Highly critical transmission lines and power systems often require redundancy to ensure functionality through system failures. The two typical types of redundancy are communications and functional. Depending on the system, one or both may be required. Redundant systems often provide protection against single-point failures. For the most critical applications, multi-point protection is also possible.
It has been shown that independent redundant modules within the same chassis with redundant communications interfaces provide a higher degree of redundancy than physically separate devices. A direct comparison of component failure rates between a single fully redundant GARD 8000® unit and redundant conventional Main 1 and Main 2 systems, improves MTBF of a factor of 10.
Featured Product: GARD 8000® System
Together, these products provide an advanced communications platform designed specifically for protection applications. They offer the user a fully programmable system for Direct Transfer Trip, Permissive Transfer Trip, Blocking, Unblocking and Phase Comparison applications. One unique flexible platform handles analogue, digital, and Ethernet communications with multiple interfaces combined in one unit. With flexible system logic, the interfaces can be programmed together or independently, according to the needs of the application.
Features and Benefits
- Modular platform with wide range of functional modules and diverse communications options and fully customizable logic
- Eliminates the need for multiple devices but maintains redundancy requirements for critical applications
- One common platform for a wide range of protection and communications applications reduces the costs associated with maintaining multiple platforms of equipment
- Assures reliability, security, dependability, and low latency for real-time critical applications
Communications Redundancy
Functional Redundancy
Parallel Redundant Systems
Independent hardware modules within the same unit and separate communications channels provide redundancy.
Cross-connected Redundant Systems
Fully meshed redundant system within the same unit uses shared independent hardware modules and shared communications channels.
