IEC 61850-7-420:2009

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation - Part 7-420: Basic communication structure - Distributed energy resources logical nodes

IEC 61850-7-420:2009 defines IEC 61850 information models to be used in the exchange of information with distributed energy resources (DER), which comprise dispersed generation devices and dispersed storage devices, including reciprocating engines, fuel cells, microturbines, photovoltaics, combined heat and power, and energy storage. Utilizes existing IEC 61850-7-4 logical nodes where possible, but also defines DER-specific logical nodes where needed.

Réseaux et systèmes de communication pour l'automatisation des systèmes électriques - Partie 7-420: Structure de communication de base - Noeuds logiques de ressources énergétiques distribuées

IEC 61850-7-420:2009 définit les modèles d’information de l’IEC 61850 à utiliser dans l’échange d’informations avec les ressources énergétiques distribuées (DER), qui comprend les dispositifs de génération dispersée et les dispositifs de stockage dispersé, y compris les moteurs à mouvement alternatif, les piles à combustible, les microturbines, les photovoltaïques, la production combinée de chaleur et d’électricité, et le stockage de l’énergie.
La norme IEC 61850 relative au modèle d’information DER utilise les nœuds logiques existants de l’IEC 61850-7-4 lorsque cela est possible, mais définit également des nœuds logiques spécifiques aux DER lorsque cela est nécessaire.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Mar-2009
• ICS: 33.200 - Telecontrol. Telemetering
• Technical Committee: TC 57 - Power systems management and associated information exchange
• Drafting Committee: WG 17 - TC 57/WG 17
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 13-Oct-2021
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Overview

IEC 61850-7-420:2009 is a part of the IEC 61850 family that specifies information models for Distributed Energy Resources (DER). It defines logical nodes (LNs) and common data classes used to exchange operational, control, scheduling and measurement data with DER assets such as photovoltaics (PV), fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, combined heat and power (CHP) and energy storage. Where possible the standard reuses existing IEC 61850-7-4 logical nodes and introduces DER-specific LNs to cover plant-level and device-level functions. The standard supports DER integration into power utility automation systems and DER management systems.

Key Topics

• DER information modelling - logical devices, logical nodes and naming conventions for consistent device representation.
• DER logical nodes - plant-level (ECP - electrical connection point), controller, generator, inverter/converter, excitation, speed/frequency controllers, and auxiliary systems (battery, fuel, thermal storage).
• Data objects and Common Data Classes (CDC) - standardized data types for measurements, status, schedules and arrays used across DER LNs.
• Scheduling and dispatch - data models for energy/ancillary services schedules, economic dispatch parameters and schedule control.
• Physical measurements & metering - temperature, pressure, flow, vibration, emissions, meteorological and electrical metering LNs relevant to DER plants.
• Conformance and naming rules - interpretation of LN tables, logical device structure and system LNs to ensure interoperability.
• DER-specific device models - LN sets for PV arrays, fuel cell stacks, reciprocating engines, CHP systems and storage chargers.

Applications

IEC 61850-7-420 is used to enable interoperable communication and control between DER equipment and utility systems. Typical users and use-cases include:

• DER manufacturers - implement LN models in inverters, controllers and storage systems for standardized interfaces.
• System integrators & OEMs - integrate DER plants into SCADA/DERMS/EMS using common data models.
• Utilities and microgrid operators - implement standardized monitoring, dispatch and ancillary services scheduling for aggregated DER.
• Software vendors - develop configuration, visualization and control tools that map to IEC 61850 DER LNs.
• Test labs & certification bodies - validate conformance and interoperability of DER devices against IEC 61850 models.

Related Standards

• IEC 61850 series (core communications, services and modeling) - IEC 61850-7-420 extends these models for DER.
• IEC 61850-7-4 - existing logical node definitions reused where applicable.
• IEC TC 57 / CIM - the standard supports integration concepts shown in IEC TC 57 mappings (conceptual interoperability with power system models).

IEC 61850-7-420 is essential for anyone implementing standardized DER communication, enabling reliable, scalable and interoperable integration of distributed generation and storage into modern power systems.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61850-7-420 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-420: Basic communication structure – Distributed energy resources
logical nodes
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IEC 61850-7-420 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-420: Basic communication structure – Distributed energy resources
logical nodes
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XD
ICS 33.200 ISBN 978-2-88910-578-6
– 2 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7

INTRODUCTION.9

1 Scope.12

2 Normative references .12

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations .13

3.1 Terms and definitions .13

3.2 DER abbreviated terms .18

4 Conformance.20
5 Logical nodes for DER management systems .20
5.1 Overview of information modelling (informative) .20
5.1.1 Data information modelling constructs .20
5.1.2 Logical devices concepts.21
5.1.3 Logical nodes structure .22
5.1.4 Naming structure .22
5.1.5 Interpretation of logical node tables.23
5.1.6 System logical nodes LN Group: L (informative) .24
5.1.7 Overview of DER management system LNs .27
5.2 Logical nodes for the DER plant ECP logical device .29
5.2.1 DER plant electrical connection point (ECP) logical device
(informative) .29
5.2.2 LN: DER plant corporate characteristics at the ECP Name: DCRP.31
5.2.3 LN: Operational characteristics at ECP Name: DOPR .31
5.2.4 LN: DER operational authority at the ECP Name: DOPA.32
5.2.5 LN: Operating mode at ECP Name: DOPM .33
5.2.6 LN: Status information at the ECP Name: DPST .34
5.2.7 LN: DER economic dispatch parameters Name: DCCT .35
5.2.8 LN: DER energy and/or ancillary services schedule control Name:
DSCC .36
5.2.9 LN: DER energy and/or ancillary services schedule Name: DSCH .37
5.3 Logical nodes for the DER unit controller logical device .38
5.3.1 DER device controller logical device (informative) .38
5.3.2 LN: DER controller characteristics Name: DRCT.38
5.3.3 LN: DER controller status Name: DRCS .39

