Power plants and substations rely on high-speed communications networks to transmit critical data including operability metrics, network health, fault monitoring, power measurement and usage trends. To synchronise communications and ensure continuity across these networks, substations require secure, precise timing and synchronisation to avoid false tripping and to provide accurate timestamping of substation data including system faults, power measurement data and substation status information. To assist power grid operators to meet these requirements, Microchip Technology has introduced  GridTime^™ 3000 GNSS Time Server – a software-configurable solution providing substations with a new level of redundancy, security, and resiliency.

The GridTime 3000 system generates precise time and frequency signals to synchronize analogue and digital communication systems. This resilient timing platform incorporates multiple timing inputs for protection in the event of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal disruption caused by severe weather, environmental disturbances or signal jamming or spoofing. Additionally, three levels of internal holdover options are available including a base voltage controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) and an optional high-performance oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) or Rubidium oscillator option to extend holdover duration and enhance performance.

Microchip’s newest precision time server is compliant with IEC 61850-3, the environmental component of IEC 61850, an industry standard that defines communication protocols for power substations. It is also compliant with IEEE 1613-2009, the international environmental and testing requirements standard for power substations. Compliance to these standards demonstrates high resistance to electrical transients and environmental extremes including temperature, humidity and other factors and helps to ensure reliability in harsh substation environments.

Incorporating a hardware-based cryptographic assurance module, the GridTime 3000 system utilises industry-standard Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA)- and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-based encryption to protect against unauthorised configuration upload of malicious code.

“Surges, adverse weather and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure all require resilient timing architectures and technology to mitigate the threats and ensure continuous timing,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president, Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit. “This solution provides our customers a new level of performance, which translates to an enhancement of the reliability of communications network in their digital substations.”

The GridTime 3000 server, with a licensed feature model, provides greater flexibility than earlier technology, allowing clients to upgrade system technology as needed. Developed with input from customers, the GridTime 3000 server offers ten 1000BASE-T Ethernet (1 Gbps) ports for high-speed synchronisation using Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Network Time Protocol (NTP).

This technology complements Microchip’s other timing and synchronisation solutions including the TimePictra^® synchronisation management system providing status and configuration support, BlueSky™ GNSS firewall for protecting GNSS systems against threats from jamming and spoofing, and interoperability with the TimeProvider^® 4100 timing server family.

The GridTime 3000 server utilises numerous Microchip technologies including integrated circuits and oscillators to offer customers a comprehensive and reliable solution. In addition to precise GNSS-based systems and other industry-leading time and frequency solutions, Microchip’s product portfolio includes in-house fabrication and total system solutions that span power, connectivity, storage, security and memory technology.

Development Tools

Microchip’s GridTime 3000 GNSS Time Server includes an internal web browser management interface, clock management tool (CMT). The CMT provides configuration and management for easy remote managing and monitoring of the device and a new array of accessories including a multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receiver system and cold-swappable power supplies.

 For more information email Andrew Athanasiou at aathanasiou@arrow.altech.co.za