Remote Terminal Units




DAQ remotes transcend traditional RTUs by incorporating a true open system design. Flexible Callisto architecture allows various hardware modules and software applications to be seamlessly integrated. The result is a fully customizable solution that delivers the advanced functionality required by today's utilities. In addition to multi-card and retrofit remotes that combine separate modules, DAQ also offers several pre-configured remotes designed to suit common SCADA applications.




Multi-Card Remotes

The central advantage of the DAQ open system approach is the high level of customization offered to RTU users. Customers are able to take an active role in the design and configuration of their system and avoid paying for features they do not need. Supported by DAQ custom engineering and manufacturing, the modularity of Callisto components allows project designs to be easily scaled to user requirements. For most applications, a Callisto multi-card remote presents an ideal solution, combining the advanced functionality of multiple modules into a competitively priced package.

  • Real time, multi-tasking operating system
  • Advanced power system measurements
  • Extensive library of supported protocols
  • Innovative tools for remote diagnostics
  • Programmable integrated logic (IEC1131)
  • Modular, expandable design
  • Easily customized configurations
  • Distributed LAN multiprocessor architecture
  • Adherence to all industry standards
  • Flexible packaging

Callisto remotes can be configured in freestanding, wall mount, or pole mount cabinets.




Retrofit Remotes

DAQ offers custom retrofits for all types of existing RTUs. Whether replacing obsolete equipment or adding advanced functionality to existing SCADA systems, Callisto remotes provide an economical solution for large-scale expansion projects or simple hardware upgrades.

By utilizing existing field wiring, the modular approach of the Callisto product line reduces investment in running additional cabling. Through analysis of existing equipment, including cabinets, terminal blocks, power supplies, relays and wiring, DAQ engineers are able to design a retrofit "kit" that can be easily installed into existing assemblies. Individual modules or complete multi-card remotes can be integrated with legacy equipment, bringing state-of-the-art technology to outdated systems.

DAQ provides compatibility with equipment from numerous manufacturers, including ACS, CDC, Chrysler, GE, G-TAC, L&N, Moore Systems, Tasnet, Valmet, and more.




Processing Modules

Callisto processing modules form the core of DAQ SCADA systems. These "building blocks" are modular in design and can be combined to create a multi-card remote solution that precisely matches customer requirements. Each module performs a specific function within the integrated Callisto network.




IoA1 Analog Processing Module

The IoA1 module serves as the analog processing node in the Callisto network and is capable of monitoring up to 32 physical input points. Input sources can be any combination of conventional DC transducers or directly coupled AC power system devices, including potential transformers (PTs), current transformers (CTs) and line post sensors. A single IoA1 can simultaneously monitor up to eight feeders while providing accurate power system calculations, fault detection, limit excursion reporting, metering applications and disturbance recording. To accommodate additional analog inputs, multiple IoA1 nodes may be combined within a Callisto remote.

  • Simultaneous processing of up to 32 analog inputs
  • Fault detection, including fault direction and fault current magnitude
  • Capacity to monitor up to 8 feeders
  • 0.2% RMS calculation accuracy through the 15th harmonic
  • Instant reporting of limit excursions
  • Built-in disturbance recorder

The IoA1 works in conjunction with analog termination cards, which provide physical connections for input wiring along with signal conditioning and protection. Each termination card has the capacity for eight distinct inputs, configurable on a per point basis. Interface between IoA1 termination cards and the customer's 5 ampere CT secondary is facilitated by DAQ's SPCT1 unit. Dual high speed analog-to-digital (A/D) converters allow for the simultaneous sampling of both voltage and current at 32 readings per cycle, eliminating the skew associated with single A/D converter designs. Harmonic content and 0.2% RMS calculation accuracy through the 15th harmonic are provided on all AC inputs physically presented at the node.


IoA1 Overview

Description: printable .pdf information sheet for the Callisto analog processing module
click to download







IoC1 Command Processing Module

The IoC1 module serves as the command processing node in the Callisto network and is capable of controlling up to 32 relay outputs, configurable as 16 on/off pairs with select-before-operate protection, 16 latch/reset relays or 32 direct-operate commands. To accommodate additional control outputs, multiple IoC1 nodes may be combined within a Callisto remote.

In a basic configuration, relays are mounted directly on the IoC1 module to provide a single Form A or Form B contact output per point. Alternately, to incorporate relays of virtually any type or rating, the IoC1 can be configured to directly drive external relay coils installed on command output termination cards. Each termination card provides physical connections for output wiring along with signal protection and has the capacity for eight momentary relays or four latching relays.

  • Capacity for up to 32 command relay outputs
  • Associated termination cards to accommodate any relay contact arrangement and rating
  • Full select-before-operate capability
  • User-definable pulse duration on a per point basis

The contact closure duration for each relay is user-definable and can be utilized for raise/lower functionality, with the output relay operate time loaded within the command message.


