Automation Studio

Explorer

Users Manual
Revisions

Version Date Comments Product Author

Version

1.0 2008-01-06 Initial version 1.0 Adriano Meira

1.1 2008-02-14 Update according to product 1.0.1 Adriano Meira
version 1.0.1
1.2 2008-08-08 Minor revision 1.0-1.2 Carlos Fernandes

Document

Name Automation Studio Explorer - Users Manual

Document Nr ASDV08000003
Model Modelo para Fascculo de Manual
Model Version 1.1
Reviewed by Rogrio Dias Paulo
Approved by Rogrio Dias Paulo
Total of Pages 26

Revisions ii
Index
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 2
1.1 SCOPE.......................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 AUTOMATION STUDIO EXPLORER OVERVIEW .................................................................. 2
2. LEGEND ............................................................................................................................ 3
3. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... 4
3.2 INSTALLING AUTOMATION STUDIO EXPLORER ................................................................. 4
3.2.1 First Window .......................................................................................................... 4
3.2.2 License Agreement ................................................................................................ 5
3.2.3 Destination Folder .................................................................................................. 5
3.2.4 Complete the Installation ....................................................................................... 5
3.2.5 Uninstalling............................................................................................................. 6
4. USAGE .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 STARTING AUTOMATION STUDIO EXPLORER ................................................................... 8
4.2 LICENSING .................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 CREATING A NEW SYSTEM............................................................................................. 9
4.3.1 New Device .......................................................................................................... 11
4.3.2 New Connection ................................................................................................... 11
4.3.3 Enable connection ............................................................................................... 13
4.3.4 Disable Connection .............................................................................................. 14
4.4 SAVING SYSTEMS........................................................................................................ 15
4.5 CLOSE AUTOMATION STUDIO EXPLORER ...................................................................... 15
4.6 OPEN AN EXISTING SYSTEM......................................................................................... 16
4.7 MODIFYING A SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 17
4.8 EXECUTING CONTROLS ............................................................................................... 17
4.9 W RITING VARIABLES.................................................................................................... 18
4.10 OTHER FEATURES ..................................................................................................... 20
4.10.1 Properties ......................................................................................................... 20
4.10.2 Information Model Explorer .............................................................................. 20
4.10.3 Communication Diagnosis ................................................................................ 21
4.10.4 Output ............................................................................................................... 22
4.10.5 Ping ................................................................................................................... 22
4.10.6 Settings ............................................................................................................. 23
4.10.7 Variable List ...................................................................................................... 23
4.10.8 Browser Window ............................................................................................... 24
4.10.9 About Box ......................................................................................................... 25

Index iii
List of Figures
FIGURE 1 - FIRST WINDOW OF THE INSTALLATION PROCESS .................................................. 4
FIGURE 2 - LICENSE AGREEMENT WINDOW ................................................................................ 5
FIGURE 3 - DESTINATION FOLDER WINDOW. ............................................................................... 5
FIGURE 4 LAST WINDOW.............................................................................................................. 6
FIGURE 5 INSTALLATION STATUS WINDOW. ............................................................................. 6
FIGURE 6 - UNINSTALL .................................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 7 - AUTOMATION STUDIO EXPLORER SPLASH SCREEN .............................................. 8
FIGURE 8 LICENSE TYPE. ............................................................................................................. 8
FIGURE 9 ACQUIRING A LICENSE. .............................................................................................. 9
FIGURE 10 - NEW SYSTEM COMMAND ........................................................................................ 10
FIGURE 11 - NEW DEVICE ADDED ON DEVICE EXPLORER WINDOW ...................................... 11
FIGURE 12 - ADD DEVICE WINDOW .............................................................................................. 11
FIGURE 13 - NEW CONNECTION ADDED ..................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 14 - ADD CONNECTION DIALOG ..................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 15 - ENABLE CONNECTION OPTION .............................................................................. 13
FIGURE 16 - EXPLORED DEVICE .................................................................................................. 14
FIGURE 17 - DISABLE A CONNECTION......................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 18 - DISABLED CONNECTION VIEW ............................................................................... 15
FIGURE 19 - EXIT OPTION ............................................................................................................. 16
FIGURE 20 - EXIT WARNING .......................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 21 - OPEN OPTION ........................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 22 - OPEN SYSTEM WINDOW.......................................................................................... 17
FIGURE 23 - EXECUTE CONTROL WINDOW ................................................................................ 18
FIGURE 24 - EXECUTE CONTROL DIALOG .................................................................................. 18
FIGURE 25 - WRITE VARIABLE OPTION ....................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 26 - WRITE VARIABLE DIALOG........................................................................................ 19
FIGURE 27 - PROPERTIES PAD ..................................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 28 - INFORMATION MODEL EXPLORER ......................................................................... 21
FIGURE 29 - SELECT CONNECTIONS DIALOG ............................................................................ 21
FIGURE 30 - COMMUNICATION DIAGNOSIS PAD ........................................................................ 22
FIGURE 31 - PING WINDOW ........................................................................................................... 23
FIGURE 32 - SELECT VARIABLES DIALOG ................................................................................... 23
FIGURE 33 - VARIABLE LIST VIEW ................................................................................................ 24
FIGURE 34 - BROWSER WINDOW ................................................................................................. 24
FIGURE 35 - ABOUT WINDOW ....................................................................................................... 25

