In this free introductory training, attendees will gain an overview of IEC 61850, a critical standard in the field of substation automation. We’ll delve into its historical context, tracing the evolution of substation communications from copper-based systems to proprietary protocols and beyond. We’ll review the need for a better, faster, and more cost-effective solution including the introduction of Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850. Then we’ll go into a deeper exploration of the high-level components of IEC 61850, including the underlying communication protocols specifically GOOSE, SV, and MMS-based Client/Server communication, as well as the machine-readable System Configuration Language (SCL) file format and the associated engineering process. Finally, we’ll discuss how these elements culminate in the concept of the Digital Substation, exemplified by real-world cases. Attendees will leave with a solid foundation in IEC 61850 and its relevance in modern power systems.
This information will be reinforced with a demonstration during the training using our simulation & monitoring tools. By watching this training, you will get access to the workspaces demonstrated and detailed exercises, allowing you to reproduce these concepts on your computer using free evaluation licenses to our tools.
Lab Exercise: IEC 61850 Hands-On Practice – Foundation of IEC 61850
Once you’ve completed the training video, it’s time to put theory into practice.
This hands-on lab exercise is designed to reinforce the key concepts introduced in the webinar by guiding you through real-world scenarios using IEC 61850 tools. You’ll use the same tools demonstrated in the video—Test Suite Pro and Distributed Test Manager (DTM)—to explore client/server communication, GOOSE messaging, the IEC 61850 data model, and engineering workflows based on SCL files.
As part of this training series, you’ll receive an extended trial license for both tools, allowing you to work through each exercise without limitation. The lab exercises are structured to help you gain practical experience with IEC 61850 in a simulated substation environment, centered around a realistic use case: line protection trip and automatic reclosing.
You’ll walk away with:
- A stronger understanding of how IEC 61850 models and communication work in practice
- Practical experience with industry-standard testing tools
- Insight into how SCL files influence system configuration and validation
- A clear picture of how protection and control functions are implemented using IEC 61850
At the end of each exercise, you’ll capture results such as screenshots and analysis steps. If you choose to submit your results to Triangle MicroWorks (Training@TriangleMicroWorks.com), you’ll be eligible to receive a certificate of completion recognizing your achievement.
Let’s get started!
👉 Download the lab materials and tools below, follow the instructions step-by-step, and refer to the Quick Reference Sheet in the annex whenever you need a refresher.
👉IEC 61850 Webinar - Lab Part 1.pdf
👉IEC 61850 Hands-On Training Series - Part One Quick Reference Sheet.pdf
This is Part 1 of a free multipart training series. If you’d like to sign up to receive notifications on the future training modules, click here to be added to the email list.
Future training modules include the following topics:
- Data Modeling & SCL Introduction
- Bottom-Up vs Top-Down IEC 61850 Engineering Process
- Communications in 61850 MMS Client/Server, GOOSE and Sampled Values
- Testing, Commissioning, and Virtual Isolation
- IEC 61850 Engineering Process including Application Modeling (BAPs)
- Security in IEC 61850
- Time Sync and Product Guidelines for Digital Substations
