AT61

AT61 is an IEC61850 client simulator that provides users with a workbench for testing various networking devices. It can be utilized to test signal strength and analyze the relation between components.

The program is quick to install and has no system requirements that need mentioning. The interface is responsive and well organized into several areas.

The first time you open the application, you will be prompted to select an IED and attempt to connect to it. This feature allows you to save time and get straight to testing out components.

The purpose of the software is to test communication protocols over TCP/IP networks. It is imperative to get response times below four milliseconds to ensure protective relaying.

The standard mappings are MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification) and GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event).  The software can display GOOSE in Substation Configuration Language (SCL) format.

It can also perform queries on the data models as well as show the structure and hierarchy. Moreover, all data can be exported to CSV format.

The software is not extensive regarding size or complexity of the GUI. However, it provides little help to get the job done. Beginners will have a hard time configuring the IED values to get a valid connection. You will have a tough time executing commands like Direct-Operate, Select-Before-Operate since there are no visible buttons.

The application is undoubtedly a highly specialized software for testing protocols. It supports numerous hardware devices and can quickly switch between them.

To sum things, up, AT61 is a complicated software. It provides tools and features required by professional users to test IEC 61850 communication substations. The interface is well organized, but the lack of help files or tips will deter beginners from testing it out.