IEEE C37.238-2011

This standard specifies a common profile for the use of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) in power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications utilizing an Ethernet communications architecture. The profile specifies a well-defined subset of IEEE 1588 mechanisms and settings aimed at enabling device interoperability, robust response to network failures, and deterministic control of delivered time quality. It specifies the preferred physical layer (Ethernet) higher level protocol used for PTP message exchange and the PTP protocol configuration parameters. Special attention is given to ensuring consistent and reliable time distribution within substations, between substations, and across wide geographic areas.

The purpose of this standard is to facilitate adoption of IEEE Std 1588-2008 for power system applications requiring high precision time synchronization.1 It specifies a common subset of PTP parameters and options to provide global time availability, device interoperability, and failure management. This set of PTP parameters and options allows IEEE 1588-based time synchronization to be used in mission critical power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications.

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. A common profile for the use of Precision Time Protocol (PTP) of IEEE Std 1588-2008 in power system protection, control, automation, and data communication applications utilizing an Ethernet communications architecture is specified.