5.3.4 LN: DER supervisory control Name: DRCC.40
6 Logical nodes for DER generation systems.42
6.1 Logical nodes for DER generation logical device .42
6.1.1 DER generator logical device (informative) .42
6.1.2 LN: DER unit generator Name: DGEN .42
6.1.3 LN: DER generator ratings Name: DRAT .44
6.1.4 LN: DER advanced generator ratings Name: DRAZ .45
6.1.5 LN: Generator cost Name: DCST.46
6.2 Logical nodes for DER excitation logical device.47
6.2.1 DER excitation logical device (informative) .47
6.2.2 LN: Excitation ratings Name: DREX .47
6.2.3 LN: Excitation Name: DEXC .48
6.3 Logical nodes for DER speed/frequency controller .49

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 3 –

6.3.1 Speed/frequency logical device (informative).49

6.3.2 LN: Speed/Frequency controller Name: DSFC .49

6.4 Logical nodes for DER inverter/converter logical device .50

6.4.1 Inverter/converter logical device (informative).50

6.4.2 LN: Rectifier Name: ZRCT .51

6.4.3 LN: Inverter Name: ZINV .53

7 Logical nodes for specific types of DER.55

7.1 Logical nodes for reciprocating engine logical device .55

7.1.1 Reciprocating engine description (informative) .55

7.1.2 Reciprocating engine logical device (informative) .55
7.1.3 LN: Reciprocating engine Name: DCIP .56
7.2 Logical nodes for fuel cell logical device.57
7.2.1 Fuel cell description (informative) .57
7.2.2 Fuel cell logical device (informative) .59
7.2.3 LN: Fuel cell controller Name: DFCL.60
7.2.4 LN: Fuel cell stack Name: DSTK.61
7.2.5 LN: Fuel processing module Name: DFPM.62
7.3 Logical nodes for photovoltaic system (PV) logical device .63
7.3.1 Photovoltaic system description (informative) .63
7.3.2 Photovoltaics system logical device (informative) .65
7.3.3 LN: Photovoltaics module ratings Name: DPVM.67
7.3.4 LN: Photovoltaics array characteristics Name: DPVA.68
7.3.5 LN: Photovoltaics array controller Name: DPVC .69
7.3.6 LN: Tracking controller Name: DTRC.70
7.4 Logical nodes for combined heat and power (CHP) logical device .72
7.4.1 Combined heat and power description (informative).72
7.4.2 Combined heat and power logical device (informative) .75
7.4.3 LN: CHP system controller Name: DCHC.76
7.4.4 LN: Thermal storage Name: DCTS .77
7.4.5 LN: Boiler Name: DCHB .78
8 Logical nodes for auxiliary systems .78
8.1 Logical nodes for fuel system logical device .78
8.1.1 Fuel system logical device (informative) .78
8.1.2 LN: Fuel characteristics Name: MFUL.80
8.1.3 LN: Fuel delivery system Name: DFLV.80

8.2 Logical nodes for battery system logical device .81
8.2.1 Battery system logical device (informative) .81
8.2.2 LN: Battery systems Name: ZBAT.82
8.2.3 LN: Battery charger Name: ZBTC .83
8.3 Logical node for fuse device.84
8.3.1 Fuse logical device (informative) .84
8.3.2 LN: Fuse Name: XFUS .84
8.4 Logical node for sequencer .85
8.4.1 Sequencer logical device.85
8.4.2 LN: Sequencer Name: FSEQ .85
8.5 Logical nodes for physical measurements .86
8.5.1 Physical measurements (informative) .86
8.5.2 LN: Temperature measurements Name: STMP .86

– 4 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

8.5.3 LN: Pressure measurements Name: MPRS.87

8.5.4 LN: Heat measured values Name: MHET.87

8.5.5 LN: Flow measurements Name: MFLW .88

8.5.6 LN: Vibration conditions Name: SVBR .90

8.5.7 LN: Emissions measurements Name: MENV.90

8.5.8 LN: Meteorological conditions Name: MMET.91

8.6 Logical nodes for metering .91

8.6.1 Electric metering (informative) .91

9 DER common data classes (CDC) .92

9.1 Array CDCs .92
9.1.1 E-Array (ERY) enumerated common data class specification.92
9.1.2 V-Array (VRY) visible string common data class specification.92
9.2 Schedule CDCs .93
9.2.1 Absolute time schedule (SCA) settings common data class
specification .93
9.2.2 Relative time schedule (SCR) settings common data class
specification .94
Annex A (informative) Glossary.96
Bibliography.98

Figure 1 – Example of a communications configuration for a DER plant .10
Figure 2 – IEC 61850 modelling and connections with CIM and other IEC TC 57
models.11
Figure 3 – Information model hierarchy.21
Figure 4 – Example of relationship of logical device, logical nodes, data objects, and
common data classes .22
Figure 5 – Overview: Conceptual organization of DER logical devices and logical
nodes .28
Figure 6 – Illustration of electrical connection points (ECP) in a DER plant .29
Figure 7 – Inverter / converter configuration.50
Figure 8 – Example of a reciprocating engine system (e.g. Diesel Gen-Set).55
Figure 9 – Example of LNs in a reciprocating engine system.56
Figure 10 – Fuel cell – Hydrogen/oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM) .58
Figure 11 – PEM fuel cell operation .58
Figure 12 – Example of LNs used in a fuel cell system.59
Figure 13 – Example: One line diagram of an interconnected PV system .64
Figure 14 – Schematic diagram of a large PV installation with two arrays of several
sub-arrays .65
Figure 15 – Example of LNs associated with a photovoltaics system.66
Figure 16 – Two examples of CHP configurations .73
Figure 17 – CHP unit includes both domestic hot water and heating loops .74
Figure 18 – CHP unit includes domestic hot water with hybrid storage .74
Figure 19 – CHP unit includes domestic hot water without hybrid storage .74
Figure 20 – Example of LNs associated with a combined heat and power (CHP) system.75

