Product Description
The GARD 8000® Single Function PLC channel is a product that can be programmed as Frequency-Shift Keyed (FSK) power line carrier system or as an amplitude-modulated ON/OFF powerline carrier transmitter/receiver terminal. The unit is designed for pilot protection relaying applications, requiring high-speed reliable communications. The GARD 8000® PLC can be programmed for On/Off type directional comparison blocking (DCB), or Frequency Shift, type direct transfer trip, (DTT) Unblocking (DCU), or either single, or dual phase comparison applications.
The extensive sequence of events and diagnostic features provide information for the GARD 8000® and integrated PLC modules. The chassis is available in both a 3U version which can support one PLC system, or a 6U version which can support up to four PLC systems.
In the smaller 3U version, a PLC system and a plug-in 4-Zone distance relay module is supported eliminating the need for a conventional PLC and distance relay. The 6U version can support two PLC systems and two distance relays with full redundancy to simplify applications even further.
The unit is available with front panel direct reading (in dB) digital meter to indicate signal strength. Each unit also comes with an external carrier level indicator output for use with external measuring devices such as a panel meter or an analog RTU input.
Other GARD 8000® function modules such as an analog teleprotection module and current differential relay module can also be used in the chassis if desired. Redundant controller and power supplies are available as options.
RFL won the 2007 "Best New Telecom Product" Award for the GARD 8000® at the National Utilities Telecommunications Conference (UTC) held in Austin, Texas. The judges were impressed by the product's integrated teleprotection, powerline carrier, IEC 61850 Ethernet, multiplexing, and relaying capability with the simple to use web browser user interface.