News on IEC 61850 and related Standards

IEC 61850 for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:59:05 +0000

With the growth of planning and installation of BESS the question is discussed, how IEC 61850 could contribute. A lot!

Have a look at three posters that depict the architecture of an electric system that includes batteries ... with some comments from me:

Poster 1
Poster 2
Poster 3

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-420: Basic communication structure –
Distributed energy resources and distribution automation logical nodes

Preview of IEC 61850-7-420 (2021).

A few excerpts:

The DER storage Logical Nodes in IEC 61850-7-420 have hundreds of Data Objects ... see just a few:

IEC TC 57 offers a name space document listing the syntay of all logical nodes and data objects:

That (light) name space is an xml document with 5520 lines !!! The light name space contains the syntax of the models ... the textual semantic is missing ... comes with the purchase of the standard IEC 61850-7-420.

I am confident that IEC 61850 offers the most crucial information models for BESS.

Are WebSockets the future for real-time communication?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:19:58 +0000

WebSockets provide a way for web browsers and cloud apps to talk directly to devices for automation and monitoring. A WebSockets create a two-way open communication channel. It wraps messages (according to various message schema, e.g. in ASN.1 notation) in web-friendly formats like JSON. This bypasses strict firewall rules without needing complex, heavy software.

WebSockets are used in many solutions like OPC UA, OpenADR, ... and soon in IEC 61850-8-3 (alternative for MMS).

How do WebSockets perform in a PLC environment where usually special industrial communication protocols are used? An interesting paper discusses this question:

"Latency Analysis of WebSocket and Industrial Protocols ..."

WebSockets are likely to becoming the future standardized web-based "carrier".

The Netherlands Distribution Service Operator have shown with a PoC (proof of concept, now used for the definition of IEC 61850-8-3) that standardized (!) WebSockets can exchange IEC 61850 standard(!) messages containing data values produced and consumed by the huge amount of standardized (!) IEC 61850 models, configured by a standardized configuration (!) language (SCL, IEC 61850-6), and encoded in a standard (!) JSON format.

Background information can be found in my video

Feedback on LinkedIn: "This presentation made everything much clearer! But seriously, using WebSockets as a transport for industrial protocols is a really good idea."

IEEE P3416, Relay Test Sets, and the IEC 61850 View

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:18:57 +0000

My dear friend Andrea Bonetti (Megger), Chair of IEC TC 95 (measuring relays, protection equipment, and protection functions) and Vice Chair of IEEE P3416 (relay test set for ...), has recently published a paper on the IEEE P3416 project together with Cord Mempel (Omicron), Hong Wang (State Grid Corporation of China), Jinlei Xing (Schneider Electric), Jun Verzosa (Doble), Thierry Bardou (Schneider Electric) and Xicai Zhao (NARI Electric).

The paper is titled
IEEE P3416 as a Bridge Between IEEE/IEC Protection Testing Methodologies and Relay Test Set Capability

It was presented at IEEE GPECOM 2026 in Naples and it is now available on IEEEXplore.

The work on IEEE P3416 is progressing, and hopefully the project can be finalized by the end of 2026.

I am not a protection engineer. For protection topics I usually refer to Andrea, who is deeply involved in IEC TC 95 work on measuring relays and protection equipment. My own interest is mainly from the IEC 61850 point of view: what does this project mean for digital substations, communication, interoperability, test systems and engineering?

From that perspective, IEEE P3416 is very interesting.

Andrea and I have conducted many seminars in Europe, Asia, Asia Pacific, ... and we are offering together a training in Karlsruhe (Germany) soon.

Protection testing is no longer only a question of injecting analogue currents and voltages into a relay and checking whether the relay trips. This is still important, of course, especially because many conventional substations and many conventional relays will remain in service for many years. But the world of protection testing is changing. In IEC 61850-based systems, the interface to the protection function may include Sampled Values, GOOSE messages, time synchronization and digital engineering information.

This is where the link to IEC TS 60255-216-1 becomes important.

IEC TS 60255-216-1 deals with protection functions using digital communication as input and output. In practical terms, this includes protection functions subscribing to Sampled Value streams instead of receiving conventional analogue inputs, subscribing to GOOSE messages such as breaker position or breaker failure signals, publishing GOOSE messages such as trip signals, and using time synchronization messages.

This is a very important step. IEC 61850 defines the communication and information exchange mechanisms. IEC 60255-216-1 applies these mechanisms to protection functions. IEEE P3416 then looks at the test sets and tools that are needed to test such protection functions in a reliable, repeatable and documented way.

For an IEC 61850 person, this is the interesting bridge.

