Catapult Software supports a range of communications software solutions for data acquisition using various industry standard protocols. This includes Catapult's own DNP3 driver available for native iFIX, CIMPLICITY and OPC.
DNP3 provides master server communications to DNP3 slave devices. The DNP3 driver enables the secure transfer of data to and from field devices using the DNP 3.0 protocol. It will enable you to automatically connect, control and manage devices with SCADA systems such as iPower.
Key Features
General Specifications
- Supports DNP3 Level 3 for both requests and responses
- IP UDP & TCP
- Serial (300-57600 baud), including flow control
- Radio support including PTT control; pre & post-transmission delay setting
- Configurable retries and timeouts
- Sequence of Events
- Report by exception
- Supports DNP3 levels 1, 2, 3
- Up to 200 channels & 1,000 devices
- Supports fast recovery of SOE data after a communications failure
Devices & Channels
- Separate configuration of devices and channels
- Each device can be associated with one or more channels
- Automatic failover when multiple channels available
Sequence of Events
- SOE Level 3 time mode, supporting Local and UTC
- Each and every SOE detected and written to the SOE log file, time-stamped to 1msec using time captured by the I/O device
- Includes time synchronisation
Momentary Change Detect
- Momentary changes (e.g. closed> open>closed) can be latched between OPC read requests to allow the HMI to alarm momentary changes.
- Momentary changes reported using time captured by the I/O device for display in the HMI alarm system.
Configuration
- "On the fly" configuration without requiring system restart
Logging
- Separate SOE log file
- Communications monitoring in configuration window and to file
- Logging of raw binary data (data link) and decrypted data (application layer)
- Comprehensive statistics for both devices and channels
- All statistics available as standard HMI database tags
Catapult DNP3 Experience
With more than two decades of experience deploying DNP3-based communications, custom development and global sales of our own DNP 3.0 communications software, we can confidently back up our claims as DNP3 experts.
DNP3 is an important standard for SCADA communications in the power industry. However, despite its wide acceptance and use, DNP3 can be a challenge to implement. Many electric utilities do not want to employ and maintain DNP3 in-house for the occasional times that DNP3 specialist skills are required.
This is where Catapult comes in. We implemented our first turn-key DNP3 system in 1995, a time when the protocol was not widely used. Our Engineers have been implementing systems using DNP3 communications continuously ever since (20 years and counting). We have experienced and solved all possible variations and combinations of serial, IP and the widest range of media, including radio.
Our DNP3 software is already used around the globe, broadening our expertise with protocol even further.
Catapult provides DNP3 implementation, performance tuning and support services to anyone needing help with this protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNP3?
DNP3 is an industry standard protocol for SCADA communications in the power industry. A DNP3 master server communicates with DNP3 slave devices to transfer data to and from field devices.
What DNP3 drivers does Catapult offer?
Catapult supplies its own DNP3 driver as a native iFIX driver, a native CIMPLICITY driver and an OPC driver. It lets you automatically connect, control and manage devices from SCADA systems such as iPower.
Which DNP3 levels and connections does the driver support?
The driver supports DNP3 levels 1, 2 and 3, including Level 3 for both requests and responses. It works over IP (UDP and TCP), serial connections from 300 to 57600 baud with flow control, and radio, including PTT control. It handles up to 200 channels and 1,000 devices.
Does the driver record sequence of events (SOE) data?
Yes. It supports SOE Level 3 time mode in local and UTC time, writes each event to a separate SOE log file time-stamped to 1 millisecond using the time captured by the I/O device, and includes time synchronization. It can also recover SOE data quickly after a communications failure.
Can I change DNP3 settings without restarting the system?
Yes. The driver supports "on the fly" configuration without requiring a system restart.
What logging and statistics does the driver provide?
It provides communications monitoring in the configuration window and to file, logging of raw binary data and decrypted data, and comprehensive statistics for both devices and channels. All statistics are available as standard HMI database tags.
Does Catapult provide DNP3 implementation and support?
Yes. Catapult implemented its first turn-key DNP3 system in 1995 and provides DNP3 implementation, performance tuning and support services. This helps electric utilities that do not want to employ and maintain DNP3 skills in-house for the occasional times they are needed. Contact Catapult to discuss your DNP3 requirements.
