The SEL RTAC is a powerful, multifunctional platform designed for the most demanding utility and industrial applications. With precise, deterministic processing, integrated cybersecurity features, and rugged, industrial-grade hardware, the RTAC ensures reliable performance for critical operations, even in the harshest operating environments.
The RTAC platform offers a range of hardware options, extensive protocol support, and an embedded IEC 61131 logic engine for custom programming—making it a versatile solution for a variety of applications, ranging from data concentration and protocol conversion to comprehensive power management and control.
SCADA Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and Substation Gateway
Quickly design an integrated substation RTU system that includes protocol conversion, SCADA communications, synchrophasors, time synchronization, data management, custom logic, and remote I/O. Increase the number of I/O points with as many as 60 SEL-2240 Axion modules or six Axion nodes connected to one RTAC.
Communicate with any device through built-in client and server protocols that include DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-101/104, LG 8979, SEL Fast Messaging, Mirrored Bits communications, and IEEE C37.118 for synchrophasors. Convert data between protocols, perform math and logic functions, and execute output logic for real-time control.
Event Report Collection
Collect event data automatically from connected devices through a wide range of supported protocols. Automatically collect and archive events through the RTAC with the Data Management and Automation (DMA) application suite on SEL Blueframe. By having all of the information from each intelligent electronic device (IED) processed through the RTAC, you get immediate notification of any issues through the alarms, Sequence of Events (SOE) logs, and/or email messages.
Versatile Control Solution
Deploy the RTAC as a specialized control solution for a range of common industry challenges using optional software extensions. Turn the RTAC into a synchrophasor vector processor and detect the onset of wide-area oscillations with the Horizon SVP Plus extension. Control distributed energy resources (DERs) and optimize power flow at the point of common coupling with the Grid Connect extension.
Partner with SEL Engineering Services to develop custom solutions for complex problems requiring integration and power system studies. Detect and de-energize broken overhead distribution lines within milliseconds with the falling conductor mitigation solution. Ensure grid stability and an uninterrupted power supply with SEL powerMAX Power Management and Control System solutions for microgrids, industrial facilities, and wide-area power systems.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Provide cost-effective local and remote monitoring, control, and annunciation for substations and other processes by installing the optional web-based HMI, available for most RTAC models and the Axion. acSELerator Diagram Builder SEL-5035 Software includes features for one-line and annunciator panel design and indirect tagging and comes with an integrated SOE viewer for alarm notification.
Real-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3505 is a lower-voltage version of the RTAC with options ranging from 12 Vdc to 24/48 Vdc. This is a compact RTAC that supports DIN- and surface-mounting options and delivers all the standard features of an RTAC, making it an excellent option for protocol conversion and secure communication when space is limited. Includes an optional internal modem. Ideal for small substations, DERs, and recloser applications.
Visit SEL-3505 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3505 is a lower-voltage version of the RTAC with options ranging from 12 Vdc to 24/48 Vdc. This is a compact RTAC that supports DIN- and surface-mounting options and delivers all the standard features of an RTAC, making it an excellent option for protocol conversion and secure communication when space is limited. Includes an optional internal modem. Ideal for small substations, DERs, and recloser applications.
Visit SEL-3505 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3505-3 is a lower-voltage version of the RTAC with options ranging from 12 Vdc to 24/48 Vdc. This model includes integrated I/O with 8 digital inputs and 8 three Form C digital outputs. This is a compact RTAC that supports DIN- and surface-mounting options and delivers all the standard features of an RTAC, making it an excellent option for protocol conversion and secure communication when space is limited. Ideal for small substations, DERs, and reclosers that require I/O integration.
Visit SEL-3505-3 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3505-3 is a lower-voltage version of the RTAC with options ranging from 12 Vdc to 24/48 Vdc. This model includes integrated I/O with 8 digital inputs and 8 three Form C digital outputs. This is a compact RTAC that supports DIN- and surface-mounting options and delivers all the standard features of an RTAC, making it an excellent option for protocol conversion and secure communication when space is limited. Ideal for small substations, DERs, and reclosers that require I/O integration.
Visit SEL-3505-3 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
With the same robust design as the SEL-3530, the SEL-3530-4 model offers identical performance in a small form factor. The SEL-3530-4 is a 1U half-rack unit that can be configured with multiple mounting options that include rack, panel, surface and DIN mounts. Ideal for small to medium installations with space constraints and applications integrating data for up to 60 devices.