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 5 –

Table 1 – Interpretation of logical node tables.23

Table 2 – LPHD class .25

Table 3 – Common LN class .26

Table 4 – LLN0 class .27

Table 5 – DER plant corporate characteristics at the ECP, LN (DCRP) .31

Table 6 – Operational characteristics at the ECP, LN (DOPR) .32

Table 7 – DER operational authority at the ECP, LN (DOPA) .33

Table 8 – Operating mode at the ECP, LN (DOPM).34

Table 9 – Status at the ECP, LN (DPST).35
Table 10 – DER Economic dispatch parameters, LN (DCCT) .35
Table 11 – DER energy schedule control, LN (DSCC).36
Table 12 – DER Energy and ancillary services schedule, LN (DSCH) .37
Table 13 – DER controller characteristics, LN DRCT .38
Table 14 – DER controller status, LN DRCS .39
Table 15 – DER supervisory control, LN DRCC.40
Table 16 – DER unit generator, LN (DGEN) .42
Table 17 – DER Basic Generator ratings, LN (DRAT).44
Table 18 – DER advanced generator ratings, LN (DRAZ).46
Table 19 – Generator cost, LN DCST.47
Table 20 – Excitation ratings, LN (DREX) .47
Table 21 – Excitation, LN (DEXC) .48
Table 22 – Speed/frequency controller, LN (DSFC).49
Table 23 – Rectifier, LN (ZRCT).51
Table 24 – Inverter, LN (ZINV).53
Table 25 – Reciprocating engine, LN (DCIP).57
Table 26 – Fuel cell controller, LN (DFCL) .60
Table 27 – Fuel cell stack, LN (DSTK) .61
Table 28 – Fuel cell processing module, LN (DFPM).62
Table 29 – Photovoltaic module characteristics, LN (DPVM) .67
Table 30 – Photovoltaic array characteristics, LN (DPVA) .68
Table 31 – Photovoltaic array controller, LN (DPVC).69

Table 32 – Tracking controller, LN (DTRC) .70
Table 33 – CHP system controller, LN (DCHC) .76
Table 34 – CHP thermal storage, LN (DCTS) .77
Table 35 – CHP Boiler System, LN (DCHB) .78
Table 36 – Fuel types .79
Table 37 – Fuel characteristics, LN (MFUL) .80
Table 38 – Fuel systems, LN (DFLV) .81
Table 39 – Battery systems, LN (ZBAT) .82
Table 40 – Battery charger, LN (ZBTC).83
Table 41 – Fuse, LN (XFUS).84
Table 42 – Sequencer, LN (FSEQ).85
Table 43 – Temperature measurements, LN (STMP).86

– 6 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

Table 44 – Pressure measurements, LN (MPRS) .87

Table 45 – Heat measurement, LN (MHET).88

Table 46 – Flow measurement, LN (MFLW) .89

Table 47 – Vibration conditions, LN (SVBR).90

Table 48 – Emissions measurements, LN (MENV) .91

Table 49 – E-Array (ERY) common data class specification .92

Table 50 – V-Array (VRY) common data class specification .92

Table 51 – Schedule (SCA) common data class specification .93

Table 52 – Schedule (SCR) common data class specification .94

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 7 –

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND
SYSTEMS FOR POWER UTILITY AUTOMATION –

Part 7-420: Basic communication structure –

Distributed energy resources logical nodes

FOREWORD
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International Standard IEC 61850-7-420 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 57:
Power systems management and associated information exchange.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
57/981/FDIS 57/988/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 8 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

In Clauses 5 to 8 of this document, each subclause contains an initial informative clause,

followed by normative clauses. Specifically, any subclause identified as informative is

informative; any clause with no identification is considered normative.

A list of all parts of the IEC 61850 series, under the general title: Communication networks

and systems for power utility automation, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until

the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in

the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 9 –

INTRODUCTION
Increasing numbers of DER (distributed energy resources) systems are being interconnected

to electric power systems throughout the world. As DER technology evolves and as the impact

of dispersed generation on distribution power systems becomes a growing challenge - and

opportunity, nations worldwide are recognizing the economic, social, and environmental

benefits of integrating DER technology within their electric infrastructure.

The manufacturers of DER devices are facing the age-old issues of what communication

standards and protocols to provide to their customers for monitoring and controlling DER

devices, in particular when they are interconnected with the electric utility system. In the past,

DER manufacturers developed their own proprietary communication technology. However, as

utilities, aggregators, and other energy service providers start to manage DER devices which
are interconnected with the utility power system, they are finding that coping with these
different communication technologies present major technical difficulties, implementation
costs, and maintenance costs. Therefore, utilities and DER manufacturers recognize the
growing need to have one international standard that defines the communication and control
interfaces for all DER devices. Such standards, along with associated guidelines and uniform
procedures would simplify implementation, reduce installation costs, reduce maintenance
costs, and improve reliability of power system operations.
The logical nodes in this document are intended for use with DER, but may also be applicable
to central-station generation installations that are comprised of groupings of multiple units of
the same types of energy conversion systems that are represented by the DER logical nodes
in this document. This applicability to central-station generation is strongest for photovoltaics
and fuel cells, due to their modular nature.
Communications for DER plants involve not only local communications between DER units
and the plant management system, but also between the DER plant and the operators or
aggregators who manage the DER plant as a virtual source of energy and/or ancillary
services. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

