Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for handling time shifted data streams in a substation network. A method is performed by an IED. The method comprises receiving a respective data stream from at least two time synchronized data sources in the substation network. The method comprises blocking, upon detecting a time shift between the data streams resulting from one of the data sources losing its time synchronization and until a configured time amount has expired, a protection function in the substation network from acting based on the data streams.

Abstract: A communication module is disclosed for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) which can implement the EIA-485 standard, including an intelligent hardware support that can allow a known software-based collision detection function to detect collisions independently of the location of the message sources on the transmission line. The hardware support can enable both a “strong signal driving” mode as well as a “weak signal driving” mode. In the weak mode, a biasing, or attenuating, or voltage-dividing resistor can be temporarily inserted between a transmitter, or voltage source, and the transmission line.

Abstract: A method for improving accuracy of simple network time protocol. A time inquiry is sent from at least one device in a substation to a time provider. A message including a reference time is received from the time provider. An accuracy of the reference time is evaluated. If the accuracy of the reference time is less than a threshold value the accuracy of the reference time is improved. The reference time is utilized for synchronization.

Abstract: A communication module is disclosed for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) which can implement the EIA-485 standard, including an intelligent hardware support that can allow a known software-based collision detection function to detect collisions independently of the location of the message sources on the transmission line. The hardware support can enable both a “strong signal driving” mode as well as a “weak signal driving” mode. In the weak mode, a biasing, or attenuating, or voltage-dividing resistor can be temporarily inserted between a transmitter, or voltage source, and the transmission line.

Abstract: A method for improving accuracy of simple network time protocol. A time inquiry is sent from at least one device in a substation to a time provider. A message including a reference time is received from the time provider. An accuracy of the reference time is evaluated. If the accuracy of the reference time is less than a threshold value the accuracy of the reference time is improved. The reference time is utilized for synchronization.