IEEE C37.238-2017

This standard specifies an extended profile for the use of IEEE Std 1588-20081 in power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications utilizing an Ethernet communications architecture. The profile specifies a well-defined subset of IEEE 1588 mechanisms and settings aimed at enabling device interoperability, robust response to network failures, and deterministic control of delivered time quality. It is compliant with IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3:2016, which specifies the preferred physical layer, Ethernet; the higher level protocol used for message exchange, Precision Time Protocol (PTP); and the PTP protocol configuration parameters. Special attention is given to ensuring consistent and reliable time distribution within substations, between substations, and across wide geographic areas. As such, this profile extends IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3:2016 with continuous monitoring of time inaccuracy, and optionally local time based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

The purpose of this standard is to facilitate adoption of IEEE Std 1588-2008 for power system applications requiring high-precision time synchronization. IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3:2016 and this standard specify a common subset of PTP parameters and options to provide global time availability, device interoperability, and failure management. This set of PTP parameters and options allows IEEE 1588-based time synchronization to be used in mission critical power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications.

Revision Standard - Active. An extended profile is specified for the use of Precision Time Protocol of IEEE Std 1588-2008 in power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications utilizing an Ethernet communications architecture.