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SCADA System Fundamentals Course
Learn the key concepts and fundamentals of the technologies used in a SCADA (supervisory system) architecture.
Created by Filippo Maselli
Last updated 04/2026
English
What you will learn
- Learn everything about the SCADA system from scratch.
- Understand the history, evolution, why and where to use SCADA systems in industry.
- Understand the main types of remote stations and their characteristics.
- Learn everything about communication between equipment and SCADA software.
- The main topologies and elements of a communication system.
- Communication protocols, physical media, the OSI model and communication interfaces.
- Several types of SCADA architecture used in industry.
- What an Operations Center is and its main workstations.
- The architecture and connectivity between the modules of SCADA software.
- How SCADA software licenses work.
- Everything about the Engineering Environment for developing an application.
- The main standards and practices used in industry for SCADA systems.
How the online course works
You study online, on FM4's e-learning platform, from home.
- 1EnrollOnce your payment is approved, platform access is granted instantly.
- 2Study from anywhereOn your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- 3At your own paceRecorded lessons, no fixed schedule, with 1-year platform access.
- 4Support and certificateAsk the instructor your questions through student support and get a digital certificate when you finish.
Course content
4 modules · 115 topics · 12h of video
01 What a SCADA System Is 15 topics
- What Industrial Automation Is
- What a PLC Is
- History and Evolution of Automation
- Why Use a PLC
- What the Advantages of a PLC Are
- Main PLC Manufacturers
- Where the PLC Is Used
- Control Systems
- Main Control Elements
- Automation Examples
- Open Control Loop
- Closed Control Loop
- Automation Pyramid
- Professional Qualification Tips
- Job Market and Openings
02 Remote Station 13 topics
- What a Remote Station Is
- What a PLC Is
- What an RTU Is
- What a Dedicated Station Is
- Types of Remote Stations
- Intelligent Electronic Device (IED)
- Analytical Instrumentation
- Conventional Instrumentation
- Smart Control Valves
- Flow Computer
- PLC vs. Instrument Communication
- Communication via Direct Wiring
- Communication via Serial Link
03 Communication System 43 topics
- System Elements
- Topologies
- Point-to-Point
- Star
- Bus
- Daisy Chained
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Network Components
- Hub, Switch, Router and Modem
- Communication Protocol
- Open Protocol
- Closed (Proprietary) Protocol
- Functions of a Protocol
- Message (Packet)
- Transmission Modes
- Simplex
- Half-Duplex
- Full-Duplex
- Access Methods
- Master-Slave
- Multi-Master
- Broadcast
- Physical Communication Media
- What a Physical Medium Is
- Twisted Pair vs. Coaxial Cable
- Electrical Standard
- EIA RS-232 Standard
- EIA RS-485 Standard
- Fiber Optics
- Satellite
- Radio
- OSI/ISO Model
- Physical Layer
- Data Link Layer
- Network Layer
- Transport Layer
- Session Layer
- Presentation Layer
- Application Layer
- TCP/IP Model
- Communication Interfaces
- Electrical Standard Converters
04 Operations Center 44 topics
- System Architecture
- What an Operations Center Is
- Stand-Alone Architecture
- Client-Server Architecture
- Types of Workstations
- Data Server Station
- Operator Station
- Engineering Station
- Simulation Station
- Types of SCADA Architecture
- SCADA Software - Viewer
- SCADA Software - Editor
- Software Licenses
- Engineering and Runtime Mode
- Binary System and Data Formats
- What Bit, Byte, Word, Dword Are
- What USINT, SINT, UINT, INT, UDINT, DINT Are
- Difference Between the Formats
- Communication and Storage
- Communication Flowchart
- What a Communication Tag Is
- Communication Tag Association
- Difference Between Database and Data Store
- Data Store (Real-Time)
- Data Store (Historical)
- Historian
- Queries
- Alarm and Event Server
- Difference Between Alarm vs. Event
- Analog Alarm
- Discrete Alarm
- Deadband Alarm
- Rate-of-Change Alarm
- Users and Groups
- Programming Language - Scripts
- Reports
- Formulas (Recipes)
- Technical Concepts and Terms
- Hot-Standby Concept
- Manual/Automatic Mode
- Local/Remote Mode
- Project Technical Documents
- Standards and Practices (ISA/IEC/ANSI)
- Hands-On Project - PLC vs. SCADA Software
Course images
About the course
The SCADA System Course aims to present the fundamentals and concepts of a SCADA system. The course covers the main topics of the field layer, such as the main instruments and equipment; the communication layer, such as types of topology, protocols and communication rules; and finally the supervision layer, which presents the architecture and the main modules that make up SCADA software. By the end, you will understand how a supervisory system communicates with PLCs and field instruments in real industrial projects.
