html{display:none} SEL Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) Automation Platform | Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

      SEL Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC)

      Automation Platform

      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.

      Starting At

      $1,060

      Request a Follow-Up

      (0/250)

      *Required

      Request a Follow-Up


      SCADA Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and Substation Gateway
      Quickly design an integrated substation RTU system that include 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.

      IEC 61850 System Integration
      Integrate modern IEDs into control and automation schemes with IEC 61850 GOOSE and the MMS client and server. Convert legacy devices or substations to support the standard IEC 61850 data model with the fully configurable data model of the MMS server. IEC 61850 supports MMS file transfer for both MMS clients and server for a complete solution for extracting data from the substation to central locations.

      Industrial and Generation System Integration
      Provide a powerful gateway between the substation and the factory or power generation facility using EtherNet/IP and OPC UA. These popular protocols facilitate reliable communication between electronic devices in industrial and power generation automation systems. The RTAC EtherNet/IP adapter enables critical data exchange for real-time monitoring, process control, and power system integration. Use OPC UA data self-discover and rich data type support to collect the rich data models supported by end devices.

      Security Appliance
      Make the RTAC the secure access point into your substation or plant with a full set of encrypted protocols for remote engineering, central authentication and role-based user authentication. Integrate information technology protocols SNMP and Syslog into the SOE log, or map security data into SCADA reports for industry-leading integration of security technologies. Select RTAC models support network audits that provide detailed information on IP addresses, ports, and services. Collect configuration information for compliance through fully documented REST APIs, terminal commands, or sending push notifications through an authenticated, encrypted email connection.

      Digital Fault Recording (DFR)
      Use the SEL-3555 RTAC with Axion modules, including the SEL-2245-42 AC Protection Module, to develop DFR solutions that exceed the requirements of NERC PRC-002. The SEL-2245-42 Module features 24 kHz recording with recording group configurations for combining multiple module event reports, including digital values, into a single COMTRADE file. The SEL-3555 RTAC with SSD storage provides the perfect controller for recording applications to maintain more than the minimum ten-day storage requirement of all fault records, dynamic disturbance records, and SOE records in the substation.

      Condition Monitoring
      Extend equipment maintenance intervals by continuously monitoring operational data. Extract power system data with a set of automated tools to collect, parse, and monitor data contained in IED reports. Use real-time data combined with data in value-added IED reports to collect an archived history and trigger alarms for significant changes detected in power system assets and critical communications. A growing set of capabilities for CT/PT, trip-coil, breaker monitoring, and report extraction is continuously being added to bring more value to the data in the substation.

      Time Synchronization
      Time-synchronize serial- or Ethernet-connected devices using the method best suited for the substation architecture or connected device. The RTAC supports DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, SNTP/NTP, and IRIG-B methods for time synchronization and distribution to connected devices. Use IRIG-B to synchronize the RTAC to a high-accuracy time source and then distribute precise time to IEDs. Integrate legacy devices with IEDs into a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) network by synchronizing the RTAC to a grandmaster clock and then distributing time to devices via any supported time synchronization protocol.

      RTAC Hardware Models

      RTAC Models

      SEL-3505

      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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3505
      3505_front

      SEL-3505

      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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3505
      3505_front

      SEL-3505-3

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3505-3
      3505-3_front

      SEL-3505-3

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3505-3
      3505-3_front

      SEL-3530-4

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3530-4
      3530-4_Front

      SEL-3530-4

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3530-4
      3530-4_Front

      SEL-3350

      The 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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3350
      3350 F - RTAC

      SEL-3350

      The 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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3350
      3350 F - RTAC

      SEL-3555

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3555
      RTAC_3555_Front

      SEL-3555

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3555
      RTAC_3555_Front

      SEL-3560S

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3560
      3560S_Front

      SEL-3560S

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3560
      3560S_Front

      SEL-3560E

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3560
      3560E_Front

      SEL-3560E

      Real-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 page
      Configure and Order SEL-3560
      3560E_Front

      SEL-2240 Axion

      Real-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 page
      2240-Back

      SEL-2240 Axion

      Real-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 page
      2240-Back

      RTAC Family Comparison

      Details

      Rugged 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. Learn more about conformal coating.

      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.