A relay test set in the digital substation is not only a current and voltage source. It may also need to publish Sampled Values, subscribe to GOOSE, publish GOOSE, handle timing correctly, use engineering information, support test libraries, automate test sequences and generate clear reports. The test set becomes part of the digital testing environment.

This also shows why cooperation between IEC and IEEE experts is so important. Protection experts, communication experts, test-equipment experts and standardization experts must understand each other. IEC 61850 alone does not define how a protection function shall perform. IEC 60255 alone does not define the full communication system. IEEE P3416 alone does not define the protection algorithms. But together, these activities help users, manufacturers and test-equipment suppliers to build systems that can really interoperate.

Andrea often says that if experts do not interoperate, power systems will not interoperate either. This is exactly the point here ... and everywhere.

IEEE P3416 may look like a guide about relay test sets. But from the IEC 61850 point of view, it is more than that. It is part of the transition from conventional protection testing to digital protection testing. It connects test equipment with protection-function requirements, IEC 61850 communication, Sampled Values, GOOSE, time synchronization, test automation, reporting and calibration.

This is why I think IEEE P3416 is a project worth following closely — also for the IEC 61850 community.

Enjoy IEC 61850!

Free ASN.1 Browser for IEC 61850-8-3 ASN.1 Module from RTI2 PoC

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:04:12 +0000

If you want to browse easily the ASN.1 message schema for the new project IEC 61850-8-3 (DSM) underway, check out this free browser:

https://www.nettedautomation.com/editor

A preliminary asn.1 module for IEC 61850-8-3 (from PoC of RTI2) is available for download:

This is how it looks like:

and ...

The schema is very simple compared to MMS for IEC 61850-8-1.

Let us know if you have any question.

Extended Video on IEC 61850-8-3 Available - Example Messages

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:58:34 +0000

An extended version of the video on

IEC 61850-8-3
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Specific Communication Service Mapping (SCSM) –
Mapping to Direct Message Specification (DMS), JSON Encoding Rules, and WebSockets

is available. I have added some five minutes ... total time is 23 minutes.

I have added mainly two examples of services for IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) and IEC 61850-8-3 (DMS):

The figure above shows how a client can get the list of logical nodes from the server with MMS ... and with DMS:

Details can be watched in the video ... enjoy.

IEC 61850 Series for Any Automation Domain using Electric Power (two Examples)

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Sat, 16 May 2026 08:38:29 +0000

The standard series IEC 61850 is applicable for simple applications and huge systems. The standard is not restricted to a specific domain. Like electric power is everywhere. So could IEC 61850 be everywhere.

I have discussed this briefly in the context of a LinkedIn post.

Now it's time to discuss briefly two simple applications ... just looking at the two models ... without further explanations.

The German FNN Steuerbox

The Steuerbox is mainly providing schedules for the interface between the grid and the power user:

This model is defined for a special use-case: Steuern (remote control). No need for an engineering tool ... it is just a fixed model ...

The Netherlands RTI (Real-Time Interface) for power generation (> 1 MW)

... this is a fixed model with some details:

The RTI models and services are currently using IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) communication (RTI 1). The RTI 2 will finally use the IEC 61850-8-3 (DMS) once it is specified. A Task Force has started to specify the new standard in May 2026.

The fixed models allow for a high level of interoperability. The central systems (representing the IEC 61850 clients) can communicate with and IED following these specifications. In the case of the FNN Steuerbox it has been proven that the client application could talk to all steuerboxes in the field without paying attention to which vendors device it is talking to.

REAL INTEROPPERABILITY !!

Why is there an Need for an Additional Service Mapping in IEC 61850 (IEC 61850-8-3)?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:48:03 +0000

The two service mappings for IEC 61850 are IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) and IEC 61850-8-2 (MMS/XML). The mapping IEC 61850-8-1 is in operation from the first days when IEC 61850 was implemented and used ... all over ... in millions of devices and thousands of systems. Ok ... perfect.

Why is there an need for an additional service mapping in IEC 61850 (IEC 61850-8-3)?

Simply because of the complex and tricky mapping to MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification, ISO 9506).

IEC 61850-8-3
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Specific Communication Service Mapping (SCSM) –
Mapping to Direct Message Specification (DMS), JSON Encoding Rules, and WebSockets

In order to explain details of the new approach to be used for the new work item proposal IEC 61850-8-3 I have produced a 17 minute video (updated version 2026-06-04, 23 minutes).

It is likely that this will become a major shift in the use of IEC 61850.

Enjoy!

