What type of processing capabilities do RTUs typically share with PLCs?

Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) are versatile devices commonly used in industrial control systems, and they share many processing capabilities with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). One significant aspect of this shared functionality is their ability to handle both digital and analog processing.

RTUs are designed to collect, monitor, and manage data from various field devices over long distances, which involves processing both discrete signals (digital) and continuous signals (analog). The digital processing capabilities allow RTUs to handle binary information, such as the on/off states of switches and alarms. On the other hand, analog processing enables them to interpret signals representing varying physical quantities, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rates, which are pivotal in many industrial applications.

This mix of capabilities is essential for RTUs to effectively support a wide range of applications in automation and control systems, similar to the function of PLCs. PLCs also utilize both analog and digital inputs to control processes, which is why both devices exhibit overlapping processing abilities. Therefore, recognizing that RTUs share a combination of digital and analog processing is crucial for understanding their role in industrial environments, making this choice the most comprehensive and accurate representation of what RTUs and PLCs offer.