Visit SEL-3530-4 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
With the same robust design as the SEL-3530, the SEL-3530-4 model offers identical performance in a small form factor. The SEL-3530-4 is a 1U half-rack unit that can be configured with multiple mounting options that include rack, panel, surface and DIN mounts. Ideal for small to medium installations with space constraints and applications integrating data for up to 60 devices.
Visit SEL-3530-4 product pageThe SEL-3350 is a versatile computing platform that can be deployed as an RTAC. With greater processing power, RAM, and SSD storage, the SEL-3350 represents the next generation of the popular SEL-3530 RTAC. The SEL-3350 is available as a 1U or 3U rack- or panel-mounted model featuring multicore processing. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. The SEL-3350 is ideal for small to medium installations and applications integrating data for up to 100 devices.
Visit SEL-3350 product pageThe SEL-3350 is a versatile computing platform that can be deployed as an RTAC. With greater processing power, RAM, and SSD storage, the SEL-3350 represents the next generation of the popular SEL-3530 RTAC. The SEL-3350 is available as a 1U or 3U rack- or panel-mounted model featuring multicore processing. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. The SEL-3350 is ideal for small to medium installations and applications integrating data for up to 100 devices.
Visit SEL-3350 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3555 is our most powerful RTAC model, featuring multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. Ideal for the most demanding applications, this model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
Visit SEL-3555 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3555 is our most powerful RTAC model, featuring multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. Ideal for the most demanding applications, this model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
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The SEL-3560S is built with the same processing power as the SEL-3555 but offered in a smaller form factor. The SEL-3560S is surface-mounted and features multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. It is ideal for applications that require minimal communications ports but powerful performance in tight spaces. This model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
Visit SEL-3560S product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3560S is built with the same processing power as the SEL-3555 but offered in a smaller form factor. The SEL-3560S is surface-mounted and features multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. It is ideal for applications that require minimal communications ports but powerful performance in tight spaces. This model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
Visit SEL-3560S product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3560E is built with the same processing power as the SEL-3555 but offered in a smaller form factor. The SEL 3560E is surface-mounted and supports up to two PCIe cards for extended communications capabilities. This model features multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. It is ideal for applications that require flexible communications and powerful performance in tight spaces. This model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
Visit SEL-3560E product pageReal-Time Automation Controller
The SEL-3560E is built with the same processing power as the SEL-3555 but offered in a smaller form factor. The SEL 3560E is surface-mounted and supports up to two PCIe cards for extended communications capabilities. This model features multicore processing and configurable RAM options capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and meeting the industry’s most demanding requirements. The optional integrated web HMI with a local display port eliminates the need for an additional computer. It is ideal for applications that require flexible communications and powerful performance in tight spaces. This model integrates up to 256 devices and supports up to 100,000 data points.
Visit SEL-3560E product pageReal-Time Automation Controller With Modular I/O
The Axion is a fully integrated, modular I/O and control solution for utility and industrial applications, including use as a RTU or ultrarugged programmable logic controller (PLC). With an optional 7-inch color touchscreen display, the Axion is also ideal for application as a bay control unit. The Axion combines the communications, built-in security, and IEC 61131 logic engine of the SEL RTAC family with a durable suite of I/O modules that provide high-speed, deterministic control performance over an EtherCAT network.
Visit SEL-2240 product pageReal-Time Automation Controller With Modular I/O
The Axion is a fully integrated, modular I/O and control solution for utility and industrial applications, including use as a RTU or ultrarugged programmable logic controller (PLC). With an optional 7-inch color touchscreen display, the Axion is also ideal for application as a bay control unit. The Axion combines the communications, built-in security, and IEC 61131 logic engine of the SEL RTAC family with a durable suite of I/O modules that provide high-speed, deterministic control performance over an EtherCAT network.
Visit SEL-2240 product pageRugged Hardware
The RTAC is designed and tested to meet or exceed IEEE 1613 and protective relay specifications for harsh environments and to withstand vibration, electrical surges, fast transients, and extreme temperatures. The SEL RTAC operates reliably, even in challenging environments. For added protection, you can order conformal coating to protect against harsh environments and airborne contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, salt, and moisture.