The PAC World Magazine Reports From the 30 Year Anniversary of IEC 61850 in September 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:20:00 +0000

The 30 year anniversary of IEC 61850 in September 2025 was a big success.

The report mentions me: "The presentations were bracketed by the first one from Karlheinz Schwarz about how all of this started in the past Millenium ..."

I am very thankful for the invitation by Dr. Fred Steinhauser (Omicron) to speak about the history ...

Click HERE for the Report in the PACW.

Click HERE for more photos and a link to my "Millenium" presentation.

When browsing the Web, I see many more papers, reports, posts, ... on IEC 61850 for substations and for applications beyond substations.

More to come: With IEC 61850-8-3

Final Vote on IEC 61850-7-410 (Hydroelectric Power Plants ) is Positive

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:27:00 +0000

The edition 3 of the standard IEC 61850-7-410 has been accepted to be published in April 2026:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-410: Basic communication structure –
Hydroelectric power plants – Communication for monitoring and control

The document is very detailed and comprehensive: almost 700 pages!

IEC has published a short news on the new document.

Congratulation to the WG 18 of IEC TC 57!

The document is an integral part of the IEC 61850 standards series. Unlike the standard for Wind Power Plants (IEC 61400-25): which is partly an independent standard series. The latest draft for the information model for wind turbine applications (Edition 3) is harmonized with IEC 61850!

OT Security - Kongressbeiträge "Security unter Kontrolle" jetzt Online

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:39:00 +0000

Zweitägiger Kongress öffnet die "Tore" ... alle Vorträge online!!

SECURITY UNTER KONTROLLE ist der dialog- und praxisorientierte Kongress für alle, die sich mit Security in der Industrie beschäftigen. Security? Bekommen wir unter Kontrolle!

Um Security für Automatisierungstechnik müssten Sie sich mal kümmern – wenn Sie bloß wüssten, wie genau? Das ist das Ziel von SECURITY UNTER KONTROLLE. Automatisierer, Ingenieure und Praktiker befähigen, Security selbst in die Hand zu nehmen.

Das in die "Hand nehmen" ist leicht gesagt ... es ist zu hoffen, dass das Management in den Firmen die Mitarbeiter unterstützen, dass sich die Leute darum kümmern können!

Ich hoffe, dass die vielen Minuten Videomaterial so aufbereitet werden, dass sich die wesentlichen Aussagen und Erfahrungen in vielleicht einer Stunde in einem "kondensierten" Video kostenfrei erleben lassen.

Viele Erfolg!

New Work Item Proposal on IEC 61850-8-3 has been accepted by 95 % of the TC 57 National Committees

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:42:00 +0000

In December 2025 the NWIP (57/2866/NP - proposed project number: IEC 61850-8-3) was published for voting and comments:
https://blog.nettedautomation.com/2025/12/long-awaited-christmas-gift-for-smarter.html

Today we are happy that the NWIP has been approved by IEC - only one country disagreed in the voting process.

The result of this work will very likely change the usability of IEC 61850 outside substations.

Stay tuned to follow the progress.

In order to explain details of the new approach to be used for the new work item proposal IEC 61850-8-3 I have produced a 17 minute video (2026-05-13).

IEC 61850: Work-around for MMS

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:41:00 +0000

Very interesting paper just published ... presenting a work-around for MMS ;-)

Integration Method for IEC 61850 into Legacy and Modern PLC Systems

I am a little bit surprised ... when I worked for Siemens (Karlsruhe) I published two papers in the year 1991 (35 years ago!) expecting that MMS could be implemented into a PLC:

Click HERE for the paper “Bridging MAP to Ethernet” [PDF, 720 KB, 1991]

Click HERE for the paper “Fieldbus standardization: Another way to go” [PDF, 720 KB, 1991].

Today we know that MMS could be integrated into PLCs ...

Gateways work always - definitely.

The expected new work on IEC 61850-8-3 (another mapping than to MMS) would change the situation tremendously:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Specific Communication Service Mapping (SCSM) –
Mapping to Direct Message Specification (DMS),
JSON Encoding Rules, and WebSockets

Click HERE for more information on the planned project.

What is the Scope of the IEC 61850 Series?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:44:00 +0000

The seven IEC 61850 CDVs published the other day (7-4, 7-4n and 7-4nn) use all the same Scope which starts:

Excerpt from:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 7-4: Basic communication structure – Compatible logical node classes and data object classes – Core

-------------

1.1 General

This part of IEC 61850 specifies the information model of devices and functions generally related to common use regarding applications in systems for power utility automation. In particular, it specifies the compatible logical node names and data object names for communication between intelligent electronic devices (IED). This includes the relationship between logical nodes and data objects.

