New Work on Security for SCL, CIM, DNP3 XML-Files

XML files are used for IEC 61970 (CIM), IEC 61850, and IEEE 1815 (DNP3)
and IEEE C37.111 (COMTRADE). How can one trust that the content of an XML file for these applications has not been modified? etc.

A new work proposal has been published:
Power systems management and associated information exchange – Data and communications security –
Part 11: Security for XML Files (future IEC 62351-11)

The ballot closes 2012-07-27

This work is one of the crucial aspects of the future power systems – the various files may contain very sensitive information that has to be protected … like the protection relays and protection engineers protect the power system!!

I hope that the management takes this work very serious!

IEC 61850 IED Scout version 2.10 available

Omicron has posted a new version (2.10) of the IEC 61850 IED Scout on their website for download. There is also some information available on the use cases for the tool.
Be aware that the software runs in demo mode only. If you want to see the full functionality you need a dongle from Omicron.
In case you want to see this and many other tools fully functional in action, you may attend the upcoming IEC 61850 training opportunities in Frankfut, San Antonio, Brisbane or Sydney.
Click HERE for information on IEC 61850 training opportunities.
Click HERE to visit the Omicron web page for more details on the IED Scout.

Embedded controller exposes electric measurements through IEC 61850

A new, easy to install embedded device for electrical measurements provides crucial information on the status of the power system through the following information in (or near) real-time by an IEC 61850 Server:

• Voltage L1 true RMS
• Voltage L2 true RMS
• Voltage L3 true RMS
• Current L1 true RMS
• Current L2 true RMS
• Current L3 true RMS
• Instantaneous Real Power
• Instantaneous Reactive Power
• Grid Frequency Power Angle (Cos Phi)

The IEC 61850 Server (build into the box shown above) provides the crucial MMXU Logical Node (3 phase Measurements) and COMTRADE formatted files of the values. The Server's Information model is shown below:

This Information model is derived from the real device (the server implemented at the device) via IEC 61850 self-description services. The model could be converted to an SCL file (according to IEC 61850-6):

A complete Substation Specification (.ssd and .scd file) according to IEC 61850-6 would provide also how the Information model is bound to the real electrical installation, e.g., where is the measurement taken etc. The complete description contained in the SCL file could be used by any system (Gateway, SCADA database, ...).

Further information models (calculated in an application or from the physical input/output terminals) can be implemented. The platform could be used for many applications in power systems and other domains.

QNE (Oldenburg/Germany) is active in the domain of Smart Metering, Embedded Real-Time HW/SW Systems, SCADA, Analog and Digital Transducers, Technology Consulting, Research & Development

Click HERE to read a two page flyer [pdf].