– 10 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

Example of a Communications Configuration for a DER Plant

= ECPs usually with switches, circuit

breakers, and protection
WAN
DER Plant Controller
and/or Proxy Server
DER Plant Operations
DER Plant LAN
Fuel Stor-
Diesel
age
Cell
Controller
Controller Controller
Utility interconnection
Meter
Meter
PV
CHP
Controller
Controller
DER Devices Local Load
IEC  099/09
Key
CHP combined heat and power
WAN wide area network
DER distributed energy resources
PV  photovoltaics
LAN  local area network
Figure 1 – Example of a communications configuration for a DER plant
In basic terms, “communications” can be separated into four parts:
• information modelling (the types of data to be exchanged – nouns),
• services modelling (the read, write, or other actions to take on the data – verbs),
• communication protocols (mapping the noun and verb models to actual bits and bytes),
• telecommunication media (fibre optics, radio systems, wireless systems, and other
physical equipment).
This document addresses only the IEC 61850 information modelling for DER. Other
IEC 61850 documents address the services modelling (IEC 61850-7-2) and the mapping to
communication protocols (IEC 61850-8-x). In addition, a systems configuration language
(SCL) for DER (IEC 61850-6-x) would address the configuration of DER plants.
The general technology for information modelling has developed to become well-established
as the most effective method for managing information exchanges. In particular, the
IEC 61850-7-x information models for the exchange of information within substations have
become International Standard. Many of the components of this standard can be reused for
information models of other types of devices.
In addition to the IEC 61850 standards, IEC TC 57 has developed the common information
model (CIM) that models the relationships among power system elements and other

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61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 11 –

information elements so that these relationships can be communicated across systems.

Although this standard does not address these CIM relationships for DER, it is fully

compatible with the CIM concepts.

The interrelationship between IEC TC 57 modelling standards is illustrated in Figure 2. This

illustration shows as horizontal layers the three components to an information exchange

model for retrieving data from the field, namely, the communication protocol profiles, the

service models, and the information models. Above these layers is the information model of

utility-specific data, termed the common information model (CIM), as well as all the

applications and databases needed in utility operations. Vertically, different information
models are shown:
• substation automation (IEC 61850-7-4),
• large hydro plants (IEC 61850-7-410),
• distributed energy resources (DER) (IEC 61850-7-420),
• distribution automation (under development),
• advanced metering infrastructure (as pertinent to utility operations) (pending).

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Figure 2 – IEC 61850 modelling and connections with CIM and other IEC TC 57 models

– 12 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND
SYSTEMS FOR POWER UTILITY AUTOMATION –

Part 7-420: Basic communication structure –

Distributed energy resources logical nodes

1 Scope
This International Standard defines the IEC 61850 information models to be used in the
exchange of information with distributed energy resources (DER), which comprise dispersed
generation devices and dispersed storage devices, including reciprocating engines, fuel cells,
microturbines, photovoltaics, combined heat and power, and energy storage.
The IEC 61850 DER information model standard utilizes existing IEC 61850-7-4 logical nodes
where possible, but also defines DER-specific logical nodes where needed.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 61850-7-2:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-2: Basic
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Abstract communication
1)
service interface (ACSI)
IEC 61850-7-3:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-3: Basic
)
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Common data classes
IEC 61850-7-4:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-4: Basic
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Compatible logical node
1)
classes and data classes
IEC 61850-7-410, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-410: Hydroelectric power plants – Communication for monitoring and control

ISO 4217, Codes for the representation of currencies and funds
___________
)
A new edition of this document is in preparation.

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 13 –

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this document, the following terms, definitions and abbreviations apply.

3.1 Terms and definitions
3.1.1
ambient temperature
temperature of the medium in the immediate vicinity of a device

[IEC/TS 62257-8-1:2007, definition 3.15 modified]

3.1.2
combined heat and power (CHP) co-generation
production of heat which is used for non-electrical purposes and also for the generation of
electric energy
[IEV 602-01-24, modified]
NOTE Conventional power plants emit the heat produced as a useless byproduct of the generation of electric
energy into the environment. With combined heat and power, the excess heat is captured for domestic or industrial
– is used for driving a steam turbine connected to an air-conditioner
heating purposes or – in form of steam
compressor. Alternatively, the production of heat may be the primary purpose of combined heat and power,
whereas excess heat is used for the generation of electric energy.
3.1.3
common data class
CDC
classes of commonly used data structures which are defined in IEC 61850-7-3
3.1.4
device
material element or assembly of such elements intended to perform a required function
[IEV 151-11-20]
NOTE A device may form part of a larger device.
3.1.5
electrical connection point
ECP
point of electrical connection between the DER source of energy (generation or storage) and
any electric power system (EPS)

Each DER (generation or storage) unit has an ECP connecting it to its local power system;
groups of DER units have an ECP where they interconnect to the power system at a specific
site or plant; a group of DER units plus local loads have an ECP where they are
interconnected to the utility power system.
NOTE For those ECPs between a utility EPS and a plant or site EPS, this point is identical to the point of common
coupling (PCC) in the IEEE 1547 “Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems”.
3.1.6
electric power system
EPS
facilities that deliver electric power to a load
[IEEE 1547]
– 14 – 61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E)

3.1.7
event
event information
a) something that happens in time [IEV 111-16-04]

b) monitored information on the change of state of operational equipment

[IEV 371-02-04]
NOTE In power system operations, an event is typically state information and/or state transition (status, alarm, or
command) reflecting power system conditions.