...

This standard and its direct counterparts (7-4, 7-4n and 7-4nn) are applicable to describe device

models and functions for:

• substation and feeder equipment,
• substation-to-substation information exchange,
• substation-to-control centre information exchange,
• power plant-to-control centre information exchange,
• information exchange for distributed generation,
• information exchange for distributed energy resources,
• information exchange for metering,
• information exchanged for hydro power plants, or
• information exchange for wind generation plants.

--------------

The main title of all parts of the series IEC 61850 is:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation

This title is some how an indication of the scope.

IEC 61850 can be used everywhere as follows:

Communication networks and systems for ~~power utility~~ automation

The narrow scope to power utilities is sometimes used by people that do not like the IEC 61850 series ... or do not want to let people outside the power utilities to apply it ...

But the crucial content of the many different parts is applicable in most automation domains ... where ever electric power is found - buildings, factories, ...

A lot of Logical Nodes, e.g., STMP (Supervision of Temperatures) are useful for transformers, bearings, tanks, ...

Lessons learned:

The various parts of IEC 61850 are applicable far beyond of the written scope - if you like it or not.
Often the discussion related to the scope is aimed to tell you, that IEC 61850 is not applicable outside power utilities (or substations) - trust me: it is applicable far beyond.

By the way, the discussion of scopes could be ridiculous: IEC 60870-5-104 defines:

"This part of IEC 60870 applies to telecontrol equipment and systems with coded bit serial data transmission for monitoring and controlling geographically widespread processes. It defines a telecontrol companion standard that enables interoperability among compatible telecontrol equipment"

IEC 60870-5-104 does not have substation automation (usually not a widespread area) in its scope - BUT, you know 104 is used as the communication inside many substations! Ok ... why not. But then also IEC 61850 can be used for telecontrol ... see IEC 61850-80-1, ...
In the wind power industry it was discussed some 20 years ago: IEC 61850 is not applicable for wind turbines, because wind turbines are not substations ... hahaha

Enjoy IEC 61850!

IEC 61850: Realtime Interface Version 2.0 - Why This Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:01:00 +0000

Netbeheer (the Netherlands organization of Distribution System Operator) published the Realtime Interface version 1.0 (RTI 1) in 2024.

The revised specification (named RTI 2) has been developed last year and proposed to IEC TC 57 as an additional solution for communication of IEC 61850 information (New Work Item Proposal IEC 61850-8-3).

The one page list of good reasons for the new solution

The combination of IEC 61850 data model / services and WebSocket protocol
Why this matters

can be found here.

Seven IEC 61850 Model Documents Published for Public CDV Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:36:00 +0000

Please note that seven IEC 61850-7-xxx model documents have been published for CDV comments on 2026-02-13. The following documents are available for public comments until 2026-04-10:

IEC 61850-7-4 ED3
Communication networks and systems for power utility
automation - Part 7-4: Basic communication structure -
Compatible logical node classes and data object classes -
Core

IEC 61850-7-40 ED1
... Common part

IEC 61850-7-43 ED1
... Primary equipment

IEC 61850-7-44 ED1
... Instrument transformers

IEC 61850-7-400 ED1
.... Substation automation

IEC 61850-7-401 ED1
... Protection

IEC 61850-7-440 ED1
... Power quality metering

Enjoy!

Long Awaited Christmas Gift For Smart(er) Grids - IEC 61850-8-3 is on its Way

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:29:00 +0000

In order to explain details of the new approach to be used for the new work item proposal IEC 61850-8-3 I have produced a 17 minute video. (2026-05-13)

IEC TC 57 just published a long awaited and crucial new work item proposal:

57/2866/NP - proposed project number: 61850-8-3

Closing date for voting on the NP: 2026-03-06

"IEC 61850-8-3 Ed.1 defines the direct mapping of the client/server services of the ACSI (Abstract Communication Service Interface) defined in IEC 61850-7-2. Direct mapping means that for every abstract client/server service of the ACSI a concrete message schema (for the request and the response) is defined in ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation One). ...

The encoding of the messages according to IEC 61850-8-3 is using the ASN.1 JER (JSON Encoding Rule, ISO/IEC 8825-8:2021). The messages are exchanged through WebSocket (RFC 6455, The WebSocket Protocol). WebSocket is a communication protocol that enables a persistent, full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection, allowing both the client and server to send data to each other at any time. This differs from the standard HTTP request-response model, making it ideal for real-time applications."

Please contact your national IEC TC 57 committee for a copy of the NP.

