Connecting a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) to Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) depends on the

communication method and protocols. These connections can vary based on the age of the system,
the specific devices used, and the requirements for data exchange. Here's a detailed explanation
with examples, including common device names and setups:

1. Direct Wiring (Legacy Systems)

 Description:

o In older setups, the RTU connects to IEDs directly via point-to-point copper wiring
for each signal (analog or digital).

o Each IED communicates with the RTU through dedicated wires for inputs (TX) and
outputs (RX).

 Example:

o IEDs: Protection relays (e.g., Schneider Electric SEPAM series).

o Wiring:

 15 cables run between the RTU and the IED.

 Specific terminals like TXa (Transmit) and RXa (Receive) are used for sending
and receiving signals.

 Separate wires may carry analog signals (e.g., voltage/current levels) and
digital statuses (breaker open/close).

 Use Case:

o A protection relay detects a fault in the feeder.

o It sends a trip signal directly to the RTU through the RXa wire, and the RTU logs this
event for SCADA.

When 15 cables are used to connect an RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) to an IED
(Intelligent Electronic Device), these cables typically represent a combination of power,
communication, control, and signal lines. Below is a detailed breakdown of what these
cables might represent, along with their typical purposes:

1. Communication Cables

1. TX+ (Transmit Positive)

o Carries the positive side of transmitted data from the RTU to the IED.

2. TX- (Transmit Negative)

 o Carries the negative side of transmitted data from the RTU to the IED (differential
signaling).

3. RX+ (Receive Positive)

o Carries the positive side of received data from the IED to the RTU.

4. RX- (Receive Negative)

o Carries the negative side of received data from the IED to the RTU.

2. Power Supply Cables

5. DC+ (Positive DC Power)

o Provides the positive power supply to the IED.

6. DC- (Negative/Return DC Power)

o Provides the negative (ground) power supply for the IED.

3. Control Signal Cables

7. Control Input 1 (Breaker ON)

o Sends the "ON" command signal from the RTU to the IED for controlling a circuit
breaker.

8. Control Input 2 (Breaker OFF)

o Sends the "OFF" command signal from the RTU to the IED for controlling a circuit
breaker.

4. Status Signal Cables

9. Status Output 1 (Breaker Status)

o Sends feedback from the IED to the RTU to indicate if the breaker is open or closed.

10. Status Output 2 (Alarm Signal)

 Sends an alarm or fault signal from the IED to the RTU.

11. Status Output 3 (Trip Signal)

 Sends a trip indication from the IED to the RTU (e.g., due to a fault condition).

5. Analog Signal Cables

12. Analog Input 1 (Voltage Signal)

 Sends voltage measurement from the IED to the RTU.

13. Analog Input 2 (Current Signal)

 Sends current measurement from the IED to the RTU.

6. Grounding and Shielding Cables

14. Earth Ground (Chassis Ground)

 Connects the IED and RTU to the system’s grounding to ensure safety and reduce electrical
noise.

15. Shielding Ground

 Provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for communication lines.

Purpose and Usage

Cable Name Purpose Direction

TX+ / TX- Transmit data RTU → IED

RX+ / RX- Receive data IED → RTU

DC+ / DC- Power supply RTU → IED

Control Input Control signals (e.g., Breaker RTU → IED

1/2 ON/OFF)

Status Output Status signals (e.g., Breaker IED → RTU

1/2/3 Status/Alarm)

Analog Input Measurement signals (e.g., IED → RTU

1/2 Voltage/Current)

Earth Ground Safety grounding Common

Ground

Shielding EMI protection Common

Ground Ground

Example

In an older setup with Schneider Electric SEPAM IEDs and an RTU:

 The TX+ and TX- cables transmit commands from the RTU to the IED, such as opening or
closing a breaker.

 The RX+ and RX- cables receive measurements, such as current or voltage, from the IED.

 The control input cables send "ON" or "OFF" signals for circuit breaker operation.

 The status output cables report whether the breaker is open or closed, or if an alarm
condition exists.
  The analog input cables provide real-time electrical measurements.

 Grounding ensures the system is safe and minimizes interference.

This structure ensures reliable communication and operation between the RTU and IED
in legacy substation systems.

2. Serial Communication (RS-485/RS-232)

 Description:

o A more modern approach using serial communication protocols like RS-485 or RS-
232.

o These connections reduce wiring by enabling multiple IEDs to communicate with the
RTU over a single serial bus.

 Example:

o IEDs: Schneider Electric Micom P40 series relays.

o Protocol: Modbus RTU over RS-485.

o Wiring:

 A 2-wire pair for communication (TX/RX).

 Daisy-chain connection allows multiple IEDs to connect to one RTU.

 Use Case:

o An RTU polls data (e.g., current and voltage measurements) from multiple IEDs over
the shared RS-485 bus.

o Each IED responds with its unique address, ensuring accurate data retrieval.

3. Ethernet-Based Communication

 Description:

o Modern substations use Ethernet communication for RTU-IED connectivity, enabling

high-speed data exchange with minimal wiring.

o Ethernet switches interconnect the devices, supporting advanced protocols like IEC
61850.

 Example:

o IEDs: Schneider Electric SEPAM 80 relays with Ethernet ports.

o Switch: Managed Ethernet switch (e.g., Hirschmann or Ruggedcom).

o Protocol: IEC 61850 MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification).

  Wiring:

o A single Ethernet cable (CAT6) connects each IED to an Ethernet switch.

o The RTU is also connected to the switch, enabling communication with all IEDs.

 Use Case:

o The RTU retrieves GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events) messages

from multiple IEDs for fast event detection and control.

