Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and system for secure access control of an intelligent electronic device (“IED”) by multiple personnel. Within the IED a set of basic permissions is defined. A software program allows a security administrator create specific roles from the basic permissions. The software program can then be used to assign to a user a specific role for one or more specific IEDs. This action creates a set of unique security keys for the user and a unique security file for each IED. When a user accesses an IED the system identifies the user from the security key and determines his/her permissions using the security file. The security key may take the form of a password inputted into the IED, an access device incorporated within the IED, and/or a remote access device positioned proximate the IED or removably positioned in the IED.

Abstract: A system for protection, control, metering, and monitoring of the delivery of electrical power is disclosed. Embodiments of the system provide input/output devices called bricks to receive analog and binary field data from primary equipment located in a power substation switchyard. The bricks are linked via fiber-optic patch cables and patch panels with one or more intelligent electronic devices (“IEDs”). In operation, the bricks convert the received binary and/or analog field data into digital signals, and transmit the digital signals synchronously to their associated IEDs using clock signals provided by each IED to the individual bricks. The bricks may accept a computer software code download from each of its master IED(s). Multiple code implementations, each tailored to the requirements of its master IED(s) can therefore co-exist on a single brick.

Abstract: A method for recording analog signals and digitally encoded information associated with primary and secondary devices of an electric power system includes: receiving a plurality of analog output signals and a plurality of ON/OFF status signals from the electric power system; receiving a time-synchronization analog signal and/or a time-synchronization data packet from a time synchronization source; maintaining an internal clock synchronized with the synchronization source; sampling and digitizing the plurality of analog output signals; monitoring a status and/or a change of status of the plurality of ON/OFF status signals; receiving digitally encoded information signals as incoming data packets; decoding and analyzing the incoming data packets; analyzing the plurality of analog output signals and digitally encoded information signals using a triggering algorithm; and storing digitized analog output signals and digitally encoded information signals together with corresponding timing information in a record as f

Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and system for secure access control of an intelligent electronic device (“IED”) by multiple personnel. Within the IED a set of basic permissions is defined. A software program allows a security administrator create specific roles from the basic permissions. The software program can then be used to assign to a user a specific role for one or more specific IEDs. This action creates a set of unique security keys for the user and a unique security file for each IED. When a user accesses an IED the system identifies the user from the security key and determines his/her permissions using the security file. The security key may take the form of a password inputted into the IED, an access device incorporated within the IED, and/or a remote access device positioned proximate the IED or removably positioned in the IED.

Abstract: A system for protection, control, metering, and monitoring of the delivery of electrical power is disclosed. Embodiments of the system provide input/output devices called bricks to receive analog and binary field data from primary equipment located in a power substation switchyard. The bricks are linked via fiber-optic patch cables and patch panels with one or more intelligent electronic devices (“IEDs”). In operation, the bricks convert the received binary and/or analog field data into digital signals, and transmit the digital signals synchronously to their associated IEDs using clock signals provided by each IED to the individual bricks. The bricks may accept a computer software code download from each of its master IED(s). Multiple code implementations, each tailored to the requirements of its master IED(s) can therefore co-exist on a single brick.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) configured to supervise a process having a state has at least one of a current, voltage or resistive input configured to monitor the state of the process, a binary status input configured to monitor the state of the process, a binary status input configured to receive a digitally encoded serial communication package for monitoring the state of the process, a control output configured to output a signal to control process protection, control, or automation, or a combination thereof, or a control output configured to output a digitally encoded serial communication package to control protection, control, or automation, or a combination thereof. The IED is also configured to facilitate digital communication between at least two compatible devices by directing communication packets from ports connected to an originating compatible device to ports connected to a destination compatible device.

Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A method for distributing a timing signal to a device. The method includes receiving a timing signal from a timing source, receiving a power signal, superimposing the timing signal on the power signal to facilitate creating a different power signal to be distributed to the device, decoding the timing signal from the power signal within the device, and adjusting an internal clock of the device to facilitate synchronizing the internal clock with the decoded timing signal.