Integrated Security
The RTAC is built with cybersecurity from the hardware up. Exe-GUARD approvelist anti-malware technology provides increased security, making the RTAC the first product in the market to include an approvelist antivirus solution that does not require end-user patch updates. The RTAC offers a full set of security features for user access, configuration management, and device monitoring.
Simple, Seamless Configuration
Quickly design an integrated automation system that includes protocol conversion, SCADA communications, IEC 61850 integration, synchrophasors, time synchronization, data management, and programmable logic. New automation tools are continuously being added to simplify complex applications, such as condition monitoring, disturbance fault recording, configuring SCADA point maps, and archiving and alarming for data changes. See the acSELerator RTAC SEL-5033 Software manual for more information on our automation software extensions.
Extensive Protocol Support
Concentrate and manage data from new and legacy relays and other IEDs using our extensive set of protocols. Standard SCADA protocols are included with the purchase of any RTAC, including DNP3, IEC 60870-101/104, Modbus, and many more.
Substation HMI
Provide cost-effective local and remote monitoring, control, and annunciation for substations and other processes by installing the optional web-based HMI, available for most RTAC models and the SEL-2240 Axion. acSELerator Diagram Builder SEL-5035 Software easily maps the RTAC tag database to reduce screen development time.
Custom Logic
Create your logic solutions in the embedded IEC 61131 logic engine, which comes standard with every automation controller. Build custom user logic and access all system tags, including diagnostics, contact I/O, protocol data, and communications statistics, to provide unparalleled control flexibility.
The Firmware IDs for older versions of the firmware can typically be found in Appendix A of the instruction manual.
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Sales Resource CentralFor more information about specific RTAC models, including hardware specifications, flyers, data sheets, and instruction manuals, please visit the following product pages:
SEL-3505/3505-3 RTAC
SEL-3530-4 RTAC
SEL-3350 RTAC
SEL-3555 RTAC
SEL-3560S/3560E RTAC
SEL-2240 Axion
SEL Axion Modules
For more information about SEL-3390 PCIe expansion cards (compatible with SEL-3555 and SEL-3560E models), please visit the following product pages:
SEL-3390E4 Network Adapter Card
SEL-3390S8 Serial Adapter Card
SEL-3390T Time and Ethernet Adapter Card
acSELerator RTAC is an intuitive, easy-to-use application designed to configure the SEL Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) family of products, including the SEL-2240 Axion. The software offers a wide range of optional tools, add-ons, and library extensions.
Learn more and download on the acSELerator RTAC software page..
Diagram Builder is an application that allows users to create and manage visualization projects for the optional web-based HMI designed for SEL Real-Time Automation Controllers (RTACs).
Learn more and download on the Diagram Builder software page.
Architect allows users to configure and document IEC 61850 systems that include GOOSE, Sampled Values (SV), or Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) communications. Architect automatically compares SCL files with IEC 61850 requirements to ensure standard compliance.
Learn more and download on the Architect software page.
A wide range of IEC 61131-based libraries and extensions are available for the RTAC platform. Instructions for libraries and extensions are available in the Programming Reference and via the acSELerator RTAC help menu.
The following libraries and extensions can be added during RTAC hardware configuration.
Option | Details | Dependencies |
---|---|---|
HMI1 | Visualize data and create custom diagrams for real-time monitoring and control. | None |
Network Audit Utilities2 | Scan local area networks (LAN) and provide an audit of devices and communications on the network. | None |
Grid Connect | Control the point of common coupling (PCC) between the utility and renewable power generation sources. | Dynamic Disturbance Recorder, File I/O |
Horizon SVP Plus | Turn the RTAC into a synchrophasor vector processor. Detect the onset of uncontrolled wide-area oscillations with SVPplus modal analysis. | None |
Horizon Power System Model | Resolve synchrophasor data streams using a model of the power system. | File I/O |
Condition Monitoring | Implement condition-based monitoring of power system assets to assist with NERC PRC-005 compliance. | File I/O |
Dynamic Disturbance Recorder | Collect data from within the logic engine to generate Sequence of Events (SOE), time-aligned CSV, and COMTRADE files in the RTAC. | File I/O |
Meter Report Trend Recorder | Record analog data in the RTAC, and send data to acSELerator Team SEL-5045 and acSELerator Meter Reports SEL-5630 Software for analysis. | File I/O |
Report Generator/Email Client | Generate custom reports from data available from the RTAC's logic engine. It is bundled with a fully featured email client that integrates into secure email systems. | File I/O |
FTP Sync | Connect to established S/FTP server infrastructure and automatically push files from the RTAC file system to remote destinations. | File I/O |
File I/O | Read and write files to the RTAC file system. It includes a built-in SFTP/FTP client for sending and receiving files and provides programmatic access to fault and SOE records. | None |
1Not supported on the SEL-3505 and SEL-3505-3
2Only supported on the SEL-3350, SEL-3555, SEL-3560S, and SEL-3560E
Contact Engineering Services for ordering information and additional details about these libraries and extensions.
