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GARD 8000® Protective Relay & Communications System

  • GARD PLC thumb
  • GARD PLC thumb
GARD PLC

Product Description

The GARD 8000® Global Architecture Relaying Device is a revolutionary product platform that provides the user with a fully programmable system that can be used for all teleprotection and line protection needs.

The system uses fully programmable logic and settings that can be uploaded or downloaded using the built-in TCP/IP (electrical or optical) or RS-232 interface. Communicating with the system is done with a PC using a Web Browser. The GARD 8000® has a built-in web server that contains all of the user settings, no special or proprietary software is required to access the product. A most unique feature is that the user manual and customer system and application drawings are stored in the GARD 8000® in Adobe pdf format and are easily accessible from the GARD 8000® web browser.

The GARD 8000® is available in a 3U chassis (5.25”) which can support up to two additional teleprotection or protective relay function modules, or a 6U chassis (10.50") which can support up to eight teleprotection or protective relay function modules. Redundant controller and power supplies are available as options for applications where ultra reliable systems are required.

Protection System

Proper performance of the Protection System requires a functioning communication link and teleprotection device. While protective relays are commonly duplicated for increased redundancy, this is not always the case for the communications channel. Limited availability of external communication links, or the cost of adding a second channel compromises power system protection redundancy.

System protection redundancy can be improved by the GARD 8000® System. Not only can additional channels easily be made available but the built-in hardware redundancy will provide a higher degree of dependability than two separate protection systems. In addition, external relay-to-teleprotection wiring is eliminated, minimizing the risk of faulty connections or interference affecting the protection system.

Hardware Redundancy

The telecommunications industry has very stringent requirements for redundancy. The principle of “no single point of failure” is adopted. With the increased demands on the power system, hardware redundancy in the protection device provides an added level of insurance. The GARD 8000® can be equipped with redundant power supplies, redundant main processors, redundant input/outputs, redundant functional modules and redundant communication interfaces providing an unequaled safe-guard against equipment failures.

Economical Use of Your Communication Link

With the exponential growth of data communications, the use of a dedicated fiber for a single channel, low-speed data, might no longer be justified. The GARD 8000® system uses the communication channel efficiently and can provide up to 768 kbps on one link (twelve 64 kbps channels).

The GARD 8000® System offers interfaces for dedicated fiber and direct connection to T1/E1 or SONET/SDH muliplexers.

For applications where no digital channels are available, the audio tone interfaces can be used for 2-wire or 4-wire FSK communications. In addition, GARD 8000® can be equipped with an integral Power Line Carrier, selectable for ON/OFF or FSK operation.

System Features

  • One product for all your teleprotection and line protection needs
  • Use as a stand-alone Teleprotection Channel, Current Differential Protection, Distance Protection, Power Line Carrier, or combine them in one device
  • Selectable redundancy for power supply, main processor, functional modules and communication interfaces
  • Programmable logic
  • Web browser based user interface
  • A wide range of communication interfaces to choose from:
    • T1/E1
    • RS-449, 56 -768 kbps
    • X.21, 64-768 kbps
    • V.35, 64-768 kbps
    • G.703, co-directional, 64 kbps
    • ANSI C37.94 fiber
    • Fiber, multi-mode or single-mode; up to 100 km
    • Audio Tone, 2 wire or 4 wire
    • Power Line Carrier; ON/OFF or FSK selectable
  • Supports IEC 61850
  • 10 Year Warranty

ON/OFF

Transmitter

  • Frequency programmable: Frequency programmable from 30 to 392 kHz in 125Hz increments, without hardware changes. Frequencies from 392 to 500 KHz utilize a high frequency output filter.
  • Output Power: Programmable for 1 watt, 3 watt, or 10 watt levels. Output power is displayed on optional front PDA and is remotely accessible. The unit is available with 50W and 100W options in external 3RU chassis.
  • Output Impedance: 50 Ohms standard. 75 Ohms available
  • Frequency Stability: +/- 10 Hz
  • External Keying Inputs: (4) Carrier Start, Stop, Reserve Signal Key, and Check Back Test Initiate. All inputs programmable active high or low to operate at the following nominal voltage levels: 24 Vdc, 48 Vdc, 125 Vdc, 250 Vdc. Active inputs are recorded in SOE files and their status displayed on the optional front PDA.