      Video Playlists

      RTAC Basics

      • SEL RTAC—Install
      • SEL RTAC—Basic Software
      • SEL RTAC—Building a Project
      • SEL RTAC—DNP Client
      • SEL RTAC—Tag Processor Intro
      • SEL RTAC—Tag Processor Logging
      • SEL RTAC—Tag Processor Logic
      • SEL RTAC—Engineering Access with Legacy Commands
      • SEL RTAC—Engineering Access with Automatic Connections
      • SEL RTAC—IEC 61131 Programming
      • SEL RTAC—IEC 61131 Functions
      • SEL RTAC—IEC 61131 Function Blocks

      RTAC HMI

      • How to Use the RTAC HMI, Part 1: acSELerator Diagram Builder Overview
      • How to Use the RTAC HMI, Part 2: Building a Project
      • How to Use the RTAC HMI, Part 3: Shared Tags

      RTAC Firmware Release Highlights

      • SEL RTAC R151 Firmware: New Features and Enhancements
      • RTAC R152 Firmware Update

      The Firmware IDs for older versions of the firmware can typically be found in Appendix A of the instruction manual.

      Sales Resource Central access is required to view the content in this tab.

      Sales Resource Central

      RTAC Hardware Tab

      For 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

      RTAC Software Tab

      Configuration Software

      acSELerator RTAC SEL-5033 Software

      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..


      acSELerator Diagram Builder SEL-5035 Software

      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.


      acSELerator Architect SEL-5032 Software

      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.


      RTAC Libraries and Extensions

      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.

      Automation Solutions

      The following libraries and extensions can be added during RTAC hardware configuration.

      OptionDetailsDependencies
      HMI1Visualize data and create custom diagrams for real-time monitoring and control.None
      Network Audit Utilities2Scan local area networks (LAN) and provide an audit of devices and communications on the network.None
      Grid ConnectControl the point of common coupling (PCC) between the utility and renewable power generation sources.Dynamic Disturbance Recorder, File I/O
      Horizon SVP PlusTurn the RTAC into a synchrophasor vector processor. Detect the onset of uncontrolled wide-area oscillations with SVPplus modal analysis.None
      Horizon Power System ModelResolve synchrophasor data streams using a model of the power system.File I/O
      Condition MonitoringImplement condition-based monitoring of power system assets to assist with NERC PRC-005 compliance.File I/O
      Dynamic Disturbance RecorderCollect 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 RecorderRecord 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 ClientGenerate 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 SyncConnect to established S/FTP server infrastructure and automatically push files from the RTAC file system to remote destinations.File I/O
      File I/ORead 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


      Engineering Services Solutions

      Contact Engineering Services for ordering information and additional details about these libraries and extensions.

      OptionApplication
      Distribution AutomationFault location, isolation, restoration, and volt-VAR control of distribution feeders
      Ground Fault DetectionGround fault identification for ungrounded power systems
      Falling Conductor MitigationUse synchrophasors to detect and mitigate broken and falling conductor scenarios

      Automated Data Collection

      SEL Data Management and Automation (DMA) Application Suite

      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.


      Visualization & Analysis

      SEL-5601-2 synchroWAVe Event SOFTWARE

      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.

      RTAC Firmware

      Visit the Firmware Tools page for details about the latest firmware versions for each RTAC model.


      Firmware Release Notes

      RTAC Supported Protocols Tab

      • Client Protocols
        • CDC Type II
        • Courier
        • CP 2179
        • DNP3 Serial, DNP3 LAN/WAN
        • eDNA1
        • EtherNet/IP—Explicit Message Client*
        • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)/Secure FTP (SFTP)*
        • Flex Parse
        • IEC 60870-5-101/104
        • IEC 60870-5-103
        • IEC 61850 MMS and MMS Client File Services*,2
        • IEEE C37.118 Synchrophasors
        • LG 8979
        • Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP
        • SEL Protocols
        • SES-92
        • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
      • Server Protocols
        • CDC Type II
        • DNP3 Serial, DNP3 LAN/WAN
        • EtherNet/IP—Implicit Message Adapter*
        • FTP/SFTP
        • IEC 60870-5-101/104
        • IEC 61850 MMS and MMS Server File Services*
        • IEEE C37.118 Synchrophasors
        • LG 8979
        • Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP
        • SEL Protocols
        • SES-92
        • SNMP Agent
      • Peer-to-Peer Protocols
        • IEC 61850 GOOSE*
        • Network Global Variable List (NGVL)
        • SEL Mirrored Bits Communications
      • Field Bus Protocol
        • EtherCAT to SEL-2240 Axion I/O Modules*,2

      *Optional feature
      1Only supported on the SEL-3555, SEL-3560S, and SEL-3560E
      2Not supported on the SEL-3505 and SEL-3505-3

      Product Certifications