FROM A TO Z

The dictionary for communication between SCADA systems, controllers, other electrical devices and people. All entries from A to Z.


100BASE-TX — Fast Ethernet
The cabling distance is limited to 100 metres (328 ft) for each network segment.
ARP — Address Resolution Protocol
The mapping function provided by ARP is critical to the Internet protocol suite and has been implemented with many combinations of network and data link layer technologies, such as IPv4, Chaosnet and DECnet using IEEE 802 standards, FDDI, X.25 and Frame Relay amongst others.
BRCB/URCB — Buffered/Unbuffered MMS Reports (IEC 61850)
DLMS
DNP3.0
It is a key protocol in SCADA systems, where it is primarily used for communications between a master station and RTUs or IEDs.
Ethernet
Over time, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies by providing higher bit rates, a greater number of nodes, and longer link distances and decent backward compatibility.
FTP — File Transfer Protocol
FTP is based on a client-server model architecture using separate control and data connections between client and server.
FX100 Ethernet
GOOSE (IEC 61850)
It is most commonly used for data exchanges between IEDs (IED – Intelligent Electronic Device) in electrical substations over Ethernet.
HSR — High-availability Seamless Redundancy
Unlike common redundancy protocols like RSTP, HSR reacts to any network component failures seamlessly (without recovery time) and is invisible to the application.
HTTP — Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Alongside HTML, HTTP facilitated the development of original World Wide Web, the first interactive, text-based web browser.
ICCP/ TASE.2
It is being used around the world to exchange data over wide area networks (WANs) between grid operators, utilities, virtual power plants, regional control centers and other generators.
ICD File (IEC 61850)
The ICD file is usually supplied by the developer/manufacturer.
IEC 104 — IEC 60870–5‑104
IEC 60870–5‑104 (short IEC-104) is a companion standard defining how to extend the IEC 60870–5‑101 protocol to gain network access using standard transport profiles.
IEC 62439–3
PRP and HSR are application protocol independent, can be used by most Industrial Ethernet protocols in the IEC 61784 suite and have been integrated in the framework of IEC 61850 for substation automation.
IED — Intelligent Electronic Device
IEDs receive and process data from sensors and other equipment to issue control commands or adjust tap poisitions in order to prevent failures and maintain the desired voltage level.
IP Routing
IP Routing protocols enable routers to build up a forwarding table that correlates final destinations with next hop addresses.
Interlocking (network protection scheme)
Logical Node (IEC 61850)
The abstract data objects can be mapped to any other protocol, as for example with the MMS or SMV protocol on an Ethernet data frame.
MAC — Medium Access Control
The MAC is accompanied by the LLC sublayer, which provides flow control and multiplexing for the logical link (i.e. EtherType, 802.1Q VLAN tag etc.)
MMS Protocol (IEC 61850)
It is mapped onto TCP/IP and allows to access the server through its IP address in order to write/read data and exchange files.
Modbus RTU & TCP
Originally designed in 1979 by Modicon for its range of PLCs, it is now a de facto standard communications protocol in the industry, becomming the most widely available protocol for the connection of industrial electronic devices.
Multi-drop Bus
The SCADA provides grid operators with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) to visualize collected data and facilitate the substation maintenance and operation.
Network Redundancy
Redundancy is usually achieved by installing additional or alternative network devices, communication media or equipment within the network infrastructure.
Profibus
The now most commonly found “Profibus DP” provides simple communications between Profibus masters and their remote I/O slaves.
PRP — Parallel Redundancy Protocol
Unlike common redundancy protocols like RSTP, PRP reacts to any network component failures seamlessly (without recovery time) and is invisible to the application.
RS-232 — TIA/EIA-232
The standard defines the electrical characteristics and timing of signals, the meaning of signals, and the physical size and pinout of connectors.
RS-422 — TIA/EIA-422
It was designed to replace the older RS-232C standard in order to provide higher speed (up to 10 Mb/s), better immunity from noise, and longer cable lengths (up to 1,500 meters).
RS-485 — TIA/EIA-485
In contrast to the older RS-232, it allows to balance electrical signals and connect multiple device to the network, which can stretch over longer distances and harsher environments.
RTU — Remote Terminal Unit
RTUs are devices that rely on microprocessors and communication interfaces to automatically monitor and control field devices and establish a bridge to the plant control or SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems.
SCADA — Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
- Automate and control industrial processes remotely or locally
- Provide a human-machine interface (HMI) to directly interact with devices such as relays, sensors, generators, pumps, valves and others
- Record events and automate reporting
SCL — Substation Configuration Language (IEC 61850)
SCL files define several capability subsets for the IED to instantiate its capabilities.
SER — SEQUENCE OF EVENTS (SOE) RECORDING
Sequence of events recorders rely on external time sources such as GPS or radio clocks to record the exact time of state of each change.
TASE.2/ ICCP
It is being used around the world to exchange data over wide area networks (WANs) between grid operators, utilities, virtual power plants, regional control centers and other generators.
TCP — Transmission Control Protocol
Located in the Transport Layer of the TCP/IP suite, major internet applications such as the World Wide Web, email, SSL/TLS and file transfers rely on or run on top of TCP.
VLAN — Virtual Local Area Network
VLANs allow network administrators to partition a single switched network in order to keep network applications separate despite being connected to the same physical network, without requiring new cabling or major changes in the current network infrastructure.
iGrid Solutions and Applications

Automation with IEC 61850
The IEC 61850 standard is enabling new oportunities for vendor interoperability and advanced substation automation. Find out how you can take advantage of IEC 61850 with easy-to-use and adaptable solutions for a simple migration or retrofit.

HV Substation Automation
Powerful substation automation systems often handle numerous communication protocols and media within one network, which can result in expensive and complex projects. Avoid these problems with interoperable technology and smart configuration tools.

MV Distribution Grid Automation
It is often difficult to find the exact solution you need in a MV application, leading to higher costs than necessary. With our scalable and adaptable solutions you will be able to only pay for what you really need, without comprimising on quality or security.

Photovoltaic Power Station
Using an open and scalable SCADA system to monitor and control a PV plant comes with many benefits on several levels. Find out how advanced communication technology affects PV operation, maintenance, system design, investment security, profits…

Protocol Conversion
As communication networks grow in complexity, “plug and play” promises become harder to keep. Interoperable protocol converters and software solutions with state-of-the-art capabilities and funcitonalities can be the bridge to all the functions and flexibility your network needs.

Generation Dispatch Control Center
With a generation dispatch enter you can automatically control the generation of all power plants and make direct bids for ancillary services on one platform. Check out the most efficient communication path between generation sites, grid operators and the power market.

Smart Metering
A single device that collects, processes, transfers smart meter data and load curves from several meters in different protocols via serial or Ethernet, whilst providing advanced automation functions? Adaptable designs and a full communication protocol suite make it possible.

Switchgear & Transformers
Sometimes you have preferred gear for a project or it has already been installed, but it is lacking the communication capabilities to provide the automation functions you are looking for. With our software core iGComms any device can be as smart as you want it to be.