Remote Terminal Unit

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Note: (also Remote Telemetry Unit)

Abbreviation(s) and Synonym(s):

RTU

NIST SP 1800-2, NIST SP 1800-2b, NIST SP 1800-2c, NIST SP 800-160 Vol. 2 Rev. 1, NISTIR 8183, NISTIR 8183 Rev. 1

Definition(s):

A computer with radio interfacing used in remote situations where communications via wire is unavailable. Usually used to communicate with remote field equipment. PLCs with radio communication capabilities are also used in place of RTUs.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2 under Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Special purpose data acquisition and control unit designed to support DCS and SCADA remote stations. RTUs are field devices often equipped with network capabilities, which can include wired and wireless radio interfaces to communicate to the supervisory controller. Sometimes PLCs are implemented as field devices to serve as RTUs; in this case, the PLC is often referred to as an RTU.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2 under Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Glossary Comments

Comments about specific definitions should be sent to the authors of the linked Source publication. For NIST publications, an email is usually found within the document.

Comments about the glossary's presentation and functionality should be sent to secglossary@nist.gov.

See NISTIR 7298 Rev. 3 for additional details.