H‑Infinity

IEC 61850 is the international standard for communication networks and systems in substations. It replaces traditional hard-wired signalling with digital communication, enabling faster fault clearing, better monitoring, easier integration, and multi-vendor interoperability. Our IEC 61850 architecture design service ensures your substation communication system is correctly designed, properly configured, and fully compliant.

01What is IEC 61850 Architecture?

IEC 61850 defines a comprehensive communication framework for substations, covering the entire data exchange from field devices to control centre:

Communication Layers

Station level (control room), bay level (protective relays), and process level (FT3, merge units, CT/VT) — each with specific communication requirements.

SCL Configuration

Substation Configuration Language (SCL) files (SSD, SCD, ICD, CID) that define the communication topology, data models, and device settings.

GOOSE & MMS

Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) for fast trip signals and Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) for station-level monitoring.

Network Design

Ethernet switch selection, VLAN configuration, bandwidth analysis, and redundancy schemes (MRP, RSTP, G.8032) for reliable communication.

02Why IEC 61850 Matters

IEC 61850 is transforming substation design worldwide. Adopting it correctly provides:

▸Faster Fault Clearance — GOOSE-based trip signals operate in <4 ms compared to 80–100 ms for hard-wired contacts, reducing equipment damage.
▸Reduced Wiring — Digital communication replaces hundreds of control cables, reducing material costs, installation time, and maintenance.
▸Vendor Independence — IEC 61850 ensures devices from different manufacturers can communicate, avoiding vendor lock-in.
▸Enhanced Monitoring — Real-time process data, event recording, and diagnostic information improve operational awareness.

03Our Approach

We follow a structured approach to IEC 61850 implementation, from system design through configuration and testing:

1. Communication System Design

Design the communication architecture — topology, network segments, bandwidth requirements, and redundancy strategy.

2. SCD File Development

Create the Substation Configuration Description (SCD) file defining the complete communication system, including all ICD integration.

3. GOOSE & SV Mapping

Define GOOSE publisher-subscriber relationships, Sampled Values (SV) streams, and virtual terminal connections.

4. Configuration & Testing

Configure all devices with CID files, perform integration testing, and verify all communication paths operate correctly.

04Scope of IEC 61850 Design

Our comprehensive IEC 61850 design services include:

▸Communication System Specification — Network architecture, switch specifications, and bandwidth calculations.
▸SCL File Management — SSD system specification, SCD integration, device-specific CID configuration files.
▸Secondary Schematics — Communication network diagrams, switch port assignments, and fibre optic cable schedules.
▸Integration Testing — Factory and site acceptance tests for communication system functionality.

05Standards & Compliance

✓IEC 61850-1 — General Requirements

✓IEC 61850-6 — SCL Configuration

✓IEC 61850-7-2/3/4 — Data Models & Communication

✓IEC 61850-8-1 — GOOSE & SV Mappings

06Why H-Infinity

We've designed IEC 61850 communication systems for over 50 digital substations, working with all major relay manufacturers — SEL, Siemens, ABB, GE, Schneider, and Schneider. Our team holds IEC 61850 configuration certifications and can handle the complete scope from system design through SCD creation and integration testing.

IEC 61850 Architecture