Field Experience and Assessment of GPS Signal

Receiving and Distribution System for

Synchronizing Power System Protection,
Control and Monitoring
Daiju Itagaki, Kenichiro Ohashi, Itsuo Shuto, and Hachidai Ito, Member, IEEE

Abstract--This paper describes the field experience and

assessment of a GPS signal receiving and distribution system for
synchronizing power system protection, control and monitoring.
Application of GPS synchronization to protection, control and
monitoring systems is becoming more popular in the field of
power systems. However, the actual performance and reliability
of GPS signal receipt within the substation environment has not
been comprehensively assessed. This paper includes the system
configuration for GPS synchronization, the results of our
assessment of GPS synchronizing signal receipt in terms of
performance and reliability. The authors introduce several
techniques for reliably applying GPS synchronization to power
system protection, control and monitoring especially in the event
of GPS signal loss or failure. A T-RAIM, (Time Receiver
autonomous integrity monitoring) function has been tested and
the ability to maintain synchronizing signal stability was
observed when a satellite anomaly occurred in January 2004.
The actual service experience of a GPS based line current
differential relay developed by the authors and now in
commercial operation in Europe are described in this paper.
Index Terms--Control, Current differential relay, Fault
locator, GPS, Monitoring, Phasor measurement, Protection,
Satellite Anomaly, Signal Encoding, Time Synchronization, TRAIM.

I. NOMENCLATURE
GPS
IRIG
PMU
PPS
T-RAIM

Global Positioning System

Inter-Range Instrumentation Group
Phasor measurement unit
Pulse per second
Time receiver autonomous integrity monitoring
II. INTRODUCTION

HE authors have developed a GPS time synchronizing

signal distribution technique for protection and control
systems [1]-[3]. Actual systems have been realized including a
D. Itagaki, K. Ohashi, I. Shuto and H.Ito are with Toshiba Corporation,
Tokyo, Japan.

0-7803-9525-5/06/$20.00 2006 IEEE.

fault locator, power system status estimator or analyzer(PMU

etc.), and line differential relay using GPS synchronization.
These systems are operating in Japan and Europe, and
successful results have been achieved [4][5].
Although receipt of the GPS satellite signal has to be stable
in these systems, sufficient data such as long-term stability
monitoring of GPS signal receiving performance in
substations is not open to the public.
The authors have developed a GPS time synchronizing
signal distribution technique that has the high reliability and
resolution required for protection and control systems, and
have applied this technique in several applications. In this
process, we have monitored the status of the GPS signal
received in a number of substations.
In this paper, both the system configuration of the GPS
synchronization system and an assessment of the data
obtained from the investigation into the performance of GPS
synchronizing signal receipt have been considered and the
results reported. Furthermore, several techniques are reported
for reliably applying a GPS synchronization signal to power
system protection and control. The T-RAIM function has been
tested as a countermeasure to GPS satellite anomalies. When
the satellite anomaly occurred in January 2004, the
consequence was that an incorrect positioning result was
calculated and a loss of synchronizing signal output in GPS
receivers. We had actually been monitoring the synchronizing
signal in our factory during this period and observed that the
synchronizing signal could be continuously output if the TRAIM function was used. These techniques are applied to our
GPS based line current differential relay.
III. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION OF GPS SYNCHRONIZATION IN
SUBSTATION
A. Present distribution technique
Fig. 1 shows an outline of the requirements for resolution
and reliability of a GPS synchronization signal in various
applications for power system protection and control. At
present, the IRIG-B timing code is widely used for time
synchronization for substation equipment [6]. This code is
amplitude modulated on a 1kHz carrier and distributed by
copper based coaxial cable. Although IRIG-B can be used in

event recording with a time resolution of one millisecond, it is

difficult to achieve synchronization with the high precision
required in some practical cases such as protection, fault
location and phasor measurement.

instantaneous data will be different from that calculated in the

current differential relay installed at the other end of the
protected line and the current differential function may
operate incorrectly.
Optical device
deterioration
GPS
E/O
Receiver (a) Conv.