List of Figures iv
Summary
This document is the Automation Studio Explorer users manual providing a detailed
description of installation and usage procedures.

Summary v
 Automation Studio
Explorer
Users Manual

Introduction 1 of 26
1. Introduction

1.1 Scope

Automation Studio Explorer.

1.2 Automation Studio Explorer Overview

Automation Studio Explorer is a user-interface software tool for assisting the monitoring,
operating and diagnosing of substation automation systems (SAS) or similar systems,
provided that the communication infrastructure is based on IEC 61850-8. It is targeted at
generic system users and not specifically at communication experts.
This tool allows vendor-independent device navigation, presenting interactive data views
in a system-oriented and user-adaptable windowing environment. It does not require any
configuration specific to a given system or device since it is based on the plug-and-play
features of IEC 61850.
This tool relies heavily on copy/paste, drag-and-drop and context menus, allowing intuitive
handling of the user interface.
Automation Studio Explorer device access features include information model retrieval
and real-time data observation as well as control execution and writing of variables.
Automation Studio Explorer user-interface features far exceed traditional IEC 61850
browsers since the user is not required to be an expert of communication systems to fully
use the software. Usage of both the standard IEC 61850-8 MMS protocol and semantic
knowledge of IEC 61850 models, built into the tool, allows configuration-free presentation
of descriptive and real-time data unlike any other tool on the market.
Together with the above features Automation Studio Explorer also provides additional
tools such as integrated ping command or easy to use device web-server access as well
as detailed communication trace and diagnosing.

Introduction 2 of 26
2. Legend
In this document relevant instruction, advice or warnings will be shown using the icons
bellow:

Security Instruction failing to comply with this instruction may cause erroneous or unexpected
behaviour on the device, system or application, or/and, cause damage to equipment or system.

Operational or Security Instruction failing to respect this instruction may cause erroneous or
unexpected behaviour on the device, system or application.

Additional Information observing this instruction may increase user productivity or the usage of
Automation Studio Explorer. Not a security instruction.

Legend 3 of 26
3. Installation
In this chapter all the steps for installing and uninstalling the product are described.

3.1 System Requirements

The minimum requirements to run Automation Studio Explorer are:

512 Mbytes RAM memory or higher;
100 MB of free space on hard drive;
Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system;
Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher.

3.2 Installing Automation Studio Explorer

Automation Studio Explorer can be installed by executing the provided self-executable

installer. The installer is composed by:
Product installer
Installers for required third-party libraries (installed only if necessary)
To install Automation Studio Explorer run Setup.exe.
3.2.1 First Window

Automation Studio Explorer can be installed by executing the provided self-executable

installer.
To install Automation Studio Explorer run Setup.exe.

Figure 1 - First window of the installation process

Installation 4 of 26
3.2.2 License Agreement

The user is asked to accept the end user licence agreement. Please read this licence
agreement thoroughly. If you agree with the terms select the option I accept the terms in
the License Agreement and continue with the installation. If not, the installation process
will be stopped and the tool will not be installed.

Figure 2 - License agreement window

3.2.3 Destination Folder

The next window will allow the user to choose a destination folder for the Automation
Studio Explorer Application. By default, the software will be installed in the Program Files
folder.

Figure 3 - Destination folder window

3.2.4 Complete the Installation

The next window is a confirmation window. The user has to click in the Install button to
install Automation Studio Explorer, or Cancel to leave the installation process.

Installation 5 of 26
 Figure 4 Last window
The application is then automatically installed. The user can keep track of the operation
through a status window.

Explorer may have issues with anti-virus software upon installation. Please close all other
running programs.

Figure 5 Installation status window

3.2.5 Uninstalling

To uninstall the Automation Studio Explorer Application the user must open the Control
Panel (Start>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs) and remove the intended version
of the product.