IoC1 Overview

Description: printable .pdf information sheet for the Callisto command processing module
click to download







IoD1 Digital Processing Module

The IoD1 module serves as the digital processing node in the Callisto network and is capable of monitoring up to 32 status/alarm input points, individually configurable for 1 millisecond time-tagged sequence of events (SOE) recording without the need for additional hardware or software. To accommodate additional digital inputs, multiple IoD1 nodes may be combined within a Callisto remote. The IoD1 works in conjunction with digital termination cards, which provide physical connections for input wiring along with signal conditioning and protection. Each termination card has the capacity for eight distinct inputs, which can be configured as pulse accumulator points.

  • 1 millisecond time-stamping of all status changes
  • Capacity for up to 32 status/alarm inputs with wet and dry contact input configurations
  • Form A and C accumulators, definable on a per point basis
  • Keying voltages of 12, 24, 48, and 125VDC
  • Integral part of DAQ SOE recorder application
  • User-definable debounce on a per point basis
  • Anti-toggle filtering
  • Multiple change detection

Status events are time-tagged and instantaneously transferred to the Callisto host node (IoE1, Polaris, etc.), where a software application enables extensive SOE recording functions. A digital filtering algorithm is utilized to maintain time-tagging accuracy during contact bounce conditions, with the debounce time being user-definable in multiples of one millisecond with a 16 millisecond default.

Anti-toggle filtering is activated when a user-definable number of invalid state changes occur or when a "chattering"point produces an excessive number of valid changes within a user-defined period. In both cases, the IoD1 can be configured to automatically disable the point and report a flag condition to the master station.


IoD1 Overview

Description: printable .pdf information sheet for the Callisto digital processing module
click to download







IoE2 Serial Processing Module

The successor to the IoE1, the IoE2 module serves as the communications node in the Callisto network, managing data from other Callisto nodes as well as information received from intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Data can be processed locally using powerful utility applications provided by the CallistoView software package, including programmable logic and SOE recording, or passed to one or more master stations.

The IoE2 offers a 10/100MB IP Ethernet connection and four configurable, on-board serial data ports that may be physically presented as RS485 or RS232 circuits. Supported communication options include both byte and bit-oriented protocols. To accommodate the need for additional ports, multiple IoE2 nodes may be combined within a Callisto Remote.

  • Multi-port communications with master stations and IEDs
  • 10/100MB interface supports SCADA protocols over TCP/IP
  • User-configurable automation applications, including programmable logic, file archiving, and SOE recording
  • Extensive protocol library
  • Open solutions approach allows simple integration of devices from multiple manufacturers
  • Communication with satellite RTUs over modem lines, radio, fiber, packet radio, or dial-up networks
  • Pass-Thru-Port (PTP) for seamless configuration of third party devices
  • Local printer support for alarm logging and SOE recording
  • Historical file storage for retrieval using file transfer protocol (FTP)
  • Interface to real-time clock or global positioning system (GPS)

A library of supported protocols enables the IoE2 to communicate with devices in their native language, providing an automation solution that is open in design and manufacturer independent. IoE technology also forms the core of DAQ's communication gateway used in substation networks to automate and manage large amounts of information from multiple sources.


IoE2 Overview

Description: printable .pdf information sheet for the 2nd generation serial communications processing module
click to download






IoE3 Communications Module

The IoE3 communications module is a powerful addition to the Callisto™ network, designed to efficiently process data from other Callisto nodes and connected IEDs while adding a new layer of security to your SCADA system. Data can be transferred to one or more master stations or managed locally using advanced utility applications provided within the CallistoView™ software package, including programmable logic and SOE recording.

  • Secure integration with distributed energy resources (DERs)
  • Cost-effective framework for IT/OT convergence
  • Full device configuration and management over WAN
  • Flexible interfaces to legacy systems and devices

Built-in security features include remote authentication, secure passwords, encrypted protocols (OpenVPN, HTTPS, SSH, SFTP), firewall protection, and syslog event management. Connected to an Active Directory authentication system, the IoE3 provides logging for audits.

  • Secure DNP and other encrypted network protocols
  • Authentication and certificate management systems, including LDAP and SAML
  • Integrated firewall protection

The IoE3 offers dual Gigabit Ethernet connections and four configurable, on-board serial data ports that may be physically presented as RS485 or RS232 circuits. Supported communication options include both byte and bit-oriented protocols. To accommodate the need for additional ports, multiple IoE3 nodes may be combined within a Callisto remote. A library of supported protocols enables the IoE3 to communicate with devices in their native language, providing an automation solution that is open in design and manufacturer independent. IoE3 technology also forms the core of DAQ’s IoG3, a secured data communications gateway used in substation networks to automate and manage large amounts of information from multiple sources.

  • Dual gigabit Ethernet connections and configurable serial data ports
  • Embedded Linux operating system
  • Supports SCADA protocols over TCP/IP and serial
  • On-board cellular communications
  • User-configurable automation applications

IoE3 Overview

Description: printable .pdf information sheet for the 3rd generation communications processing module
click to download





Related Products

In addition to advanced processing modules, the Callisto product portfolio includes a proven line of software and RTUs that allow users to monitor and control critical SCADA processes for diverse applications.