A substation protection and control system is required to communicate with all the distributed
functionality in the system. If devices from different vendors are to be included in the system, then
the different protocols will need to be supported.
1.4.1.2 Physical Connection to IEDs for Substation Control and Automation
In substation control and automation systems, connection to IED communications ports at the
physical layer is generally to one of three standards:
RS 232 recommended standards (RS)
RS 485 recommended standards (RS)
Ethernet
1. RS 232
The RS232 Protocol is the most basic communication protocol which specifies the criteria for
communication between two devices. A single twisted pair connection is required between the two
devices. This type of communication can be
Simplex : one device acts as transmitter and other acts as receiver and there is only
one way traffic i.e. from transmitter to receiver
Half duplex : any of the device can act as a transmitter or receiver but not at the
same time
Full duplex : any of the device can transmit or receive data at the same time
2. RS 485
This protocol is similar to the RS232 protocol which allows multiple relays (up to 32) to
communicate at half-duplex. This half duplex scheme authorizes one relay either to transmit or
receive command information. This means that the information is handled by polling/ responding.
The communication is always initiated by the “Master unit” (host) and the “Slave units” (relays)
will neither transmit data without receiving a request from the “Master unit” nor communicate
with each other.
Figure 1.9 RS485 Protocol configuration
3. Ethernet
Ethernet is a standard, which defines the connection of computing devices to local area networks
(LANs). As per IEEE 802.3, standard signaling speeds are 10Mbps, 100Mbps or 1Gbps. It is the
most widespread LAN technology. The specification allows connection to be made either
electrically using an RJ45 connector, or by direct fibre-optic connection. Ethernet over fibre-optic
cables provide a mechanism for extremely high speed and noise resistant communication.
Throughout the history, variety of systems, technologies and protocols has been developed .
Previous standards like Modbus, DNP3 or IEC 608750-5- 101 have limited options of use .With
the development of Ethernet technology inside the substations, IEDs able to connect to substation
Local Area Networks (LAN).).The substation LAN-based DNP presents great benefits when
applied to high number of IEDs.
Modern electric distribution and transmission systems are more complex and must respond to
varying customer consumption patterns . Such a system needs precise and high quality control with
protection function. The need for efficient and reliable communication between IEDs while not
requiring proprietary protocols, led to the development of the IEC 61850 standard.
IEC 61850 is the international standard for Ethernet-based communication in substations. It
enables integration of all protection, control, measurement and monitoring functions within a
substation, and additionally provides the means for interlocking and inter-tripping. The major
benefits of the standard are as follows [5] :
Cost savings and improved reliability
• Reduction in substation wiring between relays
• Reduction in communications hardware (gateways, converters)
• Purchasing variables are reduced to Price, Delivery and Support
Interoperability
Ease of use
• Object oriented software design approach
•
• Reduction of needed technical know-how, i.e. one protocol only vs. many
today
The communications system outside the substation considered either between one substation and
another or between the substation and the control center.
• Voice
• Data
• Signals as an essential part of a differential protection
• Protection signaling, e.g., distance protection signaling or direct transfer trip (intertripping )