OMICRON Magazine

The free firmware update for version 2.60 further expands the functionality of the CMS 356 ampli- fier allowing it to support a digital connection to a real-time simulator for testing protection devices. Following the update, the instantaneous digital values that are transmitted by the simulator as Sampled Values are then amplified by the CMS 356 into analog voltage and current signals before being output to the protection device that needs to be tested. The high current and power reserves of the current outputs make the amplifier equally suitable for testing modern numerical relays and electromechanical relays with a high load. The CMS 356 voltage and current boosters are galvanically separated from the supply voltage and each other. You can con- figure the amplifier and monitor the device’s status quickly and easily via the intuitive web interface. When used in combination with a CMC test set, the CMS 356 amplifier pro- vides additional output channels and higher amplitudes for tests. Turning an amplifier into a digital link The CMS 356 is usually controlled via analog low-level signals (e. g., +/–10 V). However, these signals require special cables, which are restricted in length and must always be directly connected to the outputs of the real-time simula- CMS GOES DIGITAL! CMS 356 becomes a powerful link in real-time energy network simulations tor. Yet with the CMS 356’s new ability to act as a Sampled Value amplifier, these restrictions completely disappear and the flexibility of the test setup is increased significantly. The CMS 356 amplifier can process up to two streams of IEC 61850 Sampled Values via its Ethernet interface and it can be used to control the voltage and current outputs. The real-time simulator and amplifier are time synchronized with each other for the reliable and stable generation of output signals, which takes place via the Ethernet connection using the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol. «The CMS 356 amplifier can process up to two streams of IEC 61850 Sampled Values via its Ethernet interface.» 18