Installation 6 of 26
 Figure 6 - Uninstall

Installation 7 of 26
4. Usage

4.1 Starting Automation Studio Explorer

Automation Studio Explorer can be run by clicking on the shortcut placed on the users
desktop or by following link: Start>All Programs>Efacec>Automation Studio>Explorer
[Version]. The splash screen is shown.

Figure 7 - Automation Studio Explorer splash screen

4.2 Licensing

Figure 8 License type

Before using Automation Studio Explorer a software license must be acquired from
1
EFACEC . Available license types include:
Trial This license allows free usage of the application but limits its features
System Integrator Licensed EFACEC system integrator
End User Licensed EFACEC end-user.

1
For more information on licensing please contact EFACEC.

Usage 8 of 26
 A license can be obtained from EFACEC by stepping through the license wizard. The first
step of the license wizard allows the user to choose the applicable license type.

Figure 9 Acquiring a license

In the second window of the process, the user is asked to introduce required license
identification data:
Company name;
Project identification;

2
The actual license may be obtained online or offline by generating a license request file to
be sent to EFACEC.

If the license information is destroyed, changed or corrupted another licensing process will
be required.

Automation Studio licenses are for individual use and single machine only.

4.3 Creating a New System

By default, Automation Studio Explorer creates a blank system on application start-up.

However, the user can create a new system at any time by, choosing the option New

2
Online licensing is only available for authorized personnel.

Usage 9 of 26
 System on the Menu File (File>New System).

Figure 10 - New system command

Usage 10 of 26
4.3.1 New Device

A new device can be added to the system via the context menu (right-click) of the System
Node in the Device Explorer Window.
The user can also add a device selecting the right option on System Menu (System>New
Device).

Figure 11 - New device added on device explorer window

On adding of a new device, device-related information is requested:

Name of the device defined by the user;
Default IP Address for the device.

Figure 12 - Add device window

The number of connections is limited to twenty in the current version. Please contact Efacec
if you need a larger number of connections.

4.3.2 New Connection

A new device connection can be added to the system via the context menu (right-click) of
the Device Node on the Device Explorer Window. The user can add a device connection
also by selecting the right option on System Menu (System>New Connection).

Usage 11 of 26
 Figure 13 - New connection added

Adding and activating many connections to one or more devices may impact its operation,
namely its performance.

To add a new connection, a device must be selected on the device explorer pad.

On adding a new connection, a window appears to introduce the connection information:

Connection name defined by the user;
IP Address of the connection;
AP Title of the connection;
AE Qualifier of the connection;
P Selector of the connection;
S Selector of the connection;
T Selector of the connection.
The provided default parameters are usually applicable to most devices.

Usage 12 of 26
 Figure 14 - Add connection dialog
4.3.3 Enable connection

The device connection can be enabled clicking in the option Enable Connection in the
context menu (right-click) of the Device Connection Node on the Device Explorer Window.

Figure 15 - Enable connection option

After enabling the connection communication is established and all the information of the
Device is displayed:
Logical Nodes
Variables
Reports
etc.

Usage 13 of 26
 Figure 16 - Explored device

4.3.4 Disable Connection

A device connection can be disabled stopping all data transfers with the device.

Figure 17 - Disable a connection

Usage 14 of 26
 Figure 18 - Disabled connection view

These four features (Add device, Add Connection, Enable and Disable connection) are also
available on Device Explorer Pad toolbar.
The toolbar also allows the navigation on the tree view, and show properties of a selected
node.

Note that if any real-time objects are not being updated the corresponding icons are clearly
marked with the X symbol in any view where such object is displayed.

4.4 Saving Systems

To save a system, the user can click on Save or Save As Options on File Menu. The
system will be saved as an .esys file.

Explorer System Configuration (.esys) is the Automation Studio Explorer system description
format.

4.5 Close Automation Studio Explorer

To close Automation Studio Explorer, the user has to click on Exit option on File Menu.

Usage 15 of 26
 Figure 19 - Exit option

If the current opened system was modified, Automation Studio Explorer asked to the user
if he wants to save the system before exit.

Figure 20 - Exit warning

4.6 Open an Existing System

To open an Automation Studio Explorer system, the user has to click on Open System
option on File Menu.

Figure 21 - Open option

An Open File dialog appears to permit to the user choose the pretended Explorer
System Configuration (.esys file) to open.

Usage 16 of 26
 Figure 22 - Open system window

4.7 Modifying a System

When the user modifies the current system, a * symbol appears next to the System node
on Device Explorer pad (see Figure 24). The symbol disappears after saving the system.

4.8 Executing Controls

The user can execute a control on a controllable variable object, clicking on Execute
Control option of the Context Menu (right-click).

Note that all controllable objects are marked with a yellow downward pointing arrow.

