Essential terms and definitions for operational technology, substation automation, and industrial control systems. Your reference guide to the language of modern power systems.
Mandatory cybersecurity standards for North American bulk electric system. Covers areas including electronic security perimeters, system access management, incident reporting, and recovery plans.
The deviation of device settings from approved baselines, often occurring silently through unauthorized changes, firmware updates, or environmental factors. A critical risk in protection systems that can lead to mis-operations.
Microprocessor-based devices used in electrical power systems for protection, control, or monitoring. Examples include protection relays, meters, RTUs, and bay controllers with communication capabilities.
Intelligent device that monitors electrical system conditions and automatically operates circuit breakers to isolate faults. Modern relays are microprocessor-based with communication capabilities and multiple protection functions.
Microprocessor-controlled electronic device that interfaces with SCADA systems to monitor and control remote equipment. Provides protocol conversion, data acquisition, and control capabilities in substations and field locations.
A communication protocol used primarily in SCADA systems for communication between control centers and remote terminal units (RTUs). Supports both serial and TCP/IP communications with secure authentication extensions.
A fast messaging protocol defined in IEC 61850 for peer-to-peer communication between substation devices. Used for protection schemes and control logic requiring response times under 4 milliseconds.
Client-server communication protocol used in IEC 61850 for accessing device data, settings, and files. Provides reliable, connection-oriented communication for configuration and monitoring operations.
Simple, robust communication protocol widely used in industrial automation. Supports both serial (RTU) and Ethernet (TCP) variants. Common in legacy substation devices and industrial control systems.
Security practice of providing temporary, time-bound access to systems only when needed for specific tasks. Eliminates standing accounts and reduces attack surface in critical infrastructure.
International standard for substation automation systems, defining communication protocols, data models, and configuration methods. Enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers through standardized logical nodes and services.
Standardized data object in IEC 61850 representing a specific function within an IED. Examples include PTRC (protection), MMXU (measurements), and CSWI (switch control). Enables vendor-neutral device modeling.
XML-based language defined in IEC 61850 for describing substation configurations. Includes ICD (device capabilities), SCD (system configuration), and CID (configured devices) file types for complete system documentation.
Industrial control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-level process supervisory management of industrial processes.
Hardware and software systems that monitor and control industrial processes and infrastructure. Includes SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and substation automation systems. Distinct from IT systems in requiring real-time operation and high availability.
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