Optical fiber

O/E
Edge
Conv. (b) detect (c)

1PPS

Time

(a) 1PPS signal

before transfer
(b) Received signal
correct
detection

In order to solve these problems, the application of a digital

signal is necessary. A 1PPS (one pulse per second with edge
co-incident with the second change) signal distributed by
optical fiber is often used for synchronization in phasor
measurement systems [7].
Using 1PPS, 1 microsecond order of precision is available
and is adequate for fault location or protection relay
applications. However, possible signal noise or optical device
deterioration may cause waveform degradation resulting in
incorrect timing edge detection. Particularly, protection relays
require high reliability synchronization because incorrect
timing synchronization may cause relay mal-operation.
Fig. 2 shows the mechanism of the problem. In general,
synchronization is performed on time with an optical signal
edge (optical signal turn on or off) indicating 1PPS timing.
This timing edge is detected when the electrical voltage output
from the O/E converting device changes at the threshold level.
If the optical device deteriorates and the voltage output
changes at the threshold level, incorrect timing edge detection
and erroneous detection of the 1PPS timing signal may occur.
Should either of these events take place in a current
differential relay installed at one end of a transmission line,
the calculated current values using the sampling result of

Fig. 2. Incorrect 1PPS edge detection caused by device deterioration.

B. Proposed distribution technique

Fig. 3 shows the new synchronizing signal distribution
system. A commercial GPS receiver and digital signal
processing technique are used. The GPS receiver receives a
signal from GPS satellites via the antenna. A high precision
1PPS signal is output together with serial data containing date
and time information. These electrical signals are converted to
optical signals and distributed via an optical fiber. Therefore,
high precision timing synchronization can be achieved.
The 1PPS signal is encoded to a base timing code and
distributed by optical fiber. Firstly, the relays synchronize
data sampling timing only when timing code is received.
Therefore, incorrect timing edge detection caused by signal
noise or optical device deterioration is avoided. Secondly,
serial data containing date and time information from the
receiver is superimposed with the timing code. Hence, only a
single optical fiber is needed to distribute the data. Serial data
in asynchronous communication (start / stop transmission)
format is suitable for microprocessor based equipment in
substations and there is no need for special decoding circuitry.

Protective Relay

Encoding

Single Optical Fiber

1 PPS signal

Fault Locator
Phasor
Measurement

Serial Data
(Date, Time)
Commercial
GPS Receiver

incorrect
detection

(c) Detected timing

Fig. 1. Requirement for GPS synchronization.

GPS Antenna

Threshold level

O conversion

Superimposing
Serial Data
(Date, Time)

Fig. 3. System configuration of the new time synchronizing signal distribution.

Timing Code
(1 PPS signal)

C. High reliability method of synchronization by optical

signal encoding
A digital signal such as a 1PPS signal is needed to achieve
synchronization with the required high resolution. However,
for the reasons described previously, it is difficult to achieve
synchronization with the high reliability required under
conditions when signal noise is present or deterioration in
optical devices is experienced.
The best solution for this problem is encoding the 1PPS
signal before its transmission. The 1PPS signal is encoded to a
base timing code. The relays synchronize data sampling
timing at the point at which the code is received only when
the pattern conformity is confirmed between original/known
signal pattern and the transmitted signal pattern. By using this
technique, even if voltage output oscillation is caused by
optical device deterioration, original code is not detected and
erroneous detection of the 1PPS timing does not occur. Loss
of timing code detection of the original 1PPS timing caused
by signal deterioration is not a problem because
synchronization can be maintained by the provision of a selfrunning function.
Furthermore, to avoid erroneous detection caused by noise
having a frequency that coincides with the code, the code
pattern (raw data 1 and data 0) should be selected carefully to
be as random as possible.
In the receiving process, if the input signal is sampled
discretely and the sampling rate is comparable to the bit rate
of the code, it is possible that the sampling result of the
oscillating signal coincides with the original code pattern
accidentally as a consequence of optical device deterioration
as shown in Fig. 4.
Waveform
before Transfer

navigation purposes outputs time data in asynchronous

communication (start/stop transmission) that is suitable for
microprocessor based equipment. Serial data that contains
information such as date or time is transmitted generally in
4800 bps according to NMEA-0183 protocol defined by
National Marine Electronic Association (NMEA).
NMEA-0183 messages generally take the following form.
The first address field indicates the type of message. The next
field indicates the data such as date, time, position, or
positioning status required for the monitoring of GPS signal
receive status.
$<address
field>,<data
field>[<check
sum
field>]<CR><LF>
1 (Ref) (Ref) 0 1 1

Stop Bit

Start Bit

(a)IRIG-B Signal

(b)Asynchronous Communication

Fig. 5. Time data format.