The main differences between IEC 61850-8-1/8-2 and 8-3 are shown in the following table:

and here:

Enjoy!

Click HERE for additional information that discusses the need for a modern messaging solution ...

I look forward to continuing the editing work of this new part of IEC 61850. This closes the circle of my contribution to communication protocols: starting in the mid 1980s with MMS (base for IEC 61850-8-1/8-2) and now (40+ years later) involved in a modern approach using web technologies ... Wow ...

This NP is the result of a Proof of Concept (PoC) initiated and managed by the Netherlands Distribution System Operators (Netbeheer). I played a little role in the implementation of this PoC. The PoC demonstrated the great benefit that can be harvested from the solution!

It is very likely that this part IEC 61850-8-3 (once it is finished) will accelerate the application of IEC 61850 outside the substation domain. I have discussed IEC 61850 outside of substations for many years ... Let me know what you think.

I wish you a merry Christmas and the best for the year 2026.

NEW version of the Famous Whitepaper Requirements for Secure Control and Telecommunication Systems

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:40:00 +0000

The Austrian, German, and Swiss Utilities have published (with the support of Dr. Stephan Beirer and Marl Joos (GAI NetConsult GmbH, Berlin/Germany)) the Version 3.0 of the famous

Whitepaper Requirements for Secure Control and Telecommunication Systems

The English version (pdf, 88 pages) could be downloaded HERE.

Die deutsche Version (pdf, 92 Seiten) kann HIER heruntergeladen werden.

It is highly recommended to read, understand, and implement the recommendations! They reflect the latest experiences and need in our highly interconnected electric power world!

Today I will focus on two issues: the first is discussed in the Whitepaper, the second is discussed in a paper from AXPRO in Switzerland.

The Whitepaper says on page 46 (bzw Seite 47 in der deutschen Version):

"In line with the given technical capabilities, standardised IEC protocols should be used across the board. The private range of these communication protocols should only be used where necessary for technological reasons. Without additional measures, the standard protocols IEC 60870-5-101/104 and IEC 61850 offer no secure integrity protection, authentication or encryption. In such cases, the available extensions according to IEC 62351 should be used. Potential limitations, e.g. in terms of performance and error diagnostics as well as the necessary key management infrastructure and processes should be considered.

For communication across zone boundaries, protocol breaks should be provided, e.g. through application layer gateways or by converting to a different protocol, to reduce potential vulnerabilities and weak points."

I fully agree with this last sentence. This brings me to the second issue:

The Swiss utility AXPRO published a great paper with the title: OT-Security im Unterwerk ... means in substations ... the paper is in English. You can download it HERE.

On page 3 you can find this:

Geräte diversifizieren

"Die klassischen Ansätze der Literatur geben einen Überblick über Lösungen. Dies beginnt bei gängigen Konzepten zur Ersatzteilhaltung und setzt sich bei der technischen Redundanz von Komponenten fort. Die zusätzlichen Komponenten halten den Betrieb bei einem Ausfall aufrecht – zumindest einen Minimalbetrieb. Die eingesetzten Geräte und Systeme können zudem mit unter-schiedlichen Komponenten diversifiziert werden, beispielsweise durch Geräte unterschiedlicher Hersteller, Gerätefamilien mit signifikanten Unterschieden sowie Kommunikationsvarianten. Eine einzelne Schwachstelle kann somit nie die Funktion des Gesamtsystems gefährden. Die Diversität stellt eine Hürde dar, die ein Angreifer überwinden muss. Allerdings muss auch beachtet und akzeptiert werden, dass durch eine grössere Diversität ein Mehraufwand für den Betrieb und somit zusätzliche Kosten entstehen."

They are obviously following the recommendation of the Whitepaper!! Thanks. The statement in the last sentence is important to understand: The implementation and application of many security measures needs peopleware and reasonable budgets!

I have discussed peopleware many times for years ... it seems to be more important than ever ... see also my latest discussion on people ...

Be aware: The most secure communication is the one that is not implemented or implemented but not in use!

IEC 61850 Is The Corner Stone Of Manageable Secure Power Systems

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:57:00 +0000

On September 16, 2025 I presented a Keynote Address at the 6th PS2 organized by Omicron.

Click HERE for accessing my slides [PDF, 9 MB]

The crucial slide is on page 25:

The keynote discusses the challenge: Informatics versus electrical engineering. My understanding is that we need every expertise: concrete builder, electricians, metal ... copper ... electrical ... mechanical ... IT, OT, protection, automation, ... cyber security ... and so on. A holistic approach is needed.

Do not expect that one is the superior product ... or most crucial person ...

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Check out how we could help.