Usage 17 of 26
 Figure 23 - Execute control window

A dialog appears with Control options. After selecting the chosen option, the user can
execute the control.

Figure 24 - Execute control dialog

Executing a control can modify device or system status.

For security reasons, the dialog box is closed after 30 seconds of user inactivity.

4.9 Writing Variables

The user can write on a writable variable object, clicking on Write Variable option of the

Usage 18 of 26
 Context Menu (right-click).

Figure 25 - Write variable option

A dialog appears with Write options. After selecting the chosen option, the user can write a
variable.

Figure 26 - Write variable dialog

Write a variable can modify device or system behaviour.

For security reasons, the dialog is closed after 30 seconds of user inactivity.

Usage 19 of 26
4.10 Other Features

4.10.1 Properties

Automation Studio Explorer provides a Properties Pad that allows the user to visualize the
properties of selected objects. The properties can be ordered alphabetically or by
category. The description pane can be hidden.

Figure 27 - Properties Pad

4.10.2 Information Model Explorer

Automation Studio Explorer provides a second hierarchical view of the system in the
Information Model Explorer Pad integrating data from all devices.
The view limits the objects shown to the user by hiding rarely needed data, thus avoid
cluttering:
Logical Devices;
Logical Nodes;
Objects of type :
o Description;
o Measurands and Status Information;
o Set Points and Controls.

Usage 20 of 26
 Figure 28 - Information model explorer
4.10.3 Communication Diagnosis

Automation Studio Explorer provides a Communication Diagnosis, which provides tracing

of open connections.
On the toolbar of Communication Diagnosis pad, the user can open Select
Connection(s) dialog to select the connections to trace.

Figure 29 - Select connections dialog

All the connections of the system appear in Selection Connection(s) dialog.

Usage 21 of 26
 To run the communications trace, the user has to click on Start Capture button of the
Communication Diagnosis toolbar.
The communications trace is displayed on the text box of the Communication Diagnosis
Pad.
To stop the trace of communications, the user has to click on Stop button of the
Communication Diagnosis toolbar.

Figure 30 - Communication diagnosis pad

The communications are divided on three categories:

Messages;
Warnings;
Errors.
Each type of messages is represented by a different colour.

4.10.4 Output

Automation Studio Explorer provides an Output Window (see Figure 32), to display all the
messages to the user.
4.10.5 Ping

Automation Studio Explorer provides a Ping features to test to connection to a host. This
feature is particularly useful to test connection to a device that the user wants to explore.
The ping feature is available at the System menu (System>Ping). After clicking on the
option, the ping dialog appears and permit to the user introduce the host to test. The
results are displayed on the Output Window. Ping is also available in the device context
menu.

Usage 22 of 26
 Figure 31 - Ping window
4.10.6 Settings

Automation Studio Explorer has several settings that can be configured by the user. These
settings can be configured on the options window, available on the Tools Menu
(Tools>Options).
4.10.7 Variable List

Automation Studio Explorer provides a third view of the system, the variable list. The user
can create as many variable lists as needed, by clicking on New Variable List option of
the View Menu.

The user can add as many lists as needed, sharing different information of different
connections or devices.

The user can select the variables to list on the Select Variable(s) Dialog, available after
click on Add Variable(s) button of the Variable List.

Figure 32 - Select variables dialog

The variables are added to the list, and its properties are actualized at real-time. The
columns can be reorganized or hidden (right-clicking on the column header).

Usage 23 of 26
 Figure 33 - Variable list view

Variables can also be added to the list by drag and dropping a variable node of any other
data view.

The lines of the variable list can be copied and be pasted on other software application (MS
Excel for example).

4.10.8 Browser Window

The user can open a Browser Window on Automation Studio Explorer clicking on New
Browser Window on the View Menu.

Figure 34 - Browser window

If a device has a Web View, it can be opened on Automation Studio Explorer clicking on
Web View option of the Device Nodes Context Menu.

Usage 24 of 26
4.10.9 About Box

The About window of the Automation Studio Explorer can be visualized clicking on
About option of the Help Menu.
It contains information about the installed version of Automation Studio Explorer and its
License.

Figure 35 - About window

Usage 25 of 26
 Subject to change without notice.
This document contains general information and descriptions of available technical
options, which may not be present in individual cases. The required features should
therefore be specified in each individual contract.
If you have any questions regarding this product please contact EFACEC.

EFACEC Sistemas de Electrnica, S.A.

Rua Eng Frederico Ulrich
Apart. 3078
4471-907 Moreira Maia
PORTUGAL
Tel: +351 22 940 2000
Fax: +351 22 948 5428
Web: http://www.efacec.pt/
Email: se@efacec.pt

Usage 26 of 26