3.1.8
fuel cell
a) generator of electricity using chemical energy directly by ionisation and oxidation of the
fuel [IEV 602-01-33];
b) cell that can change chemical energy from continuously supplied reactants to electric
energy by an electrochemical process [IEV 482-01-05]
3.1.9
fuel cell stack
individual fuel cells connected in series
NOTE Fuel cells are stacked to increase voltage.
[US DOE]
3.1.10
function
a computer subroutine; specifically: one that performs a calculation with variables provided by
a program and supplies the program with a single result
[Merriam-Webster dictionary]
NOTE This term is very general and can often be used to mean different ideas in different contexts. However, in
the context of computer-based technologies, it is used to imply software or computer hardware tasks.
3.1.11
generator
a) energy transducer that transforms non-electric energy into electric energy
[IEV 151-13-35];
b) device that converts kinetic energy to electrical energy, generally using electromagnetic
induction
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric

motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. The prime mover source of
mechanical energy may be a reciprocating or turbine steam engine, water falling through a
hydropower turbine or waterwheel, an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a hand
crank, or any other source of mechanical energy. [WIKI 2007-12]
3.1.12
information
a) intelligence or knowledge capable of being represented in forms suitable for
communication, storage or processing [IEV 701-01-01];
b) knowledge concerning objects, such as facts, events, things, processes, or ideas,
including concepts, that within a certain context has a particular meaning
[ISO/IEC 2382-1, definition 01.01.01]
NOTE Information may be represented for example by signs, symbols, pictures, or sounds.

61850-7-420 © IEC:2009(E) – 15 –

3.1.13
information exchange
communication process between two or more computer-based systems in order to transmit

and receive information
NOTE The exchange of information between systems requires interoperable communication services.

3.1.14
insolation
solar radiation that has been received

[Merriam-Webster dictionary]
3.1.15
inverter
a) static power converter (SPC);
b) device that converts DC electricity into AC electricity, equipment that converts direct
current from the array field to alternating current, the electric equipment used to convert
electrical power into a form or forms of electrical power suitable for subsequent use by the
electric utility
[IEC 61727:2004, definition 3.8]
NOTE Any static power converter with control, protection, and filtering functions used to interface an electric
energy source with an electric utility system. Sometimes referred to as power conditioning subsystems, power
conversion systems, solid-state converters, or power conditioning units.
3.1.16
irradiance
density of radiation incident on a given surface usually expressed in watts per square
centimeter or square meter
[Merriam-Webster dictionary]
NOTE "Irradiance" is used when the electromagnetic radiation is incident on the surface. "Radiant excitance" or
"radiant emittance" is used when the radiation is emerging from the surface. The SI units for all of these quantities
-2 -2 -1
are watts per square metre (W·m ), while the cgs units are ergs per square centimeter per second (erg·cm ·s ,
often used in astronomy). These quantities are sometimes called intensity, but this usage leads to confusion with
radiant intensity, which has different units.
3.1.17
measured value
physical or electrical quantity, property or condition that is to be measured
[IEC 61850-7-4]
NOTE 1 Measured values are usually monitored, but may be calculated from other values. They are also usually
considered to be analogue values.
NOTE 2 The result of a sampling of an analogue magnitude of a particular quantity.
3.1.18
membrane
the separating layer in a fuel cell t
...

IEC 61850-7-420 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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INTERNATIONALE
colour
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Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-420: Basic communication structure – Distributed energy resources
logical nodes
Réseaux et systèmes de communication pour l’automatisation des systèmes
électriques –
Partie 7-420: Structure de communication de base – Nœuds logiques de
ressources énergétiques distribuées

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IEC 61850-7-420 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –

Part 7-420: Basic communication structure – Distributed energy resources

logical nodes
Réseaux et systèmes de communication pour l’automatisation des systèmes

électriques –
Partie 7-420: Structure de communication de base – Nœuds logiques de

ressources énergétiques distribuées

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.200 ISBN 978-2-8322-7398-2

– 2 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
CONTENTS
CONTENTS . 2
FOREWORD . 7
INTRODUCTION . 9
1 Scope . 12
2 Normative references . 12
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 13
3.1 Terms and definitions . 13
3.2 DER abbreviated terms . 18
4 Conformance . 20
5 Logical nodes for DER management systems . 20
5.1 Overview of information modelling (informative) . 20
5.1.1 Data information modelling constructs . 20
5.1.2 Logical devices concepts . 21
5.1.3 Logical nodes structure . 22
5.1.4 Naming structure . 22
5.1.5 Interpretation of logical node tables . 23
5.1.6 System logical nodes LN Group: L (informative) . 24
5.1.7 Overview of DER management system LNs . 27
5.2 Logical nodes for the DER plant ECP logical device . 29
5.2.1 DER plant electrical connection point (ECP) logical device
(informative) . 29
5.2.2 LN: DER plant corporate characteristics at the ECP Name: DCRP . 31
5.2.3 LN: Operational characteristics at ECP Name: DOPR . 31
5.2.4 LN: DER operational authority at the ECP Name: DOPA . 32
5.2.5 LN: Operating mode at ECP Name: DOPM . 33
5.2.6 LN: Status information at the ECP Name: DPST . 34
5.2.7 LN: DER economic dispatch parameters Name: DCCT . 35
5.2.8 LN: DER energy and/or ancillary services schedule control Name:
DSCC . 36
5.2.9 LN: DER energy and/or ancillary services schedule Name: DSCH . 37
5.3 Logical nodes for the DER unit controller logical device . 38
5.3.1 DER device controller logical device (informative) . 38
5.3.2 LN: DER controller characteristics Name: DRCT . 38
5.3.3 LN: DER controller status Name: DRCS . 39
5.3.4 LN: DER supervisory control Name: DRCC . 40
6 Logical nodes for DER generation systems . 42
6.1 Logical nodes for DER generation logical device . 42
6.1.1 DER generator logical device (informative) . 42
6.1.2 LN: DER unit generator Name: DGEN . 42
6.1.3 LN: DER generator ratings Name: DRAT . 44
6.1.4 LN: DER advanced generator ratings Name: DRAZ . 45
6.1.5 LN: Generator cost Name: DCST . 46
6.2 Logical nodes for DER excitation logical device . 47
6.2.1 DER excitation logical device (informative) . 47
6.2.2 LN: Excitation ratings Name: DREX . 47
6.2.3 LN: Excitation Name: DEXC . 48

