PD IEC TR 61850-90-13-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation - Part 90-13: Deterministic networking technologies. This Technical Report (TR) gives information, use cases and guidance on whether and how to use deterministic networking technologies in power utility automation, describes relevant technologies and migration paths, and separates problem statements from possible solutions.

Abstract

IEC TR 61850-90-13:2021 explains deterministic networking concepts (including deterministic Ethernet/TSN-related technologies), provides technology descriptions, discusses compatibility and interoperability with existing IEC 61850-based systems, presents use cases and migration strategies, and offers guidance for applying deterministic networking in substations and utility networks. The report is intended as informative guidance rather than normative requirements.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (Technical Report).
• Publication date: 3 February 2021 (edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); also published as a PD/identical national publication by national bodies (example: BSI PD).
• ICS / categories: 33.200 (Telecontrol / Telemetering / Power utility automation).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2021).
• Number of pages: 60 pages (IEC webstore listing). Some national PD copies show slightly different pagination (example: BSI PD listing shows 64 pages).

Scope

The report provides guidance on deterministic networking technologies applicable to power utility automation, examines use cases for deterministic behaviour in substations and utility networks, describes technology building blocks and migration paths, and explains how to achieve compatibility and interoperability with existing IEC 61850 systems. It clarifies problem statements and maps them to potential technical solutions, helping utilities and vendors evaluate whether deterministic networking is appropriate for specific applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of deterministic networking technologies and concepts relevant to power utilities (including deterministic Ethernet and Time-Sensitive Networking concepts).
• Use cases and application scenarios for deterministic behaviour in substations and utility networks.
• Guidance on compatibility and interoperability with existing IEC 61850 systems and migration paths from non-deterministic to deterministic solutions.
• Technology descriptions and selection considerations (architectural choices, timing, network design, and protocol interactions).
• References to related IEC TRs and engineering guidance that inform wide-area and substation network design choices.

Typical use and users

Primary users are power utility network architects, substation automation engineers, protection & control equipment vendors, system integrators, and standards/technology researchers evaluating deterministic networking for power systems. The document is used to inform design decisions, procurement specifications, interoperability testing approaches, and roadmap planning for introducing deterministic networking technologies.

Related standards

IEC TR 61850-90-13 is part of the IEC 61850 family and references related TRs and documents such as IEC TR 61850-90-12 (Wide area network engineering guidelines), IEC TR 61850-90-1 and IEC TR 61850-90-2, and interacts conceptually with IEEE/ISO standards for deterministic Ethernet / TSN technologies. These related documents provide complementary guidance for WAN engineering, inter-substation and control-centre communication, and technology-specific considerations.

Keywords

IEC 61850, deterministic networking, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), deterministic Ethernet, substation automation, power utility automation, interoperability, migration paths, use cases.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is IEC TR 61850-90-13:2021, a Technical Report that provides informative guidance on deterministic networking technologies for power utility automation (part of the IEC 61850 series).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers deterministic networking concepts and technologies, use cases for deterministic behaviour in substations and utility networks, descriptions of relevant technologies, guidance on compatibility/interoperability with IEC 61850 systems, and migration paths and recommendations for deployment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, substation automation engineers, network architects, equipment vendors, system integrators and researchers who need to evaluate or design deterministic networks for protection, control and real‑time communication in power systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 61850-90-13:2021 was published in February 2021 (edition 1.0) and is listed as the current Technical Report; the IEC webstore lists a stability date through 2026. Users should always check the IEC webstore or their national standards body for any updates after 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61850 family (Part 90 series of TRs) that provide guidance on specific networking and application topics (examples include 90-1, 90-2, 90-12). These TRs complement the normative parts of IEC 61850.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Deterministic networking, IEC 61850, TSN, deterministic Ethernet, substation automation, interoperability, migration paths, use cases.