PCM600 uses IEC 61850 over Ethernet to communicate with bay IEDs. This

communication allows PCM600 to configure and monitor the IEDs. In addition to

IEC 61850 the IEDs have optional communications protocols and hardware to

connect to station engineering tools. PCM600 provides the ability to export the

configuration of the IEDs or entire substation in a standard file format which

allows for station engineering.

A PC with PCM600 can be connected to any 615 series IED within a station by

using the Ethernet connection. The connection can also be used for service and

maintenance purposes. In addition, the connection is used to handle disturbance

records from the protection IEDs using the IEC 61850 file transfer.

The modern-day IEDs are designed using the concept of the IEC 61850 standard.

This is primarily in regards to how functions within the IED are modelled and how

the IED is represented in the substation. See the IEC 61850 parameter list for the

list of logical nodes available in the IED and observe how they follow the structure

and rules as defined in part 7 of the standard.

The engineering of the used communication protocols is a separate task and an

addition to the engineering of protection and control functions.

PCM600 can be used for different purposes throughout the IED life cycle. A set of

special tools is available for different applications.