With its standardized model of the IED and its data and communication services, IEC 61850 ensures interoperability between electrical devices from different vendors and is able to replace all the typical protocols found in the substation automation domain. Based on Ethernet technology and providing a flexible and open system architecture, IEC 61850 makes the application future-proof over entire system lifecycles.
IEC 61850 complements System 800xA’s capability of using open standards to integrate fieldbus devices within process automation. For process electrification devices such as low voltage switchgear, variable speed drives and motor controllers, System 800xA supports open fieldbus standards such as Profibus and Profinet. For process instrumentation, System 800xA has extensive integration with HART, Profibus and Foundation Fieldbus.
Adopting IEC 61850 technology together with System 800xA also permits standardization of various procedures in substation configuration, control logic, control libraries and operation procedures. The object orientation of IEC 61850 enables standardized device models, supported by System 800xA through its IEC 61850 compatibility.