IEC 62056-21 DLMS for SCADA systems

Semaphore has introduced the IEC 62056-21 Device Language Message Specification (DLMS) protocol for its T-box line of SCADA system products. This protocol is available with a T-box MS modular system when equipped with a 32-bit CPU.

DLMS is the suite of standards developed and maintained by the DLMS User Association and has been co-opted by the IEC TC13 WG14 into the IEC 62056 series of standards. IEC 62056-21 was formerly known as IEC 61107. Companion Specification for Energy Metering (COSEM) includes a set of specifications that defines the transport and application layers of the DLMS protocol.

DLMS has been adopted by the OPEN Meter Consortium, a European effort to standardise a protocol for automated meter reading. The OPEN meter project is expected to contribute to the European Union energy efficiency targets and help reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

The combination of T-box and the IEC 62056-21 protocol is particularly applicable to open metering communications in systems such as smart grids. A T-box RTU performs alarm management and logging of information, including energy readings and diagnostic data. The RTU uses push technology to keep multiple recipients fully informed of the status of all meters. Push messaging includes IP forwarding, email with attached files, and SMS text. Via an integral web server, T-box serves live and historical information on the internet or an intranet.