E. Reduction of optical fiber by superimposing signals

In practice it is frequently found that individual cables have
been used to transmit the IRIG-B code and the 1PPS signal
which adds to the overall cost. A desirable cost reduction can
be achieved if signals are superimposed and transmitted using
a single cable.
Fig. 6 shows the configuration of the hardware and signal
processing. Signal encoding and superimposing is processed
by a programmable logic device (PLD) or a field
programmable gate array (FPGA). The 1PPS signal that is
output from the receiver is encoded and superimposed with
the serial data and transmitted via optical fiber.

1PPS

Antenna

Received signal

(a)1PPS signal

Sampled result

(c)

Encoding

(b)Serial Data

Detected timing

GPS receiver
Threshold level

Accidentally coincide
with original code

Fig. 4. Erroneous detection of code due to device deterioration.

As described previously, because the optical signal

contains not only the timing code but also serial data, this
erroneous detection occurs at a different time to the original
1PPS timing.
This erroneous detection can be avoided if the sampling and
collation rate is higher than the code bit rate.
D. System simplification using modern communication
techniques
IRIG-B requires unique hardware and software to decode
the timing signal.
On the other hand, GPS receivers designed for time
transfer based on a GPS receiver commonly used for

Superimposing E/O conversion

LSI (PLD or FPGA)

(a)
(b)
(c)
Serial Data

Encoded 1PPS

Fig. 6. Signal processing.

Fig. 7 shows the GPS based time synchronizing signal

distribution unit.

(b)Single port type

(c)1PPS signal encoding

device in the unit

(a)Multi port type

Fig. 7. GPS based time synchronizing signal distribution unit (Type HHGP1
and Type HNGP2).

Fig. 8 shows the configuration of a synchronizing signal

distribution system in a substation. For example, the GPS
antenna is installed on the roof of the relay room and
connected to a GPS based time synchronizing signal
distribution unit using coaxial cable. The time synchronizing
signal is distributed from the GPS based time synchronizing
signal distribution unit to protection and control equipment
using optical fiber. Because the GPS based time
synchronizing signal distribution unit has many optical output
ports and cascade connection is possible, it is easy to
distribute the synchronizing signal to many protection and
control devices.
For protection relay applications, we developed a new line
current differential relay using GPS synchronization that is
applicable for use with SDH communication networks*. This
type of relay has been in use since 2001 and commercial
operation commenced in the United Kingdom in 2002.
*http://www.toshiba.co.jp/f-ene/tands/english/protect/f_gr_s_r.htm
GPS antenna
(on the roof)
Coaxial cable

Cascading
connection unit

Protection and control equipment

GPS based time

synchronizing signal Optical
distribution unit
fiber

B. Assessment result of long-term receiving stability of GPS

signal in substation
The GPS based time synchronizing signal distribution unit
can maintain a 1PPS signal output if at least one satellite can
be received. If an antenna is installed in a location that offers
an unobstructed view of the sky, at least 4 satellite signals can
be received and therefore there seems to be little possibility to
experience a loss of the 1PPS signal. However, because there
are high voltage lines and equipment in a substation the
possibility that they might affect GPS signal receipt must be
considered. The authors have undertaken long-term
monitoring of GPS signal receipt. Fig. 9 shows the
configuration of the monitoring system. The 1PPS output
from the GPS receiver is monitored every second 24 hours a
day. Even if only one of the 1PPS signals is lost it can be
detected and recorded. If receipt of the GPS signal is not
possible, loss of the 1PPS signal output occurs
instantaneously and the event is recorded. The healthy of the
monitoring system is checked daily and recorded at a
predetermined time.
GPS antenna
Coaxial cable
Optical fiber
GPS unit

Surge
Arrester

Synchronization
signal

Fig.8. Configuration of synchronizing signal distribution system.