What is a model in the context of IEC 61850?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:09:00 +0000

A model is a model is a model ... huch.

The question is: What does a model provide? In short: It provides an external visible PATH to an actual value of something, e.g., a voltage or temperature. A model of my home is not something where I can life in! It shows where the rooms, stairs, ... are ...

The leaves (or end points) of the model in the IEC 61850 TREE (of a model) are NOT where the actual value reside! Basic Data Attribute (BDA) in IEC 61850 are the leaves of the trees.

Just a minor comment on the BDA: I found this: "This is the lowest level, where the actual value resides." IEC 61850 defines models that hide the storage location of an actual value. The BDA is a PATH to the actual value. The value resides "behind" that model. The BDA holds an externally non-visible or non-accessible reference to the actual measurement value or status.

When reading the current value of the phase A of the MODEL MMXU1 you send a read request with the PATH: "LD/MMXU1.A.phsA.cVal.mag.f". This PATH is translated into the direct or indirect storage location of a specific IED. How that is implemented, depends on the architecture of the interface and application software. It may even be mapped to an underlying fieldbus specific address (e.g., Modbus coil 2828). When the read request is received, the IED uses Modbus to read the actual value from coil 2828. In this case the actual value resides beyond the IED with its MODEL. The IED needs a non-visible specific mapping from the PATH to the Modbus register.

The models in IEC 61850 describe a virtual world in the following sense:

If it's there and you can see it It's REAL
If it's there and you can't see it It's TRANSPARENT
If it's not there and you can see it It's VIRTUAL
If it's not there and you can't see it It's GONE
Roy Wills

I hope that helps to understand the Models in IEC 61850.

This virtualization has an impact on how an IEC 61850 Stack (is not defined in IEC 61850 what a stack is) you purchase maps the leaves of the model to the location of your actual values.

The 30 Year Anniversary of IEC 61850 at Omicron in Klaus (Austria) on September 24, 2025, was a BIG success

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:10:00 +0000

The IEC 61850 Community has celebrated the 30 Year Anniversary at Omicron in Klaus (Austria) on September 24, 2025, was really a BIG success. Thanks to everybody that contributed to this success: Omicron employees, IEC TC 57 management, IEC TC 57 WG 10 and WG 19 members, many old friends from all-over. Some photos are already posted at LinkedIn ...

I was asked to tell the IEC 61850 Community the history of the standardization process starting in the 1980s with the fight Tokenbus versus Ethernet, MMS versus FMS, ... x versus y, ...

Click HERE to download my presentation [pdf, 6 MB]

You can see me on the stage during my presentation:

The event was a great opportunity to meet people I have not met for years, e.g., George Schimmel (Tamarack, later TMW):

I guess I met George the first time in 1985 at the GM Techcenter in Warren (Michigan) ... MAP project.

René Troost and Alain Stuivenvolt from The Netherlands are so smart that they were able to move the stack of 7 layers of the Tower of Hanoi from one stick to another - well done.

On the group photo you find me in the first row/center:

I am still wondering that a lot of experts talk about IEC 61850 as a standard for substations! We are shaping more than the future of digital substations ... after the "Klaus Agreement" (see meeting minutes of the Task Force IEC 61850-8-3) we expect that IEC 61850 will be shaping the future of electric power systems far beyond substations as I discussed some 20 years ago:

Check HERE a paper on this topic I published in the year 2008.

Some Hints on the use of Wireshark for IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS)

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Please note the following preferences ... and have fun:

Version I used today:

Set the mms filter so see mms/IEC61850 only:

In case the MMS server is using a different port number: e.g., 12001 instead of standard port 102:

Analyze/Decode/ set other port number accordingly:

Check if presentation users context is correct:

Analyzing MMS/ASN.1/BER is sometimes tricky ... here is an example I figured out the other day ... if the length of a value is three (3) octets then the ASN.1 BER encoded message should indicate a length of 3 ... not 2 ... one single error in the length could damage the communication ...

UCAIUG Webinar on The Dutch IEC 61850 DSO-DER Realtime Interface: Practical Insights and Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:36:00 +0000

The famous UCA International Users Group invites you to attend a very interesting Webinar conducted by René Troost (Grid Strategist) at Stedin (Netherlands):

“The Dutch IEC 61850 DSO-DER Realtime Interface: Practical Insights and Experiences”

René serves as a Grid Strategist at Stedin, a major Distribution System Operator (DSO) in the Netherlands. In addition to his role at Stedin, he actively participates in and leads nationwide projects.

Date: 2 October 2025
16:00 - 17:00 MESZ

The webinar is free to attend and open to everyone!