Option | Application |
---|---|
Distribution Automation | Fault location, isolation, restoration, and volt-VAR control of distribution feeders |
Ground Fault Detection | Ground fault identification for ungrounded power systems |
Falling Conductor Mitigation | Use synchrophasors to detect and mitigate broken and falling conductor scenarios |
Available on the Blueframe platform, DMA applications automatically collect, store, and manage device-specific information like oscillography, Sequence of Events (SOE) data, device settings, and property information. They also provide automated password rotation and streamlined device audits.
Learn more on the DMA software page.
synchroWAVe Event helps engineers diagnose the cause of power system disturbances, including faults. It is a powerful and easy-to-use solution for displaying and analyzing SEL event reports and COMTRADE files.
Learn more and download on the synchroWAVe Event software page.
Visit the Firmware Tools page for details about the latest firmware versions for each RTAC model.
*Optional feature.
1Not supported on the SEL-3505 and SEL-3505-3.
2Only supported on the SEL-3350 RTAC, SEL-3555, SEL-3560S, and SEL-3560E.
3Only supported on the SEL-3530-4, SEL-2241, SEL-3350 RTAC, SEL-3555, and 3560E. For the SEL-3555 and SEL-3560E to support EtherCAT, they should be configured to include the SEL-3390E4 expansion card.
Cable Part Number | Termination | Length | Notes | Schematic |
---|---|---|---|---|
C605A | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ-45 M/DB-9 M, IRIG-B, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C489 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable to SEL DNP (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/DB-9 M, IRIG-B) | View |
C478A** | DB-9 Female | 1 to 6 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Adapter Cable (RS-232, DTE-DCE, RJ45 M/DB-9 F, IRIG-B, Pin 1 Power, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C478N** | DB-9 Female + BNC | 1 to 6 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Adapter Cable (RS-232, DTE-DCE, RJ45 M/DB-9 F/BNC F, IRIG-B, Pin 1 Power, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C605 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 6 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/DB-9 M, IRIG-B, Pin 1 Power, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C605R* | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/DB-9 M, IRIG-B, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C477 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 150 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable to GE DNP I/O (RS-485, RJ45 M/DB-9 M) | View |
C607 | Tinned Wires | 1 to 330 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable for Terminal Server (RJ45 M/Tin Wires) | View |
C616 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DCE, RJ45 M/DB-9 M, IRIG-B, Pin 1 Power, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C629A | RJ45 | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/RJ-45 M, IRIG-B) | View |
C629R* | RJ45 | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/RJ-45 M, IRIG-B, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C659 | DB-9 Male + BNC | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DTE-DTE, RJ45 M/DB-9 M/BNC M, IRIG-B, Pin 1 Power, Hardware Flow Control) | View |
C972 | BNC | 1 to 130 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (Modulated IRIG, RJ45 M/BNC M) | View |
C256 | BNC | 1 to 500 ft | DB-9 Serial Cable for IRIG-B | View |
C481 | 25-Pin Female | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DCE) for modem | View |
C616 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DCE-DTE) for modem | View |
C618 | DB-9 Male | 1 to 100 ft | SEL RJ45 Serial Cable (RS-232, DCE) for modem | View |
*This cable is double-shielded (contains both foil and braid shields) with the shield connected to the shell at both ends of the cable for improved immunity to electrical disturbances that can cause data loss.
**These cables are for connecting to existing SEL serial cables with a DB-9 connector and fiber-optic SEL-2800 series transceivers.