IV. THE ASSESSMENT RESULT OF GPS SATELITE SIGNAL

RECEIVING STABILITY

In this section the results of our assessment of the stability

of GPS satellite signal receipt under various conditions are
reported.
A. Regarding GPS
The GPS system consists of 24 satellites in orbit around the
earth, positioning is available 24 hours a day all around the
world. The launch of GPS satellites has continued and the
number of usable satellites reached 27 in 1996, and generally
28 or 29 in recent years. Therefore, a sufficient number of
satellites are available even if some satellites are not always
usable.
The satellites are arranged in six orbital planes that have an
inclination angle of 55 degrees relative to the earths equator.
The satellites complete one orbit in about 11 hours and 58
minutes, and trace a track approximately once a day (23 hour
56 minutes) on the earth.
Although satellite constellation changes through a day,
more than 8 satellites are usable above the horizontal if 24
satellites are in operation. Although conditions change
according to the position of the earth, a sufficient number of
satellites can be used. Furthermore, the satellite signal is not
apt to degrade in poor weather conditions.

Network
Computing
Terminal

Personal
Computer

Fig. 9. Configuration of 1PPS signal monitoring system.

Table 1 shows the results obtained. The monitoring periods

cover all seasons of the year by combining the results
obtained, therefore the seasonal effects of the weather can be
observed.
Substation B is a 275kV substation and various
transmission equipments exist, therefore the effect of surge
from the equipments can be observed. In substation B and C,
no loss of 1PPS signal has been observed, therefore a stable
receiving result is reported. In substation A and Toshibas
Fuchu Complex, 10ppm order of interruption has been
observed, but this order of interruption can be tolerated in the
application system described later. The cause of GPS signal
loss estimated is listed below.
Obstruction around GPS antenna
Signal attenuation due to interference by reflected signals
Signal attenuation in the coaxial cable from the antenna

GPS antenna
Fig. 10. GPS antenna installation in substation A.

TABLE I
MONITORING RESULT OF 1PPS SIGNAL AT SUBSTATIONS.
Monitoring place

On the roof of relay room

in Substation A

Monitoring Period

Total monitoring days

The number of 1PPS pulse
interruption occurrence
Rate of interrupting time
Maximum interruption
continued
GPS antenna type
Length of coaxial cable

On the roof of relay room

in Substation B

On the roof of relay room

in Substation C

From 1 November 2001

To 25 September 2002
(Monitoring is suspended
from 5 April to 22 May)
281 days
225 Pulses

On the roof of test building

in Toshibas Fuchu
Complex
From 3 November 2001
To 3 July 2002
(Monitoring is suspended
several times)
186 days
203 Pulses

From 10 June 2002

To 27 November 2002

From 10 June 2002

To 27 November 2002

170 days
No interruption

170 days
No interruption

9.3ppm
22 seconds

13ppm
9 seconds

No interruption
No interruption

No interruption
No interruption

Normal type(Gain : min 25dB)

5D-FB 60m
3D-2V 10m
+ 5D-2V 17m
Parabola antenna exists
Coaxial cable is rather long
near the GPS antenna
for GPS antenna gain.

Fig. 10 shows the antenna installation arrangement in

substation A. There is a parabola antenna near the GPS
antenna and it was thought that the parabola antenna affect as
obstruction and the number of usable satellites decreased.
Fig. 11 shows the antenna at Toshibas Fuchu Complex.
The graph on the right-hand side shows the paths traced by
GPS satellites. The thick dots show that the satellite signal to
noise ratio was degraded below permissible levels and the
satellites from this direction were difficult to track. It was
found that the signal from the satellites in some directions
could not be tracked even if no obstruction existed. The cause
of this is believed to be as follows. Interference occurs
between the signal received directly from the satellite and the
reflected wave caused by the roof of the building. The
interference changes according to satellite direction. To avoid
this phenomenon, GPS antenna should be installed in a
location as far away as possible from the objects that reflect
electromagnetic waves.
--- Satellite signal is attenuated.
Horizontal
Reflected wave

Building

GPS antenna

Zenith

Attenuation occur even if

no obstruction exists.

Fig. 11. GPS antenna installation in Toshiba Fuchu Complex.