Receiver

  • Frequency programmable: Programmable from 30 to 500 kHz in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes.
  • Receiver Level: On command, the receiver sensitivity will self adjust to the incoming signal strength. The receiver gain will then be fixed.
  • Receiver Input Impedance: Terminated mode, 50 or 75 Ohm Unterminated mode, > 30 K-Ohm.
  • Dynamic Range: >40dB
  • Receiver Bandwidth, Channel Spacing and Channel Delay Times: Receiver bandwidth is user selectable from the following table, without hardware changes. The channel times are inclusive of GARD 8000® System.
  • Receiver Outputs: The receiver can be provided with the following standard outputs; or programmed for specific applications:
    • (4) Block received
    • (1) Transmitter Fail/Hardware Alarm
    • (1) Checkback fail alarm
    • (1) Checkback test in progress
    • Guard output status
    • Checkback initiate status
    • High percent reflected power alarm
    • Logic alarm
  • Automatic Checkback Operation: The PLC system is supplied with an internal automatic carrier checkback program. The checkback code structure, and programming is compatible with the existing RFL 9785, and previous Model 6785P

FSK

Transmitter

  • Frequency programmable: Frequency programmable for either 2F, or 3F operation, from 30 to 352 kHz in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes frequency from 392 to 500 KHz utilize a high frequency output filter. Output frequency settings will be available on optional front mounted PDA.
  • Frequency Shift: Standard frequency shifts of +/- 100 Hz, +/- 250 Hz, and +/- 500 Hz are available. Three – frequency operations are capable of providing 250 Hz shift from the center (Guard) frequency for permissive relaying protection channels, and 100 Hz shift from the center frequency (Guard) for direct transfer trip (breaker failure) applications.
  • Output Power:User programmable for the following power output levels:
    • 1W guard/1W trip
    • 1W guard/10W trip
    • 3W guard/10W trip
    • 10W guard/10W trip
    • Optional 50W guard/50W trip available
    • Optional 100W guard/100W trip available
  • Output Impedance: 50 Ohms standard, 75 Ohms available
  • Frequency Stability: +/- 10 Hz

Receiver

  • Frequency programmable: Programmable from 30 to 500 kHz. in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes.
  • Receiver Level: The receiver sensitivity self adjusts to the incoming signal strength. The actual signal level is available for display on the optional front mounted PDA, remotely via TCP/IP or RS-232 interface or on a local laptop. The level can be selectively displayed in either dBm, (+/- 20 dB range), or mv.
  • Receiver Sensitivity: Minimum = 5 mVrms, Maximum = >25 Vrms
  • Receiver Input Impedance: Terminated mode, 50 or 75 Ohm. Unterminated mode, > 30 K-Ohm.
  • Dynamic Range: >40dB
  • Receiver Bandwidth, Channel Spacing and Channel Delay Times: Receiver bandwidth is user selectable from the following table, without hardware changes.

Please visit Operating Manuals or Product/Software Downloads to download relevant files. Requires RFL Customer Account.

GARD 8000® Emulators

The RFL GARD 8000® Emulator will simulate a complete GARD Protective Relay and Communications system without the need for an actual GARD chassis. The Emulator will allow the user to pre-configure a system by selecting which RFL Modules are included in the final system, thus allowing for whole chassis configuration to be saved and loaded into an actual GARD chassis. Conversely files saved from an actual GARD chassis can be loaded into the Emulator. The Emulator will familiarize the user with the web driven capabilities of the GARD 8000® System and can be used as a teaching tool in the field. The GARD Emulator will show typical examples of GARD status situations. Note that because this is an emulator there are slight differences in menu options from an actual GARD chassis, also note that when the ‘Save’ button is clicked in configuration mode all configurations are accepted.

The Emulator Software is conveniently loaded into the users PC. The software, when loaded, also includes a user manual which will step you through using the Emulators. Examples of how the Emulator can interact with a GARD chassis are also described.

Please note that there are specific Emulators for the Image software that is loaded into the GARD 8000®, please download the correct version for your machine. Different versions do not work with different images.

If you should have any questions please call our Customer Service department at 973-334-3100 x226 and they will be glad to provide assistance.


GARD 8000® Emulators are available in the Product/Software Downloads Area.

System Features

  • One product for all your teleprotection and line protection needs
  • Use as a stand-alone Teleprotection Channel, Current Differential Protection, Distance Protection, Power Line Carrier, or combine them in one device
  • Selectable redundancy for power supply, main processor, functional modules and communication interfaces
  • Programmable logic
  • Web browser based user interface
  • A wide range of communication interfaces to choose from:
    • T1/E1
    • RS-449, 56 -768 kbps
    • X.21, 64-768 kbps
    • V.35, 64-768 kbps
    • G.703, co-directional, 64 kbps
    • ANSI C37.94 fiber
    • Fiber, multi-mode or single-mode; up to 100 km
    • Audio Tone, 2 wire or 4 wire
    • Power Line Carrier; ON/OFF or FSK selectable
  • Supports IEC 61850
  • 10 Year Warranty

ON/OFF

Transmitter

  • Frequency programmable: Frequency programmable from 30 to 392 kHz in 125Hz increments, without hardware changes. Frequencies from 392 to 500 KHz utilize a high frequency output filter.
  • Output Power: Programmable for 1 watt, 3 watt, or 10 watt levels. Output power is displayed on optional front PDA and is remotely accessible. The unit is available with 50W and 100W options in external 3RU chassis.
  • Output Impedance: 50 Ohms standard. 75 Ohms available
  • Frequency Stability: +/- 10 Hz
  • External Keying Inputs: (4) Carrier Start, Stop, Reserve Signal Key, and Check Back Test Initiate. All inputs programmable active high or low to operate at the following nominal voltage levels: 24 Vdc, 48 Vdc, 125 Vdc, 250 Vdc. Active inputs are recorded in SOE files and their status displayed on the optional front PDA.

