In protection and control, there’s a type of test that separates “it works on the bench” from “it works in the real world”: the one where you must reproduce events in sequence, with well-defined timing, transitions, logic, and different signal formats. That is exactly the scenario the MASTER Software, from CONPROVE, was designed for.
MASTER enables the user to reproduce voltage and current signals in sequence, with defined waveform format(voltage, current, frequency, and their variations) and time. This makes advanced testing possible for any protection function, with a focus on control, traceability, and technical evidence.
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What MASTER Software does (in practice)
MASTER’s purpose is to let you build a test event sequence with a high degree of freedom—starting from normal conditions, moving through transients and faults, and then returning with supervision logic.
One important point: MASTER is not a stop-only software. This means that, during the test, any operation on binary inputs is oscillographed/recorded by the software, providing:
- evidence of the relay/IED behavior during the test
- a solid basis for diagnostics and reporting
- precise analysis of device timing and responses
How sequences progress (time or logic)
In many advanced tests, what matters is not only the “state,” but how and when you transition between states.
In MASTER, the progression from one sequence to the next can occur:
- by time (timed transitions), or
- by binary logic (events conditioned on the equipment response)
In addition, the start can be triggered by GPS or IRIG‑B, which is highly relevant when the test requires a consistent time reference and synchronization.
Input formats: flexibility to model the test the right way
MASTER’s key differentiator is that you can choose the most suitable input mode to parameterize each sequence. Available formats include:
- Direct Mode
- Harmonic/DC Mode
- Inter-harmonic Mode
- Other Waveforms
- Symmetrical Components
- Phase–Phase Mode
- Power Mode
- Fault Mode
Impedance modes:
- Constant Z‑I Mode
- Smart Z Mode
- Constant Z‑V Mode
- Constant source Z‑Z Mode
- Ramp Mode
- COMTRADE Mode
- ATP Mode
- Wait Mode
This variety allows you to build tests ranging from classic validations to highly specific scenarios where a single parameterization approach would not be sufficient.
Sequence interleaving: generated + COMTRADE/ATP + ramps (pulsed or direct)
In advanced tests, it is common to combine:
- generated segments (to control levels, ramps, and transitions), with
- real segments (COMTRADE files) and/or electromagnetic transient simulations (ATP)
MASTER stands out by allowing you to interleave these sources and also insert ramps (pulsed or direct). This enables the user to “shape” a complete event sequence for highly specific protection function tests, such as:
- Reclosing
- Breaker failure (50BF)
- SOTF
- Teleprotection
- Transfer Trip, among others
Result: greater adherence to real system behavior and higher confidence in IED validation.
Analysis features: seeing beyond the waveform
To speed up interpretation and troubleshooting, MASTER provides features that make it easier to read system and relay behavior, including:
- waveform visualization
- phasors
- trajectories
- harmonics
- synchroscope (synchronism analysis)
- Z Plane (inserting sequences directly in the impedance plane)
In addition, the user can insert:
- distance protection zones (using the DISTANC software resources)
- synchronism zones (using the SYNCHRONISM software resources)
This shortens the path between “generating the test” and “understanding what happened.”
Objective validation: pick-up, time, and criteria with “Pass/Fail”
For teams that need to standardize testing and reduce subjectivity, MASTER allows you to define pick-up and time evaluations using:
- time
- level
- ramp
- calculation
Based on the generated waveforms and the oscillographed binary signals, the software presents a “Pass” or “Fail”result, strengthening traceability and process quality.
Conclusion: when the test must be proof, MASTER delivers method
MASTER Software is built for teams that must go beyond basic testing and execute advanced, repeatable, auditable test routines. With parameterized sequences, interleaving with COMTRADE/ATP, and robust analysis and validation resources, it increases technical confidence in commissioning, maintenance, and validation of complex protections.