C. Effect of natural phenomenon

The effects of natural phenomenon have been assessed.
Rain or snow is no problem. In October 2003, a powerful
solar flare occurred and its negative impact on power systems
and/or communication systems was of great concern
throughout the world, also in Japan, a geomagnetic storm was

High sensitive type(Gain : min 29dB)

5D-FB 2m
+ 8D-FB 60m
275kV substation
Indoor substation among
Various transmission
the residential section
equipments exist.

monitored from October 29 to 31. In this period, the stability

of GPS signal receipt was monitored. As a result, 1PPS
interruption did not occur and horizontal positioning accuracy
was not degraded (5.31m standard deviation in 24 hours that
was 6.16m under normal conditions) throughout the
monitoring. Furthermore, the monitoring was performed for a
given period of time when the war in Iraq is occured, however
degradation was still not observed.

(a)normal condition
24 hours from 3:00PM Mar.9 2001

(b)solar flare condition

24 hours from 3:15AM Oct.30 2003

Fig. 12. Example of reception monitoring result.

D. Monitoring result of GPS signal receiving in the event of

satellite anomaly
A significant satellite anomaly occurred on 1 January 2004
and an interruption to the 1PPS signal occurred on almost all
of the GPS receivers that we have supplied for various
substations in Japan.
On January 1, a failure occurred in the atomic frequency
standard on one of the GPS satellites (PRN23) and caused
transmission
of
misleading
information
between
approximately 6:33 pm and 9:18 pm (UTC) [8]. This anomaly
affected GPS receivers over a large portion of the world.
Although significant anomalies are believed to be a rare
occurrence, the availability of the T-RAIM function, which
we describe later, within the GPS receiver ensures that even
under the most extreme conditions interruption to the
positioning or 1PPS signal can still be avoided.

V. THE METHOD FOR STABLE OPERATION OF GPS

SYNCHRONIZING FOR POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION AND
CONTROL
In the application of GPS synchronization to protection and
control systems, correct antenna installation and an
appropriate GPS receiver set-up procedure is important if high
reliability synchronization is to be achieved. In this section,
several methods are described.
A. GPS Antenna location
To avoid the loss of the GPS satellite signal, it is important
that the GPS antenna is installed in an appropriate position.
Our investigation and recommendations based on the results
obtained are described.
Following power-up, the GPS receiver must estimate the
location of the GPS antenna by signal receipt from more than
four satellites. After completing location estimation, the GPS
receiver requires the signal from at least one satellite in order
to output the 1PPS signal. Because satellites move, the
number of satellites tracked changes throughout a day as
shown in Fig. 13. Because the GPS satellite signal travels in a
straight line obstructions such as buildings located close to the
GPS antenna may prevent the receipt of signals from some of
the satellites. For example, if an antenna is installed close to
the side of a building, the number of satellites tracked may
decrease to either 0 or 1, therefore interruption of the 1PPS
signal output may occur. If the antenna is installed in a
location that offers an unobstructed view of the sky such as
the roof of a building, signals from more than 4 satellites can
usually be received and it is of no consequence if signals from
one or more of the satellites cannot be received due to a
change of circumstance.
(Limited to eight by the specification
of GPS receiver used in the test.)

Even under the same masking conditions, the number of

satellite signals that can be received differs in accordance with
the conditions of satellite operation. The availability of
operational satellites is reported to be higher than 99 percent
[9]. Fig. 15 shows the actual number of operational satellites
totalled up from the status report published by the Navigation
Center of the U.S. Coast Guard. In the figure, the thick line
shows the total number of satellites. The line that changes
frequently shows the real number of satellites taking into
account
satellites
out-of-service
for
maintenance.
Approximately 27 satellites have been available on average
for the two and a half years up until July 2004.

Fig. 15. Operation status of GPS satellites.

As a result, it is recommended that GPS antennas are

installed in locations that offer unobstructed views of the sky
with an elevation angle of 15 degrees to the horizontal. If this
is difficult, a location that offers the same viewing area of the
sky is recommended.
Fig. 16 shows the measurement results obtained in terms of
GPS signal receipt in a substation with GPS monitor. The
white circle shows the satellites that could be tracked. As
shown Fig. 16(b), even in substations located in mountainous
regions such as hydro-power stations, the required view of the
sky can be found and a sufficient number of satellite can be
tracked.
N

(a) Close to wall of building

(b) On the roof of building

Fig. 13. Change in number of tracked satellites.