6.3 Logical nodes for DER speed/frequency controller . 49
6.3.1 Speed/frequency logical device (informative) . 49
6.3.2 LN: Speed/Frequency controller Name: DSFC . 49
6.4 Logical nodes for DER inverter/converter logical device . 50
6.4.1 Inverter/converter logical device (informative) . 50
6.4.2 LN: Rectifier Name: ZRCT . 51
6.4.3 LN: Inverter Name: ZINV . 53
7 Logical nodes for specific types of DER . 55
7.1 Logical nodes for reciprocating engine logical device . 55
7.1.1 Reciprocating engine description (informative) . 55
7.1.2 Reciprocating engine logical device (informative) . 55
7.1.3 LN: Reciprocating engine Name: DCIP . 56
7.2 Logical nodes for fuel cell logical device . 57
7.2.1 Fuel cell description (informative) . 57
7.2.2 Fuel cell logical device (informative) . 59
7.2.3 LN: Fuel cell controller Name: DFCL . 60
7.2.4 LN: Fuel cell stack Name: DSTK . 61
7.2.5 LN: Fuel processing module Name: DFPM . 62
7.3 Logical nodes for photovoltaic system (PV) logical device . 63
7.3.1 Photovoltaic system description (informative) . 63
7.3.2 Photovoltaics system logical device (informative) . 65
7.3.3 LN: Photovoltaics module ratings Name: DPVM . 67
7.3.4 LN: Photovoltaics array characteristics Name: DPVA . 68
7.3.5 LN: Photovoltaics array controller Name: DPVC . 69
7.3.6 LN: Tracking controller Name: DTRC . 70
7.4 Logical nodes for combined heat and power (CHP) logical device . 72
7.4.1 Combined heat and power description (informative) . 72
7.4.2 Combined heat and power logical device (informative) . 75
7.4.3 LN: CHP system controller Name: DCHC . 76
7.4.4 LN: Thermal storage Name: DCTS . 77
7.4.5 LN: Boiler Name: DCHB . 78
8 Logical nodes for auxiliary systems . 78
8.1 Logical nodes for fuel system logical device . 78
8.1.1 Fuel system logical device (informative) . 78
8.1.2 LN: Fuel characteristics Name: MFUL . 80
8.1.3 LN: Fuel delivery system Name: DFLV. 80
8.2 Logical nodes for battery system logical device . 81
8.2.1 Battery system logical device (informative) . 81
8.2.2 LN: Battery systems Name: ZBAT . 82
8.2.3 LN: Battery charger Name: ZBTC . 83
8.3 Logical node for fuse device . 84
8.3.1 Fuse logical device (informative) . 84
8.3.2 LN: Fuse Name: XFUS . 84
8.4 Logical node for sequencer . 85
8.4.1 Sequencer logical device . 85
8.4.2 LN: Sequencer Name: FSEQ . 85
8.5 Logical nodes for physical measurements . 86
8.5.1 Physical measurements (informative) . 86

– 4 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
8.5.2 LN: Temperature measurements Name: STMP . 86
8.5.3 LN: Pressure measurements Name: MPRS . 87
8.5.4 LN: Heat measured values Name: MHET . 87
8.5.5 LN: Flow measurements Name: MFLW . 88
8.5.6 LN: Vibration conditions Name: SVBR . 89
8.5.7 LN: Emissions measurements Name: MENV . 90
8.5.8 LN: Meteorological conditions Name: MMET . 91
8.6 Logical nodes for metering . 91
8.6.1 Electric metering (informative) . 91
9 DER common data classes (CDC) . 91
9.1 Array CDCs . 91
9.1.1 E-Array (ERY) enumerated common data class specification . 91
9.1.2 V-Array (VRY) visible string common data class specification . 92
9.2 Schedule common data classes . 93
9.2.1 Absolute time schedule (SCA) settings common data class
specification . 93
9.2.2 Relative time schedule (SCR) settings common data class
specification . 93
Annex A (informative) Glossary . 95
Bibliography . 97

Figure 1 – Example of a communications configuration for a DER plant . 10
Figure 2 – IEC 61850 modelling and connections with CIM and other IEC TC 57
models . 11
Figure 3 – Information model hierarchy . 21
Figure 4 – Example of relationship of logical device, logical nodes, data objects, and
common data classes . 22
Figure 5 – Overview: Conceptual organization of DER logical devices and logical
nodes . 28
Figure 6 – Illustration of electrical connection points (ECP) in a DER plant . 29
Figure 7 – Inverter / converter configuration . 50
Figure 8 – Example of a reciprocating engine system (e.g. Diesel Gen-Set) . 55
Figure 9 – Example of LNs in a reciprocating engine system . 56
Figure 10 – Fuel cell – Hydrogen/oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM) . 58
Figure 11 – PEM fuel cell operation . 58
Figure 12 – Example of LNs used in a fuel cell system . 59
Figure 13 – Example: One line diagram of an interconnected PV system . 64
Figure 14 – Schematic diagram of a large PV installation with two arrays of several
sub-arrays . 65
Figure 15 – Example of LNs associated with a photovoltaics system . 66
Figure 16a – CHP based on fuel cells . 73
Figure 16b – CHP based on internal combustion units . 73
Figure 16 – Two examples of CHP configurations . 73
Figure 17 – CHP unit includes both domestic hot water and heating loops . 74
Figure 18 – CHP unit includes domestic hot water with hybrid storage . 74
Figure 19 – CHP unit includes domestic hot water without hybrid storage . 74

Figure 20 – Example of LNs associated with a combined heat and power (CHP) system . 75