Requirements
Basic knowledge of the Windows operating system is required.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for electricians, engineers and technicians with a background in electrical engineering, electrical work, electronics, automation, instrumentation, mechanics, telecommunications, mechatronics, production or any field that involves automation.
Your instructor
Filippo Maselli Pezzino
Control and Automation Engineer
- 2,100 Students
- 4 Courses
Instructor Filippo Maselli Pezzino holds a degree in Control and Automation Engineering from Universidade Gama Filho (UGF) and a postgraduate degree in Quality and Productivity. He has experience in Oil & Gas, building automation and packaging machinery, with skills in programming PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems and more.
I will help you earn your professional qualification by sharing all my knowledge of SCADA Systems, just as I have done for 2,000+ students in our courses.
Certificate of completion
After completing the SCADA System Fundamentals Course, you will receive a digital Certificate of Completion.
// about FM4
Why study with FM4
Since 2020, FM4 Automation & Energy has trained professionals for the industrial automation sector. More than 2,000 students have been trained with online courses created by people who work in the industry.
Here you go beyond theory: lessons are based on real projects and situations, so you are ready for everyday challenges.
- +2.000 students trained since 2020
- Study whenever you want Access 24/7, at your own pace.
- Full HD lessons High-quality recorded video lessons so you can see every detail on screen.
- Support from engineers Get individual, specialized technical support.
- Real projects Courses based on real industry projects and experience.
- Certificate of completion Digital certificate when you complete each course.
// comparison
Traditional Training x FM4 Training
// reviews
What our students say
I bought all of Professor Filippo's courses because, without a doubt, his teaching is the best I have ever seen. If you are unsure, you can be certain you will not find more complete and easier-to-follow content than this.
Tiago TeodoroIndustrial Automation Technician
A complete, high-quality platform. The course is easy to follow, makes you want to keep learning and is never boring, plus there are topics available when you need help.
Rafael LucheriniIndustrial Instrumentation Technician
It made a real difference in my professional life, because it helps me every day in the field I work in.
Gleison RibeiroElectrotechnical Technician
The course positively surprised me. I thought it would only cover programming itself, but the content went much further: electrical wiring, troubleshooting tips and how to structure projects, plus the main topic, Ladder programming. It was well worth the investment.
Jefferson MotaPLC and HMI Programmer
I highly recommend this course bundle: the courses complement each other and are very easy to follow. It is truly a course for learning, with no filler. By dedicating myself to the lessons I really learned, and today I can program, which I could not do after other courses!
Márcio da SilvaElectrotechnician
The courses are objective and the module content meets the needs of anyone looking for quality automation training. The instructor answers quickly, and navigating the platform is simple and efficient.
Marcelo MoreiraOperations Technician
// faq
Questions about the course
SCADA Systems Course in a nutshell...
The SCADA System Course aims to present the fundamentals and concepts of a SCADA system. All lessons are pre-recorded in FULL HD quality.
Is there a time limit on the course?
Yes. The SCADA System Fundamentals Course gives you access to the learning platform for one (1) year.
Can I access the course from anywhere?
Yes! The FM4 online learning platform works on all devices: smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop and more. It is also cross-browser, meaning it works in every web browser.
Does the course have a fixed schedule?
No, you can access your course whenever you have time. The course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready whenever you are. You set your own pace of study.
What support options are available?
The FM4 platform is currently one of the most complete. You can use the Q&A Forum inside the learning platform. The instructor will reply within two (2) days.
What are the support hours?
Support is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The instructor will reply within two (2) days.
How do I access the course?
When enrollment opens and your purchase is confirmed, you will receive an email to create your password. Then you can access the learning platform through the “Student area” button at the top of the website.
Is a Certificate of Completion issued?
Yes. At the end of the course we issue a certificate of completion with the course name, course hours, date and instructor name.
Is the certificate valid?
Yes. All certificates issued by FM4 are valid as proof of the course hours completed. The MEC (Brazil's Ministry of Education) is only responsible for authorizing technical, undergraduate and graduate programs. Open courses are not classified as undergraduate, graduate or vocational technical programs. Our courses are open continuing education/qualification courses: under Law No. 9,394 (Brazil's National Education Guidelines and Framework Law), open courses became part of Professional Education as Basic-Level Professional Education. They are a non-formal type of education of variable length, designed to give workers the knowledge they need to retrain, qualify and keep up to date for work. No prior schooling is required.
What is the course guarantee?
You have a guarantee of up to 7 days. If for any reason you want your money back, we will refund it in full. We only ask for the reason for the refund so we can improve our services.
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SCADA System Fundamentals
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