Multisource Time Synchronization
The SEL-2488 supports synchronization from both GPS and PTP sources. A configurable priority list enables automatic failover between sources, ensuring continuous synchronization during GNSS disruptions. Supported PTP profiles include IEEE C37.238-2011/2017 (power system), IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3:2016 (power utility automation), and ITU-T G.8275.1 (telecom). This capability enhances time resilience and enables flexible integration across networks with varying PTP requirements.
Enable Real-Time Clock (RTC) Time on Startup
The RTC provides approximate time output following power recovery, maintaining local synchronization until the SEL-2488 reacquires a time reference. This feature supports time-sensitive applications such as IEC 61850 Sampled Values, ensuring time-aligned process measurements until GNSS or PTP sources are restored.
Time Distribution
Configure the eight BNC ports for demodulated IRIG-B, time pulse, or modulated IRIG-B (at up to four ports). IRIG-B provides time output for protection applications, synchronizing relays, phasor measurement units, and other IEDs to within ±40 ns. You can also add six SMA ports that output 10 MHz frequency via sine and square waves. Four Ethernet ports distribute time using NTP to devices on the substation LAN, such as servers, computers, and other devices that set their time through NTP or the Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP). With the PTP option, the SEL-2488 can act as a PTP grandmaster clock, supporting the default (Annex J), power system (IEEE C37.238-2011/2017), and power utility automation (IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3:2016) profiles. The SEL-2488 can serve NTP or PTP to four independent Ethernet networks.
Network Resiliency
The SEL-2488 supports as many as two Doubly Attached Node implementing PRP (DANP) interfaces for separate PRP networks or two active-backup port bonded interfaces for Ethernet failover. When PRP is enabled, all network traffic through the PRP interface will be duplicated across the two redundant LANs that form the PRP network. The SEL-2488 implements PTP as a Doubly Attached Clock on ports where PRP is enabled. Active-backup port bonding logically combines two physical Ethernet ports into a single network interface with only one port active while the other serves as a failover backup.
Cable Delay Compensation
Provide time delay compensation for antenna cables and output cables on a per-port basis to preserve accuracy. The cable delay compensation ensures high-accuracy time distribution in large facilities with dispersed electronic devices or in installations where antennas must be mounted high on towers.
Event Notification
Log and forward event messages across an Ethernet network using standard syslog event messaging. The SEL-2488 can store up to 60,000 syslog messages locally and send messages to three remote syslog destinations. It can also provide event notification through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) traps and the alarm contact.