Power system automation systems are evolving from just SCADA to integrated Protection-SCADA, adding metering, condition monitoring and all manner of "big data" aspects of a "Smart Grid"
IEC 61850 messages carry a vast amount of information but that means it can be a nightmare to try to see what is exactly going on. Having a toolbox of efficient user-friendly tools is the lifeblood of diagnosis of an automation system.
Anyone involved in using IEC 61850 systems will likely have seen a capture of the Ethernet messages.
Some generic PC-based tools, even free-ware, can be very capable tools providing capture of the messages with some decoding of the header fields etc but doesn't necessarily tell you the meaning of the data directly.
Some relay test set manufacturers provide some additional tools for capturing messages.
In some cases, cyber security policies prevent connection of laptops etc to an operational LAN but standalone test equipment such as GridEx are acceptable.
.. but can you see what is going on? … what does the message really mean? … is it what you expected?
Easy to use | Synchronised time |
Instant start-up | 2 x RJ45 and 2 x Fibre optic connections |
No computer needed | Optional physical I/O |
Large 8,4” touchscreen ... or use a mouse | Soft or hard carry case |
GOOSE and SV |
This is NOT another relay test set.
This is a sophisticated user-friendly hand held tool (with stand) to visualise IEC 61850 communications system operation.
Think of it like a IEC 61850 Message Multimeter with live display of status and measurements.
... but it is also a powerful analysis tool between what is happening and what is expected to happen on the network.
Some example screens are shown below.
GridEx can display the contents of the dataset as simple status indications or analog values making identification of the meaning of the message directly obvious.
Messages are captured for subsequent analysis and can be transferred to/from USB connected storage media.
GridEx can visualise a time line status of signals changing between off/on, or as a Sequence of Events with respect to a selected event.
GridEx can analyse GOOSE messages to show inconsistencies and non-conformities in the configuration,
GridEx can show and analyse Sampled Value messages to show the waveform and vectors.
User interface 8,4” touchscreen
Power input 24V DC max 1.25A
Dimensions 265 x 212 x 56 mm
Weight: 2,4 kg / 3,4 kg with accessories and case
Stainless steel case with clear coating for electrical insulation.
Includes a stand for use on bench.
Three USB 2.0 type A ports
Two separate 100 Mbps Ethernet ports (ETH1 and ETH2) for both optical or electrical connection
Operating temp. 0°C to +50°C
Storage temp. -20°C to +70°C
Humidity 5% – 95% RH, non-condensing
Three galvanic isolated binary inputs.(GridEx 120 only)
Sensitive to DC voltage (voltage sense) and/or free contact position (contact sense).
Protected against wrong connection.
Voltage sense max 250 V DC, threshold ~12 V DC
Contact sense: output voltage 19 V DC, current 15 mA
Five independent normally open solid state outputs.(GridEx 120 only)
Protected against wrong connection. Built-in current limiter.
▫ Rated voltage range 48 – 220 V DC
▫ Current carrying capacity continuous 200 mA DC
Time Synchronization
▫ BNC connector for 1PPS time synchronization input signal
▫ SNTP client functionality