Click HERE to register.

Background information:

Excerpt: Real-time interface: deepening

"Since October 2020, grid operators and market participants have been working together on a Real-Time Interface (RTI). The goal of this interface is to enable generators and grid operators to collaborate on increasing and better utilizing transmission capacity and maintaining the electricity grid safely. The RTI specification was published in February 2024."

IEC 61850 Protocol Implementation Document (PID)

Excerpt: "IEC 61850 Real Time Interface (RTI), as defined by the Dutch System Operators specifies the implementation profile of the IEC 61850 Real Time Interface (RTI), as defined by the Dutch System Operators."

30 years after the start of the standardization work for IEC 61850 it is obvious that IEC 61850 is THE standard series when it comes to the exchange of real-time information between power generation sites and control centers of DSOs.

IEC 61850 in Cyber Secure Environments - New Comprehensive Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 12:25:00 +0000

Due to my family situation (nursing my beloved wife from 2017 to 2022) I had to slow down my training activities. This year I was asked by several senior experts if it would be possible to resume the training.

As a result of discussions with friends of mine, we updated our previous course program and offer a brand new 5-day comprehensive public seminar for Automation, Protection, Monitoring, Engineering, Configuration (SCL), SCADA, Smart Grids, RTU, Gateways, … cyber physical security in electrical systems of any industrial plant … it is available for you and your people.

The reason for the update: We want to do more than teaching the theory of IEC 6850 and demonstrate single IEDs … we want to let our practice talk for your practice. The new training will start in March 2026. Taking the experience with many crucial applications of IEC 61850 into account we offer a new program for a 5-day course conducted by four (4) real experts.

09.-13. March 2026, Karlsruhe (Germany)
21.-25. September 2026, Karlsruhe (Germany)

Click HERE for more details on dates, location, and registration information.

Italian distribution companies go for IEC 61850 - New!?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:03:00 +0000

I have posted news about the Italian norm CEI 0-16 in 2013 (12 years ago) regarding the use of IEC 61850 for DSO - Distribution System Operators:

Click HERE to see the three old posts.

During the last years I have not seen a lot of discussions regarding Italian DSOs ... maybe I just did not look for it.

By some request today, I searched the internet to see what happened: A LOT ... I guess.

Several up-to-date documents are downloadable for free:

Standards CEI 0-16 and CEI 0-21, TR 57-126 e PAS 57-127

Click HERE for accessing the documents.

One of the key documents is likely: Reference technical rules for the connection of active and passive consumers to the HV and MV electrical networks of distribution Company

<<Standard CEI 0-16 – Versione consolidata di lavoro>>

The document <<Standard CEI TR 57-126>> contains even a SCL File for the IED to be used (guess it is an example; from 2022).

I guess these specifications (for FREE) cover more applications (generation and load) compared to the German FNN Steuerbox (load only; spec for 39 Euro).

Needs further investigation to understand the similarities and differences. Anyway, both use IEC 61850!

After yesterdays post (2025-08-27), I found today (2025-08-28) a nice description of one of the backgrounds for CEI 0-16:

Enabling of frequency control on distributed generation by CEI 0-16 Power Plant Controller: an analysis of the benefits on system’s stability

Click HERE for the 190 page paper ... very helpful

IEC 61850 - What does Free allocation of the Logical Nodes mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Karlheinz Schwarz) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:48:00 +0000

Often people ask the question: Where should I allocate a specific function (and the corresponding Logical Node) in the hierarchy of: process, bay, substation, regional control center, central control center?

In the following you will find some description from the Standard IEC 61850-5, a paper from 2001, a question I received the other day, my own brief answer to that question, and two answers from two good friends: Andrea Bonetti (Megger) and Joachim Lange (Solvay).

IEC 61850-5 (Communication requirements for functions and device models; Ed 2022) describes that the allocation is free to allow different architectures and levels were a function (respective a corresponding LN) can be allocated (means implemented).

Excerpt of Clause 9.2.1 Free allocation of Logical Nodes

"The free (arbitrary) allocation of functions or Logical Nodes respectively is not restricted to the common level structure."

The following excerpt of clause 10.1 Need for a formal system description is one of the crucial clauses in the whole standard series IEC 61850:

"Where the data is coming from (sending Logical Node) and is going to (receiving Logical Node), i.e. the static structure of the communication system, has to be engineered or negotiated during the set-up phase of the system. All functions in the IEDs have to know what data to send when and what data they need from functions in other IEDs to be able to fulfill their functions. To control the free allocation of functions respectively Logical Nodes and to create interoperable systems, a strong formal device and system description for communication engineering shall be provided. Such a description (System Configuration description Language) is defined in Part 6 of this standard (IEC 61850-6). This formal description shall also support the data exchange between different tools if applicable."