Ethernet-Based Communication

Ethernet-based communication refers to the use of Ethernet technology to enable data transfer
between devices in a network. It is widely used in industrial automation, substations, and control
systems due to its high speed, reliability, and flexibility.

Key Features of Ethernet in Industrial Communication

1. High Speed: Supports data rates ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps.

2. Scalability: Easily supports large networks with numerous devices.

3. Standard Protocols: Works seamlessly with protocols like TCP/IP, IEC 61850, DNP3, and
Modbus TCP.

4. Reliability: Advanced features like VLANs, QoS, and redundancy protocols enhance
reliability.

5. Interoperability: Devices from different manufacturers can communicate effectively.

How Ethernet Works in Industrial Communication

1. Physical Layer: Uses twisted-pair cables (Cat5e, Cat6), fiber-optic cables, or wireless links.

2. Data Link Layer: Manages MAC addresses for device identification and network
communication.

3. Networking Devices: Includes Ethernet switches, routers, and gateways to manage traffic.

4. Protocols: Supports various industrial protocols for device communication, e.g., IEC 61850
for substation automation.

Example of Ethernet-Based Communication in a Substation

Scenario

A substation uses Ethernet-based communication to integrate its Intelligent Electronic Devices

(IEDs), Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), and SCADA system. The goal is to monitor and control the
power distribution network efficiently.

Components
 1. IEDs: Protection relays for transformers and circuit breakers.

2. RTU: Collects data from IEDs and sends it to the SCADA system.

3. SCADA System: Centralized control and monitoring at the control center.

4. Ethernet Switch: Provides connectivity between devices.

Topology and Data Flow

1. Star Topology:

o Each IED connects to an Ethernet switch via a twisted-pair cable.

o The RTU and SCADA system also connect to the switch.

2. Communication Protocol:

o IEC 61850: IEDs communicate with the RTU using Generic Object-Oriented
Substation Event (GOOSE) messages over Ethernet.

o Modbus TCP: The RTU communicates with the SCADA system.

3. Data Flow Example:

o A circuit breaker trips due to a fault.

o The protection relay (IED) sends a GOOSE message to the RTU over the Ethernet
network.

o The RTU processes the event and updates the SCADA system in real time.

Advantages of Ethernet-Based Communication

1. Speed: Enables high-speed data transfer, crucial for real-time monitoring and control.

2. Standardization: Simplifies device integration using standard protocols.

3. Flexibility: Supports both wired and wireless connections.

4. Redundancy: Protocols like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) or Parallel Redundancy
Protocol (PRP) ensure high availability.

Practical Example

System Overview

 Control Center: SCADA system running on an industrial PC.

 Substation LAN: An Ethernet switch connects IEDs, RTU, and SCADA.

 WAN Connection: A router connects the substation to the central control center using a
fiber-optic Ethernet link.
Operation

 The SCADA system requests real-time data from the RTU over Ethernet.

 The RTU aggregates data from IEDs and forwards it using Modbus TCP.

 If a fault occurs, the IED sends an event message directly to the RTU and SCADA system
using IEC 61850 over Ethernet.

Applications

1. Substation Automation: Communication between IEDs, RTUs, and SCADA systems.

2. Industrial Automation: PLCs communicating with sensors and actuators.

3. Building Automation: Ethernet links for HVAC, lighting, and access control.

Ethernet-based communication is the backbone of modern industrial systems, offering the speed
and reliability needed for critical operations.

4. Hybrid Connections (Serial to Ethernet)

 Description:

o Some systems use a combination of legacy serial connections and modern Ethernet
technologies.

o A gateway device converts protocols between serial-based IEDs and the RTU's
Ethernet interface.

 Example:

o IEDs: Older Schneider Electric SEPAM T series relays with RS-485.

o Device: Protocol gateway (e.g., Schneider Electric Com'X or MOXA NPort series).

o Setup:

 RS-485 cables connect the relays to the gateway.

 The gateway translates Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP/IP, enabling the RTU
to communicate over Ethernet.

 Use Case:

o The RTU reads energy consumption data from older IEDs using Modbus RTU via the
gateway while simultaneously interacting with newer Ethernet-enabled devices.
Device Names and Roles

Device Role Example

RTU Central unit collecting data from IEDs and sending it to Schneider CPAM or
SCADA Siemens

IED Field device performing protection, control, or Schneider SEPAM, ABB

measurement functions REL

Ethernet Enables Ethernet communication between IEDs and Ruggedcom,

Switch RTU Hirschmann

Protocol Converts legacy serial protocols to Ethernet MOXA NPort,

Gateway Schneider Com'X

Wiring Physical connections for signal transmission (direct RS-485, CAT6 Ethernet
(TXa/RXa) wiring or serial communication)

Choosing the Right Connection Method

1. Legacy System (Direct Wiring):

o Used when upgrading is not feasible or for simple setups with few devices.

2. Serial (RS-485/RS-232):

o Cost-effective for small-scale systems with multiple legacy IEDs.

3. Ethernet (Modern Standard):

o Ideal for high-speed, scalable, and advanced substations using IEC 61850.

4. Hybrid (Serial to Ethernet):

o Best for mixed environments with both legacy and modern IEDs.

Summary Example

In a substation, a Schneider CPAM RTU is connected to:

1. Old SEPAM T relays using 15 direct cables (TXa/RXa) for signal transfer.

2. Modern SEPAM 80 IEDs via Ethernet using IEC 61850 through a managed switch.

3. Older Modbus RTU relays integrated via a protocol gateway to enable communication with
the Ethernet-based RTU.

This approach balances compatibility, scalability, and performance in a mixed-technology

environment.