ABB to support the increasing digitalization of substations

February 7, 2019

ABB and Intel signed a formal agreement to collaborate on the marketing and selling of next-generation distribution automation systems and products for protection and control in utility and industrial applications. At the core of the agreement is ABB Ability™ smart substation control and protection for electrical systems, SSC600, powered by Intel® Xeon® processors.

SSC600 centralizes all protection and control functionality in a single, IEC 61850-compliant device at the substation level to reduce network complexity and support optimal, lifelong asset management for the digital substation. It helps utilities make the change to a more digital environment, allowing protection and control of a wide variety of applications in real time.

ABB is the first global manufacturer of medium-voltage protection and control devices that aligns with Intel’s virtualization and centralization strategy for distribution networks. The aim of the strategy is a single, centralized, software-driven device with extensive application coverage.

ABB’s innovative smart substation control and protection device with its advanced technology is capable of delivering the following exceptional benefits:

  • Reduced security management and capital investment costs
  • Reduced operational and maintenance expenses with optimized system reliability
  • Enhanced cybersecurity features with multiple hardware and software layers
  • Easy and efficient process management with station-wide process visibility
  • Improved operational safety with centralized protection concept
  • Easy adaption to changing network protection requirements with scalable software architecture

“ABB and Intel are jointly opening the doors to future substation protection schemes. Customers will benefit from the support of two major digital technology leaders instead of one,” said Alessandro Palin, managing director of ABB’s Distribution Solutions business. “Together, we will drive the development of next-generation technologies.”

“SSC600 powered by Intel Xeon processors is a flexible, scalable solution that enhances the security of critical protection systems in the substations while enabling greater visibility and easy access to valuable data,” said Christine Boles, VP, Internet of Things Group, and GM of the Industrial Solutions Division at Intel.

ABB is constantly creating new ways to advance protection and control technology for medium-voltage distribution systems. Although introducing a new way of thinking, SSC600 builds on ABB’s solid and proven technological foundation manifested in the renowned Relion® protection and control family.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Spartan Controls Partners with Northwestern Polytechnic to Empower the Next Generation of Engineers

    Spartan Controls Partners with Northwestern Polytechnic to Empower the Next Generation of Engineers

    Spartan Controls is proud to announce a 15-year partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) as the exclusive naming sponsor for the institution’s new $16 million, full-service training and education space. The facility, set to open in summer 2025, will be named the Spartan Controls Northwestern Centre for Industrial Automation & Innovation. Read More…

  • Convergix: Tarriff Communication

    Convergix: Tarriff Communication

    Convergix Announces Tarriff Mitigation Plan. With the recent news regarding tariffs affecting trade between Mexico, Canada, China, and the U.S., and the indication of tariffs being imposed on the U.S. by Canada and Mexico, we want to take a moment to share the steps Convergix is taking to minimize any potential impact on our customers.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • HELUKABEL: Q & A With HELU – Cable Solutions for Glass Manufacturing

    HELUKABEL: Q & A With HELU – Cable Solutions for Glass Manufacturing

    HELUKABEL Provides Insights Regarding Cable Solutions in Glass Manufacturing. In the glass manufacturing industry, various types of cables play essential roles in powering equipment, monitoring temperatures, and ensuring safe, efficient operations. Due to the high temperatures, heavy machinery, and automation involved in glass production, specialized cables are required to withstand extreme conditions, transmit data reliably,… Read More…

  • Wieland: TÜV-Certified Training for Functional Safety February 24 – 28, 2025 in Mississauga

    Wieland: TÜV-Certified Training for Functional Safety February 24 – 28, 2025 in Mississauga

    Wieland: TÜV-Certified Training for Functional Safety February 24 – 28, 2025 in Mississauga. This intensive five-day course is designed for designers, developers, maintenance engineers, and safety officers seeking to enhance their expertise in functional safety. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills to implement functional safety measures throughout the entire CE process in compliance… Read More…