Be aware that the Logical Nodes are to be understood as a wrapper around a function. In most cases the function as such is behind the facade of the Logical Node. One exception is the Logical Node class FSCH (Schedule). The definition of FSCH contains a well defined state machine that is part of the function of a scheduler.

An old paper from the year 2001 may help you to understand the approach of IEC 61850

The Impact of the coming Standard IEC61850 on the Life-cycle of Open Communication Systems in Substations

By Lars Andersson, Klaus-Peter Brand, Wolfgang Wimmer; ABB Power Automation Ltd., Switzerland

Excerpt from the paper:

Free allocation of functions [KHS: and therefore free allocation of Logical Nodes]
Extension rules to support new functionality
Separation of communication from application issues in a well defined manner
Description of the station from the application communication point of view.

Click HERE for the paper published in the year 2001.

Question:

Hi Karlheinz,
I’m a system engineer with a question on IEC 61850 in substation automation.
In a ring with all IEDs and two RTUs, are the RTUs only SCADA gateways, or can they also host SAS control logic (e.g., with a T500’s basic logic capability)?
Should a SAS operate autonomously from SCADA or higher-level PLCs, and if so, should the IEC 61850 RTUs implement control logic for outage restoration, load shedding, etc., to ensure autonomy?

Answer from Karlheinz Schwarz

Dear xx,
Thanks for contacting me.
IEC 61850 is independent from centralized or decentralized approach. It depends on the philosophy of the utility how to architect the system. Functions could be in the multi-functional IED (Relay), bay controller, substation controller, SCADA, control center, ...
IEC 61850 may be used to run schedules in control IED right behind the electrical connecting point of a home, factory, ... using the LN FSCH - Scheduling.
In Germany we have the so-called FNN Steuerbox that uses schedules for limiting the power usage ...
Hope that helps.

Answer from Andrea Bonetti

IEC 61850 does not prescribe where control logic must be located (read it as the famous sentence "free allocation of the Logical Nodes").
The decision is up to the system designer and the utility’s operational requirements. If autonomy of the HV ring is desired, logic may be placed in RTUs, bay controllers, or other IEDs so that the system operates without SCADA. Any such requirement would come from utility or regulatory specifications, not from the IEC 61850 standard.

There is no IEC 61850 requirement that mandates where control logic must be located — whether in RTUs, IEDs, or higher-level systems.
IEC 61850 specifies how devices exchange information and how to engineer all of that (SCL engineering), not where the logic resides.
Whether the HV ring is autonomous is purely a system design choice defined by the utility’s operational philosophy, national regulations, or internal standards — not by IEC 61850 itself.
If autonomy is required (e.g., for outage restoration or load shedding without SCADA), the designer can choose to implement logic in RTUs, bay controllers, or other IEDs so they can function without higher-level supervision.
Obviously it depends also on the voltage level. Usually, higher voltage level –> less integration. Lower voltage level à more integration.
But there are exceptions to this rule like always.

Answer from Joachim Lange

In case of classical terminals, neither the terminal number nor the terminal function is defined in any standard. Personally, in case of CFC implication I use UDx baycontrol blocks, defining „my signals“ and a group with the "GOOSE exchange" signals
- in case of blocking signals like in double busbar structures I do this as well, because I use busbar selective reverse blocking in dependance of position information,
- this means that disconnector positions enables/disables the blocking transmission to its circuit breaker protection.
It is even useful to avoid that a send out blocking signals triggers during test a not involved feeder.
Some grid companies use f.e. blocking signal in combination with breaker failure. This means when signal is not reset in time they trigger the breaker failure protection.
So the CFC function is really case wise.
We have in our house in the UD1 group all signals which are used for bay supervision.
Philosophy: I decentralise load shedding and automation functions into the bay control level ( discrete frequency / voltage levels with hysteresis).
Such bay controller measures autonomously its conditions.
I provide from above (Scada) the enabling/ disabling signals or mode selections ( power level ) or setpoint correction signals.
The advantage is that a single device failure may not impact a hole system.

Note that Andrea Bonetti (Megger), Joachim Lange (Solvay), Dr. Ghada Elbez (KIT), and I will conduct a comprehensive training starting 09.-13. March 2026 Karlsruhe (Germany) and 21.-25. September 2026 Karlsruhe (Germany).
We will provide the details in the next weeks. Stay tuned.

Here are the logos for that training: