The Possibility of Using Controller Access Network (CAN) for Low Cost SCADA Ismail Adam 1 , Sheroz Khan 2 , Azuki Abdul Salam 3 , Ahmad Basri Zainal 4 1 Universiti Kuala Lumpur-British Malaysian Institute, Malaysia E-mail: ismail@bmi.unikl.edu.my 2 Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, Malaysia E-mail: sheroz@iium.edu.my, cnar32@yahoo.com 3 University Kuala Lumpur-British Malaysian Institute, Malaysia E-mail: azuki@bmi.unikl.edu.my 4 Universiti Kuala Lumpur-British Malaysian Institute, Malaysia E-mail: abasri@bmi.unikl.edu.my Abstract— This paper shows the possibility of using the controller access network link to support the communication between number of sites to the hub for low cost supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) implementation. It is suitably to be used in the applications of frequent data acquisition, controlling and monitoring of electrical appliances at the sites. The hardware developed, the programming concept and communication protocol utilized are addressed and presented. The developed system has been tested and the superb corresponding results are reported. This project reviews the previous studies on the controller access network application (CAN) which is mainly utilized in automobile engineering used; proposes and evaluates the simple and noble communication concept for such application. Keywords— SCADA, CAN. I. INTRODUCTION SCADA stands for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition is collectively called as Distributed Control System (DCS) was developed since 1960. The system allows data collection and control at the supervisory level. Nevertheless, the system that only monitor without performing controlling functions, are still referred as SCADA system. The system is specifically developed to address various industries such industrial processes and facility processes. The possibilities of applying SCADA system are endless [1]. At the machine level, a SCADA system consists of a central station or main for gathering data and managing overall system operation. It gathers the information from sensors that are placed in proximity to where the action is. The sensors could be the programmable logic controller (PLC) or the smart sensor recently. The sensor or the Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) collects the information locally and passes it on to the main, which can be located several miles away. In practical, RTUs are capable of controlling the devices within their range of vision. This is done by the closed loop feedback systems which are provided locally provided within the system. The central station supervises the overall performance of the RTUs under its control. The system configurations or settings can be changed by the operators at the RTUs or Central Station level through special interface terminal at a fly. In developing of any SCADA system, at least four common parts are mandatory. They are: i- Sensor and control relays – Input /output devices ii- Remote Terminal Unit (RTUs) – Gathers information to be reported to Central unit and issues control commands to control relays iii- Master or Central Unit - User-end component of the entire system. Provides central processing for the system and allows human interfacing through interface terminal. For this reason it is also known as Human-Machine Interface (HMI). It could be a simple graphical user or browser interface. iv- The communications network – Provides the connection between the SCADA (HMI) and RTUs. In general, the cost of SCADA system is expensive; the cost is directly proportional to the vicinity that is covered by the system. Somewhat, the cost is keep on decreasing while capabilities is increasing with the advancement of technology. Anyhow, SCADA is seems to be too expensive for simple control and data acquisition application. For that reason, SCADA is normally used for complicated application such process control etc [1]. Therefore, for the simple control and data acquisition application, the cost of the SCADA system could be reduced by: i- Integrating Sensor and RTUs such in case of smart sensor [2]. ii- Relying on the cheaper communication network such Controller Access Network (CAN)