Receiver

  • Frequency programmable: Programmable from 30 to 500 kHz in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes.
  • Receiver Level: On command, the receiver sensitivity will self adjust to the incoming signal strength. The receiver gain will then be fixed.
  • Receiver Input Impedance: Terminated mode, 50 or 75 Ohm Unterminated mode, > 30 K-Ohm.
  • Dynamic Range: >40dB
  • Receiver Bandwidth, Channel Spacing and Channel Delay Times: Receiver bandwidth is user selectable from the following table, without hardware changes. The channel times are inclusive of GARD 8000® System.
  • Receiver Outputs: The receiver can be provided with the following standard outputs; or programmed for specific applications:
    • (4) Block received
    • (1) Transmitter Fail/Hardware Alarm
    • (1) Checkback fail alarm
    • (1) Checkback test in progress
    • Guard output status
    • Checkback initiate status
    • High percent reflected power alarm
    • Logic alarm
  • Automatic Checkback Operation: The PLC system is supplied with an internal automatic carrier checkback program. The checkback code structure, and programming is compatible with the existing RFL 9785, and previous Model 6785P

FSK

Transmitter

  • Frequency programmable: Frequency programmable for either 2F, or 3F operation, from 30 to 352 kHz in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes frequency from 392 to 500 KHz utilize a high frequency output filter. Output frequency settings will be available on optional front mounted PDA.
  • Frequency Shift: Standard frequency shifts of +/- 100 Hz, +/- 250 Hz, and +/- 500 Hz are available. Three – frequency operations are capable of providing 250 Hz shift from the center (Guard) frequency for permissive relaying protection channels, and 100 Hz shift from the center frequency (Guard) for direct transfer trip (breaker failure) applications.
  • Output Power:User programmable for the following power output levels:
    • 1W guard/1W trip
    • 1W guard/10W trip
    • 3W guard/10W trip
    • 10W guard/10W trip
    • Optional 50W guard/50W trip available
    • Optional 100W guard/100W trip available
  • Output Impedance: 50 Ohms standard, 75 Ohms available
  • Frequency Stability: +/- 10 Hz

Receiver

  • Frequency programmable: Programmable from 30 to 500 kHz. in 125 Hz increments, without hardware changes.
  • Receiver Level: The receiver sensitivity self adjusts to the incoming signal strength. The actual signal level is available for display on the optional front mounted PDA, remotely via TCP/IP or RS-232 interface or on a local laptop. The level can be selectively displayed in either dBm, (+/- 20 dB range), or mv.
  • Receiver Sensitivity: Minimum = 5 mVrms, Maximum = >25 Vrms
  • Receiver Input Impedance: Terminated mode, 50 or 75 Ohm. Unterminated mode, > 30 K-Ohm.
  • Dynamic Range: >40dB
  • Receiver Bandwidth, Channel Spacing and Channel Delay Times: Receiver bandwidth is user selectable from the following table, without hardware changes.

Please visit Operating Manuals or Product/Software Downloads to download relevant files. Requires RFL Customer Account.

GARD 8000® Emulators

The RFL GARD 8000® Emulator will simulate a complete GARD Protective Relay and Communications system without the need for an actual GARD chassis. The Emulator will allow the user to pre-configure a system by selecting which RFL Modules are included in the final system, thus allowing for whole chassis configuration to be saved and loaded into an actual GARD chassis. Conversely files saved from an actual GARD chassis can be loaded into the Emulator. The Emulator will familiarize the user with the web driven capabilities of the GARD 8000® System and can be used as a teaching tool in the field. The GARD Emulator will show typical examples of GARD status situations. Note that because this is an emulator there are slight differences in menu options from an actual GARD chassis, also note that when the ‘Save’ button is clicked in configuration mode all configurations are accepted.

The Emulator Software is conveniently loaded into the users PC. The software, when loaded, also includes a user manual which will step you through using the Emulators. Examples of how the Emulator can interact with a GARD chassis are also described.

Please note that there are specific Emulators for the Image software that is loaded into the GARD 8000®, please download the correct version for your machine. Different versions do not work with different images.

If you should have any questions please call our Customer Service department at 973-334-3100 x226 and they will be glad to provide assistance.


GARD 8000® Emulators are available in the Product/Software Downloads Area.

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