.
DCS is a highly integrated product of computer technology, control technology, and network technology. DCS usually uses several controllers (process stations) to control numerous control points in a production process, and each controller is connected through a network and can exchange data. The operation adopts a computer operation station, which is connected to the controller through a network to collect production data and convey operation instructions. Therefore, the main characteristics of DCS can be summarized in one sentence: decentralized control and centralized management.