Application Scenarios
At a 500kV transmission substation in Norway,operators struggled with inconsistent time stamps across multiple protection relays,making post-fault analysis nearly impossible.Event logs from different bays showed discrepancies of up to 20ms,delaying root cause identification.After installing the ABB AGPS21C,the entire station achieved sub-millisecond time accuracy.The module’s GPS receiver locked onto satellite signals within minutes and distributed precise time via IRIG-B and PPS outputs to all connected Relion 670 series relays.Now,engineers can reconstruct fault sequences with confidence,reducing outage investigation time by over 80%.The AGPS21C proved indispensable in transforming the station into a fully synchronized,digitally integrated facility.
Parameter
Main Parameters Value/Description
Product Model AGPS21C/64668064A6430150
Manufacturer ABB
Product Category GPS Time Synchronization Module
Timing Accuracy<1µs relative to UTC–Enables precise event sequencing
Antenna Input 2 x SMA connectors(primary&backup)–Supports dual-antenna redundancy
Time Outputs 1PPS(TTL),IRIG-B(DC&AC),NTP over Ethernet–Flexible integration
Communication Interface Ethernet(10/100Base-TX)–For NTP and module configuration
Protocols Supported NTP,SNTP,IEC 61850-9-3(PTP optional)–Full compatibility with modern networks
Synchronization Modes GPS,GPS+GLONASS–Enhanced satellite availability and signal reliability
Holdover Stability±1 ms over 24 hours(if signal lost)–Maintains accuracy during outages
Mounting DIN rail or panel mount–Standard industrial installation
Operating Temperature-25°C to+70°C–Suitable for harsh substation environments
Power Supply 24–60 VDC or 24–48 VAC–Wide input range for flexible power sourcing
Compliance IEC 61850,IEC 60255,IEEE 1613,IEC 60529(IP20)–Meets global substation standards
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1:Multi-Source Satellite Synchronization
The ABB AGPS21C leverages both GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations to achieve faster lock times and higher signal availability,even in challenging environments like urban substations or areas with partial sky view.This dual-system support reduces the risk of timing outages due to signal blockage.
Innovation Point 2:Redundant Antenna Inputs
Equipped with dual SMA antenna ports,the AGPS21C supports primary and backup antenna configurations.If the main GPS signal is lost(e.g.,due to cable damage),the module automatically switches to the secondary antenna,ensuring uninterrupted time synchronization—a critical feature for high-availability protection systems.
Innovation Point 3:Multi-Protocol Time Distribution
The module provides time via multiple formats:1PPS pulse,IRIG-B(modulated and DC level),and NTP over Ethernet.This allows simultaneous connection to legacy devices(using IRIG-B)and modern IEDs(using NTP or PTP),making the AGPS21C ideal for hybrid or upgraded substations.
Innovation Point 4:Seamless Integration with Relion Ecosystem
Designed for use with ABB’s PCM600 engineering tool,the AGPS21C can be easily configured,monitored,and diagnosed alongside other Relion devices.It integrates natively with Relion 650/670 series relays,ensuring plug-and-play deployment in ABB automation projects.
Application Cases and Industry Value
In a major hydroelectric power plant in Canada,the control system required precise time synchronization across 30+protection relays for accurate fault recording.Before deploying the ABB AGPS21C,the plant used a third-party NTP server with only±10ms accuracy.After installation,the AGPS21C delivered<1µs precision across all devices.During a recent transformer fault,the sequence of events was reconstructed with millisecond-level clarity,enabling engineers to identify a relay miscoordination issue in under an hour.The plant’s maintenance team reported that the module’s web interface and LED status indicators simplified commissioning and ongoing monitoring.
A metro rail traction substation in Singapore adopted the AGPS21C to synchronize protection relays across multiple stations.The module’s NTP and IRIG-B outputs ensured that all switchgear operations were time-stamped consistently,meeting strict regulatory requirements for incident reporting.The ability to daisy-chain IRIG-B signals reduced cabling costs by 30%,while the holdover function maintained timing integrity during brief GPS outages caused by tunnel shielding.
Related Product Combination Solutions
ABB REL670:High-end protection relay–Directly synchronized by AGPS21C for accurate fault recording and differential protection.
ABB PCM600:Engineering tool–Used to configure and monitor the AGPS21C within the ABB automation suite.
ABB DCSMI:Digital communication interface module–Can receive IRIG-B from AGPS21C for time stamping in non-ABB systems.
ABB RCM:Redundant Clock Manager–Works with AGPS21C in dual-clock configurations for maximum time availability.
ABB RIO600:Remote I/O unit–Benefits from precise time stamps when used in distributed protection schemes.
ABB SCL:Station Control Layer software–Uses synchronized time from AGPS21C for event correlation and reporting.
ABB ANT-GPS-01:ABB-approved GPS antenna–Optimized for use with AGPS21C,ensuring maximum signal reception.
ABB CI854:Digital output module–Can be used to monitor AGPS21C status signals(e.g.,loss of sync)in the DCS.
Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support
Installing the ABB AGPS21C begins with mounting the module on a DIN rail and connecting a GPS antenna with a clear view of the sky.The SMA antenna cable should be routed away from high-voltage sources to prevent interference.Once powered,the module acquires satellite signals within 5–15 minutes.Time outputs(1PPS,IRIG-B)can be connected to relays and SCADA systems,while the Ethernet port enables NTP distribution and web-based configuration.The front-panel LEDs indicate satellite lock,power status,and signal health,allowing quick visual verification.
Routine maintenance is minimal—inspect the antenna cable annually and ensure the sky view remains unobstructed.The AGPS21C performs self-diagnostics and reports faults via its web interface or through SNMP traps.In the event of failure,the module can be replaced within minutes,with configuration stored in backup systems.Our technical team provides full support for integration,calibration,and troubleshooting,ensuring your time synchronization system remains accurate and reliable for years.
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