GOOSE IEC 61850
High-Speed Communication for Digital Protection Systems
The IEC 61850 standard marks a milestone in standardizing communication between Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) in the power sector, promoting interoperability, automation, and digitalization of substations. One of its main features is the use of GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event) messages, essential for protection and control applications requiring fast and deterministic responses.
What Are GOOSE Messages?
GOOSE messages are data packets transmitted via Ethernet multicast, allowing critical information—such as the status of IED digital inputs and outputs—to be shared in real time among various devices connected to the network.
For example, in an IEC 61850-based protection system, a relay that detects a fault can immediately send a GOOSE message to other IEDs, instructing circuit breaker opening or backup protection operations, all without the need for dedicated signaling wires. This provides agility, flexibility, and reduced cabling costs.
Characteristics of GOOSE Messages
- High delivery priority: Optimized to transmit with low latency over switched Ethernet networks.
- Repetition mechanism: In case of transmission failures, messages are resent at a controlled frequency.
- Unsolicited transmission: They use the publisher/subscriber model, where one IED publishes data and others on the network subscribe to relevant information.
- Compatible with wired or wireless networks: As long as latency remains within technical requirements.
These features make GOOSE messages ideal for functions such as circuit breaker interlocking, protection blocking, reclosing commands, event monitoring, and more.
Conprove’s Solution for GOOSE IEC 61850
Aligned with the latest trends in the electric power sector, Conprove has developed universal testers with native support for the IEC 61850 standard, including GOOSE message generation and reception capabilities. Conprove’s equipment is robust and suitable for lab testing, field commissioning, and digital protection system validation.
With the support of CTC – Conprove Test Center software, the user can:
- Generate GOOSE messages simulating an IED, publishing configurable digital status data;
- Subscribe to (receive) GOOSE messages, monitoring digital events in real time generated by other network IEDs;
- Perform communication latency testing;
- Automate test sequences with custom logic;
- Verify real IED responses to GOOSE-sent commands;
- Document and export results in technical reports.
