IEC TS 61850-7-7:2018

Overview

IEC TS 61850-7-7:2018 defines a machine‑processible XML format for the code components of IEC 61850 data models so that tools can import, interpret and use those models consistently. Its scope is limited to publishing an XML representation of the IEC 61850 data‑model elements (logical nodes, common data classes, structured data attributes, enumerations, etc.) to support the data‑model part of any IEC 61850‑related standard. The Technical Specification also provides normative schemas (e.g., NSD.xsd) and conventions for namespace naming, versioning and distribution.

Keywords: IEC TS 61850-7-7:2018, IEC 61850 data models, machine-processable, XML, SCL, namespaces, NSD

Key topics

• Machine‑processable XML format: Standardizes an XML representation for IEC 61850 code components so tools can read and generate models automatically.
• Data model elements covered: Logical nodes, common data classes (CDCs), structured data attributes, enumerations and related code components.
• Namespace and versioning rules: Defines namespace naming, namespace types (core, domain, technical report, private, service), and dependency handling.
• File types and conventions: Describes file types such as NSD, SNSD, AppNS and NSDoc, plus file naming and extension conventions.
• Inheritance, extension and parameterization: Conventions for element identification, inheritance/extension of classes, DataObject parameterization and CDC variants.
• Use cases and workflows: Examples include generation of SCL data type templates, ICD/IED model creation, validation of data model conformity, private extensions and change‑management support.
• Normative schemas: Annex A includes the NSD.xsd and related XML schemas for implementers.

Applications and who uses it

IEC TS 61850-7-7 is aimed at professionals building automated toolchains, including:

• Tool vendors - to import/export IEC 61850 data models, generate SCL data type templates and ensure interoperability among editors, configurators and validation tools.
• IED manufacturers - to publish consistent machine‑readable IED data models (ICD files) and manage device model updates.
• System integrators and utilities - to automate SCL template generation, validate IED data models during engineering and manage private model extensions.
• Test labs and certification bodies - to perform automated conformity checks and change‑management validation of IEC 61850 data models.

Practical benefits: reduces manual modeling errors, enables automated SCL/ICD generation, improves interoperability of engineering tools, and streamlines data‑model change management.

Related standards

• IEC 61850 series (general context for SCL, IED models and substation automation)
• Other IEC 61850 parts referenced by tool implementers for full system specification and device descriptions

For implementers, this TS is the canonical reference for the XML schema, namespace rules and file conventions needed to make IEC 61850 data models machine‑processable and tool‑friendly.