Table 1 – Interpretation of logical node tables . 23
Table 2 – LPHD class . 25
Table 3 – Common LN class . 26
Table 4 – LLN0 class . 27
Table 5 – DER plant corporate characteristics at the ECP, LN (DCRP) . 31
Table 6 – Operational characteristics at the ECP, LN (DOPR) . 32
Table 7 – DER operational authority at the ECP, LN (DOPA) . 33
Table 8 – Operating mode at the ECP, LN (DOPM) . 34
Table 9 – Status at the ECP, LN (DPST) . 35
Table 10 – DER Economic dispatch parameters, LN (DCCT) . 35
Table 11 – DER energy schedule control, LN (DSCC) . 36
Table 12 – DER Energy and ancillary services schedule, LN (DSCH) . 37
Table 13 – DER controller characteristics, LN DRCT . 38
Table 14 – DER controller status, LN DRCS . 39
Table 15 – DER supervisory control, LN DRCC . 40
Table 16 – DER unit generator, LN (DGEN) . 42
Table 17 – DER Basic Generator ratings, LN (DRAT). 44
Table 18 – DER advanced generator ratings, LN (DRAZ) . 46
Table 19 – Generator cost, LN DCST . 47
Table 20 – Excitation ratings, LN (DREX) . 47
Table 21 – Excitation, LN (DEXC) . 48
Table 22 – Speed/frequency controller, LN (DSFC) . 49
Table 23 – Rectifier, LN (ZRCT) . 51
Table 24 – Inverter, LN (ZINV) . 53
Table 25 – Reciprocating engine, LN (DCIP) . 57
Table 26 – Fuel cell controller, LN (DFCL) . 60
Table 27 – Fuel cell stack, LN (DSTK) . 61
Table 28 – Fuel cell processing module, LN (DFPM) . 62
Table 29 – Photovoltaic module characteristics, LN (DPVM) . 67
Table 30 – Photovoltaic array characteristics, LN (DPVA) . 68
Table 31 – Photovoltaic array controller, LN (DPVC) . 69
Table 32 – Tracking controller, LN (DTRC) . 70
Table 33 – CHP system controller, LN (DCHC) . 76
Table 34 – CHP thermal storage, LN (DCTS) . 77
Table 35 – CHP Boiler System, LN (DCHB) . 78
Table 36 – Fuel types . 79
Table 37 – Fuel characteristics, LN (MFUL) . 80
Table 38 – Fuel systems, LN (DFLV) . 81
Table 39 – Battery systems, LN (ZBAT) . 82
Table 40 – Battery charger, LN (ZBTC) . 83

– 6 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
Table 41 – Fuse, LN (XFUS) . 84
Table 42 – Sequencer, LN (FSEQ) . 85
Table 43 – Temperature measurements, LN (STMP) . 86
Table 44 – Pressure measurements, LN (MPRS) . 87
Table 45 – Heat measurement, LN (MHET) . 88
Table 46 – Flow measurement, LN (MFLW) . 88
Table 47 – Vibration conditions, LN (SVBR) . 90
Table 48 – Emissions measurements, LN (MENV) . 90
Table 49 – E-Array (ERY) common data class specification . 92
Table 50 – V-Array (VRY) common data class specification . 92
Table 51 – Schedule (SCA) common data class specification . 93
Table 52 – Schedule (SCR) common data class specification . 94

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND
SYSTEMS FOR POWER UTILITY AUTOMATION –

Part 7-420: Basic communication structure –
Distributed energy resources logical nodes

FOREWORD
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International Standard IEC 61850-7-420 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 57:
Power systems management and associated information exchange.
This bilingual version (2019-09) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2009-03.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
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Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
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The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

– 8 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
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informative; any clause with no identification is considered normative.
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INTRODUCTION
Increasing numbers of DER (distributed energy resources) systems are being interconnected
to electric power systems throughout the world. As DER technology evolves and as the impact
of dispersed generation on distribution power systems becomes a growing challenge - and
opportunity, nations worldwide are recognizing the economic, social, and environmental
benefits of integrating DER technology within their electric infrastructure.
The manufacturers of DER devices are facing the age-old issues of what communication
standards and protocols to provide to their customers for monitoring and controlling DER
devices, in particular when they are interconnected with the electric utility system. In the past,
DER manufacturers developed their own proprietary communication technology. However, as
utilities, aggregators, and other energy service providers start to manage DER devices which
are interconnected with the utility power system, they are finding that coping with these
different communication technologies present major technical difficulties, implementation
costs, and maintenance costs. Therefore, utilities and DER manufacturers recognize the
growing need to have one international standard that defines the communication and control
interfaces for all DER devices. Such standards, along with associated guidelines and uniform
procedures would simplify implementation, reduce installation costs, reduce maintenance
costs, and improve reliability of power system operations.
The logical nodes in this document are intended for use with DER, but may also be applicable
to central-station generation installations that are comprised of groupings of multiple units of
the same types of energy conversion systems that are represented by the DER logical nodes
in this document. This applicability to central-station generation is strongest for photovoltaics
and fuel cells, due to their modular nature.
Communications for DER plants involve not only local communications between DER units
and the plant management system, but also between the DER plant and the operators or
aggregators who manage the DER plant as a virtual source of energy and/or ancillary
services. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

