This private network is the heart of the front end data collection system. The 8800 is a specialized microcomputer that uses a STD bus chassis, a single board PC, A/D converter cards, and some special input channel selection cards (the AMD-32X, created by EVI) that multiplex a number of input channels to a single A/D converter. The 8800's run the MS-DOS operating system, FTP Software's PC/TCP networking layer, and custom software created by EVI. The 8800's use UDP/IP over an ethernet connection to communicate with the MUX Control software, running elsewhere in the system. The actual 8800 software is actually loaded from the node running the MUX Control software using the NFS file sharing protocol, allowing software updates to be delivered without altering the ROMs on the 8800's themselves.

EVI has also created other types of 8800s for interaction with MODACS, AVCO, CPI, and RM-80 systems.

The Plant Data Recorder writes all changed data in the live data stream to disk in hourly files. Unchanging data is also written to the hourly files periodically so that each file contains a full set of real time data values. Other applications within the system send requests for archived data as needed, e.g. to display a historical trend plot.

This is one of three remotely located subsystems that are used to access PICS data in emergency situations.

This is one of three remotely located subsystems that are used to access PICS data in emergency situations.

This is one of three remotely located subsystems that are used to access PICS data in emergency situations.

This subsystem collects data from all of the PICS 8800 devices and distributes the data to the rest of the system. The two computers that make up this subsystem operate as a primary/backup pair, with the backup ready to take over in less than a second if the primary should fail.

The Plant Processing Computer network handles all communication between the various PICS subsystems that make up the plant computer system. In the original PICS design, this was an island network that accepted no input from external sources (except for a GPS Clock receiver.) For some inexplicable reason, the cyber security people at most plants have been connecting these private networks directly to the corporate WAN "to improve security" -- we do not recommend this as NO CONNECTION is always more secure than any connection can ever be.

This subsystem is located in the control room for use by the plant operators.

This subsystem forwards PICS data to an external server, located on the less secure corporate WAN. This allows engineers to access live plant data from their desks.

These display systems are located above the main control panel in the control room. Plant operators use these to display data relevent to current operations and procedures.

This isolated network carries all communications between the SPDS subsystems. SPDS is actually another, smaller, instance of PICS that can operate independently from the Plant Computer system.

From the PICS point of view, the Comporate network is considered an insecure network. Data from PICS intended to be forwarded custom servers located on this network using a one-way data link. Corporate users access PICS data through the custom servers.

These screens are located in the center of the plant control panel. Operators use the data displays provided to monitor core temperature and pressure.

This subsystem collects data from all of the SPDS 8800 devices and distributes the data to the rest of the system. The two computers that make up this subsystem operate as a primary/backup pair, with the backup ready to take over in less than a second if the primary should fail.

The Safety Parameter Display System network handles all communication between the various SPDS subsystems that make up the plant computer system. In the original SPDS design, this was an island network that accepted no input from external sources (except for a GPS Clock receiver.) For some inexplicable reason, the cyber security people at most plants have been connecting these private networks directly to the corporate WAN "to improve security" -- we do not recommend this as NO CONNECTION is always more secure than any connection can ever be.

This subsystem passes SPDS data to the corporate WAN so that engineers may access SPDS data from their desks.