SMP I/O Monitors, Controls Breakers and Switches

Cooper Power Systems has introduced the next generation of the company’s modular discrete Input/Output unit, the SMP I/O. The SMP product line turns substation data into valuable enterprise information and streamlines automation projects, giving utilities complete control of their valuable substation assets.

The SMP I/O, initially released by Cooper Power Systems in 2008, replaces traditional centralized remote terminal unit (RTU) installations in monitoring and controlling breakers and switches. It is a scalable, distributed monitoring and control device, suited for today’s substation automation requirements. It is smaller than traditional RTU modules, and uses innovative DNP3 protocol.

The SMP I/O is a distributed I/O, and is located at close proximity to intelligent electronic devices. It is a substation grade input/output unit, which receives input data entries from the IO and forwards information to the breakers and switches. This action helps ensure data integrity between substation I/O’s and control centers, saving time and money by reducing the amount of necessary wiring and configuration.

The new wall-mount version of the SMP I/O can be installed in switchyard cabinets or on surfaces where no rack is available, and provides the same advantages and functionalities as the rack-mount model. The SMP I/O can also be installed in pole top cabinets. When combined with the Cooper Power Systems SMP 4 data gateway, the solution provides automation at the distribution level, and stands to play an important role in Smart Grid projects.

Both the rack- and wall-mount SMP I/O models can be equipped with newly released analog input cards. In addition to traditional digital input and output capability, the SMP I/O can collect analog inputs including voltage, current or frequency with transducers. Analog input cards are factory-calibrated, ensuring a higher level of accuracy over a broad temperature range.