Advanced Control Systems announces RIG replacement solution for ISO-NE market participants

ATLANTA, GA, November 25, 2008—Advanced Control Systems announced today that it can immediately provide ISO-NE market participants with a Remote Intelligent Gateway (RIG) replacement solution based upon its powerful Connex 30 substation manager. The Connex 30 solution, and optional integrated ACS Substation Human Machine Interface (HMI) module, is compliant with the core ISO New England Communications Front End Interface Specifications that are associated with the approved DNP3 Level 2 standards. These specifications define the requirements for communication between the ISO New England Communications Front End (CFE) System servers and the field devices owned by market participants.

The existing proprietary RIG infrastructure in use by ISO-NE is being replaced with a DNP3–based Communication Front End (CFE) and Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) system. As defined by ISO-NE, RTU solutions selected by participants must meet two critical criteria before other features are considered:

— The RTU must meet the requirements of the most current RTU Specification

— The RTU must have passed DNP3 Level Two Conformance Testing

ACS’ Connex 30 (previously NTU-7530) satisfies these requirements, and more. The Connex 30 is reliable and field–proven, with over 400 installed units to date. Not simply an RTU, it is an integrated, high–performance data management platform that is fully certified to the DNP3 Level 2 standard. It can be deployed as an intelligent electronic device (IED) gateway, protocol translator and conventional remote terminal unit (RTU) for the harsh environments and real–time data requirements of generation and transmission/distribution field applications. Using the Connex 30 and our extensive integration experience, ACS can supply ISO-NE participants with a powerful, proven and full-featured replacement solution.

According to Clint Cowan, ACS business unit manager for substation integration, “The flexibility and modular design of the Connex 30 makes it a very attractive solution for the ISO-NE RIG replacement project. ACS can also provide configuration, installation and ongoing support services, helping market participants ensure a smooth and seamless transition from their legacy devices.”

For additional information, please see the following links:
Connex 30 Product Page
Connex 30 Product Sheet (PDF)
DNP Certification Test Details

About Advanced Control Systems
Advanced Control Systems, an EFACEC company, is a provider of smart grid solutions to the global electric power industry. The ACS software suite provides integrated distribution and outage management, simulation, optimization, and enterprise business intelligence. ACS automation product lines include a wide range of flexible and cost–effective substation, distribution, and feeder automation solutions. ACS is powering the utility of the future—today. For more information, visit www.acsatlanta.com.

CONTACT:
Sales@acsatlanta.com
800.831.7223

Rob Sadler
Director of Marketing
Advanced Control Systems, Inc.
rob.sadler@acsatlanta.com