HOUSTON, May 13, 2003 — Microwave Data Systems (MDS) has announced that the MDS TransNET 900à¢â€ž- supports MIRRORED BITSà¢â€ž- communications protocol for protective sensing and relay control in electric utility applications.
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a designer and manufacturer of products for power system protection, created the MIRRORED BITS communications protocol. This protocol allows the rapid exchange of information in small bit-oriented chunks that are arranged into bytes for use in today’s communications systems. The relays transmit messages continuously to each other and rely on the small data exchange and speed of the link to produce effective protection systems.
Using specially designed software, the MDS TransNET now emulates a high-speed, full-duplex (transmits and receives information at the same time) link, allowing it to support MIRRORED BITS communications at a range of up to 30 miles.
In many applications, the MDS TransNET can utilize its store and forward capability allowing even greater distances between relays and the ability to traverse difficult terrain or obstructions. Network-wide diagnostics are also available, allowing customers to simplify tasks and reduce the cost of managing the network infrastructure by eliminating trips to the field.
The software enabling MIRRORED BITS communications will be available as a no-charge option for new MDS TransNET orders. Customers who currently possess MDS TransNET radios will be able to download the software from the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.
About Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has been making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical since 1984. This ISO 9001-certified company serves the electric power industry worldwide through the design, manufacture, supply and support of products and services for power system protection, control and monitoring. SEL is online at www.selinc.com.
About Microwave Data Systems
Microwave Data Systems Inc., headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., designs and manufactures networked high-speed, point-to-multipoint, and medium- and low-capacity point-to-point industrial, microwave radios for use in oil and gas, utility, lottery, traffic monitoring, public safety, and telecommunication provider industries. Learn more about the company at www.microwavedata.com.