– 10 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
IEC  099/09
Key
CHP combined heat and power
WAN wide area network
DER distributed energy resources
PV  photovoltaics
LAN  local area network
Figure 1 – Example of a communications configuration for a DER plant
In basic terms, “communications” can be separated into four parts:
• information modelling (the types of data to be exchanged – nouns),
• services modelling (the read, write, or other actions to take on the data – verbs),
• communication protocols (mapping the noun and verb models to actual bits and bytes),
• telecommunication media (fibre optics, radio systems, wireless systems, and other
physical equipment).
This document addresses only the IEC 61850 information modelling for DER. Other
IEC 61850 documents address the services modelling (IEC 61850-7-2) and the mapping to
communication protocols (IEC 61850-8-x). In addition, a systems configuration language
(SCL) for DER (IEC 61850-6-x) would address the configuration of DER plants.
The general technology for information modelling has developed to become well-established
as the most effective method for managing information exchanges. In particular, the
IEC 61850-7-x information models for the exchange of information within substations have
become International Standard. Many of the components of this standard can be reused for
information models of other types of devices.
In addition to the IEC 61850 standards, IEC TC 57 has developed the common information
model (CIM) that models the relationships among power system elements and other

information elements so that these relationships can be communicated across systems.
Although this standard does not address these CIM relationships for DER, it is fully
compatible with the CIM concepts.
The interrelationship between IEC TC 57 modelling standards is illustrated in Figure 2. This
illustration shows as horizontal layers the three components to an information exchange
model for retrieving data from the field, namely, the communication protocol profiles, the
service models, and the information models. Above these layers is the information model of
utility-specific data, termed the common information model (CIM), as well as all the
applications and databases needed in utility operations. Vertically, different information
models are shown:
• substation automation (IEC 61850-7-4),
• large hydro plants (IEC 61850-7-410),
• distributed energy resources (DER) (IEC 61850-7-420),
• distribution automation (under development),
• advanced metering infrastructure (as pertinent to utility operations) (pending).

IEC 61850 Models and the Common Information Model (CIM)

IEC  100/09
Figure 2 – IEC 61850 modelling and connections with CIM and other IEC TC 57 models

– 12 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND
SYSTEMS FOR POWER UTILITY AUTOMATION –

Part 7-420: Basic communication structure –
Distributed energy resources logical nodes

1 Scope
This International Standard defines the IEC 61850 information models to be used in the
exchange of information with distributed energy resources (DER), which comprise dispersed
generation devices and dispersed storage devices, including reciprocating engines, fuel cells,
microturbines, photovoltaics, combined heat and power, and energy storage.
The IEC 61850 DER information model standard utilizes existing IEC 61850-7-4 logical nodes
where possible, but also defines DER-specific logical nodes where needed.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 61850-7-2:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-2: Basic
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Abstract communication
1)
service interface (ACSI)
IEC 61850-7-3:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-3: Basic
)
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Common data classes
IEC 61850-7-4:2003, Communication networks and systems in substations – Part 7-4: Basic
communication structure for substations and feeder equipment – Compatible logical node
1)
classes and data classes
IEC 61850-7-410, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-410: Hydroelectric power plants – Communication for monitoring and control
ISO 4217, Codes for the representation of currencies and funds
___________
)
A new edition of this document is in preparation.

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following terms, definitions and abbreviations apply.
3.1 Terms and definitions
3.1.1
ambient temperature
temperature of the medium in the immediate vicinity of a device
[IEC/TS 62257-8-1:2007, definition 3.15 modified]
3.1.2
combined heat and power (CHP) co-generation
production of heat which is used for non-electrical purposes and also for the generation of
electric energy
[IEV 602-01-24, modified]
NOTE Conventional power plants emit the heat produced as a useless byproduct of the generation of electric
energy into the environment. With combined heat and power, the excess heat is captured for domestic or industrial
heating purposes or – in form of steam – is used for driving a steam turbine connected to an air-conditioner
compressor. Alternatively, the production of heat may be the primary purpose of combined heat and power,
whereas excess heat is used for the generation of electric energy.
3.1.3
common data class
CDC
classes of commonly used data structures which are defined in IEC 61850-7-3
3.1.4
device
material element or assembly of such elements intended to perform a required function
[IEV 151-11-20]
NOTE A device may form part of a larger device.
3.1.5
electrical connection point
ECP
point of electrical connection between the DER source of energy (generation or storage) and
any electric power system (EPS)
Each DER (generation or storage) unit has an ECP connecting it to its local power system;
groups of DER units have an ECP where they interconnect to the power system at a specific
site or plant; a group of DER units plus local loads have an ECP where they are
interconnected to the utility power system.
NOTE For those ECPs between a utility EPS and a plant or site EPS, this point is identical to the point of common
coupling (PCC) in the IEEE 1547 “Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems”.
3.1.6
electric power system
EPS
facilities that deliver electric power to a load
[IEEE 1547]
– 14 – IEC 61850-7-420:2009 © IEC 2009
3.1.7
event
event information
a) something that happens in time [IEV 111-16-04]
b) monitored information on the change of state of operational equipment
[IEV 371-02-04]
NOTE In power system operations, an event is typically state information and/or state transition (status, alarm, or
command) reflecting power system conditions.
3.1.8
fuel cell
a) generator of electricity using chemical energy directly by ionisation and oxidation of the
fuel [IEV 602-01-33];
b) cell that can change chemical energy from continuously supplied reactants to electric
energy by an electrochemical process [IEV 482-01-05]
3.1.9
fuel cell stack
individual fuel cells connected in series
NOTE Fuel cells are stacked to increase voltage.
[US DOE]
3.1.10
function
a computer subroutine; specifically: one that performs a calculation with variables provided by
a program and supplies the program with a single result
[Merriam-Webster dictionary]
NOTE This term is very general and can often be used to mean different ideas in different contexts. However, in
the context of computer-based technologies, it is used to imply software or computer hardware tasks.
3.1.11
generator
a) energy transducer that transforms non-electric energy into electric energy
[IEV 151-13-35];
b) device that converts kinetic energy to electrical energy, generally using electromagnetic
induction
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric
motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. The prime mover source of
mechanical energy may be a reciprocating or turbine steam engine, water falling through a
hydropower turbine or waterwheel, an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a hand
crank, or any other source of mechanical energy. [WIKI 2007-12]
3.1.12
information
a) intelligence or knowledge capable of being represented in forms suitable for
communication, storage or processing [IEV 701-01-01];
b) knowledge concerning objects, such as facts, events, things, processes, or ideas,
including concepts, that within a certain context has a particular meaning
[ISO/IEC 2382-1, definition 01.01.01]
NOTE Information m
...