The number of satellites in the direction above the

elevation angle dictated by the height of the obstructions
around the GPS antenna is shown in Fig. 14.
Calculate the number of
satellite in this area
Elevation
Mask
GPS antenna

Angle

Building etc.

Fig. 14. Condition of GPS antenna installation.

S
(a)Substation at Open field

S
(a)Substation in valley

Fig.16. Example of monitoring result of receiving condition.

Fig. 17 shows the measurement results of a number of

satellite signals received in 31 different substations where
GPS antennae have been installed to date. Although on
occasions GPS antenna are installed in substations in
mountainous regions signals from more than 4 satellites could
be received in all cases and GPS antenna have been installed
without any problems to date.

Fig. 17. Number of tracked satellites monitored in substations.

B. The method for GPS application to protection relay

In power system protection, highly reliable and precisely
synchronized current data between the ends of a transmission
line can facilitate the application of line current differential
relay systems to modern digital communication networks such
as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH).
In this relay, it is required that the data sampling timings at
both ends of the transmission line are synchronized reliably. If
a synchronization error in data sampling occurs due to
temporary loss of a satellite signal or incorrect timing
synchronization, calculated current values using the sampling
result of instantaneous data will be different from that
calculated in the current differential relay installed at each end
of the protected line and the current differential function may
operate incorrectly.
As a countermeasure for temporary satellite signal loss, the
method described as follows is useful. Each relay measures
the time difference between the output of its own sampling
oscillator and the GPS 1PPS signal. Each relay then corrects
the oscillation frequency of its sampling oscillator so that the
time difference becomes zero. The relay continuously updates
the correction factor and stores it as the absolute accuracy of
the oscillator. In the event of the GPS signal being lost, the
relay is able to control the oscillators free-running frequency
error to within 0.2ppm, by using the correction factor stored
immediately prior to the loss of the GPS signal. With this
procedure, the results of interruption periods (shown in Table
1) observed in substations are acceptable for a differential
relay.
In addition to the procedure described above relays applied
to an actual power system and in commercial operation in the
U.K also provide some unique GPS synchronization back-up
modes to withstand longer periods of GPS signal loss.
Furthermore, the countermeasure for degradation of the
GPS signal due to problems with satellites is important. The
navigation message broadcast from satellites includes data on
the health of all satellites. Therefore, problems with satellites
can be detected at GPS receivers. But there is a possibility that
the health data cannot be set to unhealthy immediately and the
GPS receiver uses the signal from an unhealthy satellite,
causing an erroneous timing solution.
To avoid this problem, T-RAIM (Time Receiver

autonomous integrity monitoring) has shown to be effective.

TRAIM is a function of the GPS receiver that is used to detect
an unhealthy satellite by using measurements from additional
(redundant) satellites that are used to provide an overdetermined navigation solution. If an unhealthy satellite is
detected, the receiver 1PPS signal output is blocked by this
function. If only one satellite is unhealthy, the unhealthy
satellite is excluded from the solution and the 1PPS signal
output can be maintained using measurements obtained from
other available satellites. If T-RAIM is used, at least two
satellites are needed for a 1PPS signal output following the
first fix (fixing of first positioning after the receiver is
powered-up). Although more satellites are needed if the
TRAIM function is used, the relays have been able to operate
without problems to date.
When a GPS satellite anomaly actually occurred on 1
January 2004, almost all of the GPS receivers we supplied to
substations in Japan blocked their 1PPS signal output. We had
been monitoring the 1PPS signal in our factory actually
during this period and observed that the 1PPS signal could be
output continually if T-RAIM is used.
VI. CONCLUSION
A high reliability, high resolution synchronizing signal
distribution technique suitable for application to the entire
substation system has been developed. This technique has
already been widely applied in operational systems and
protection relays. Results have been excellent to date.
A digital signal is transmitted over optical fiber for
synchronization with high resolution. A signal encoding
technique is used to solve the problem of incorrect timing
detection caused by optical device deterioration and therefore
high reliability synchronization has been achieved.
Long-term assessments of the stability of GPS signal
receipt in a variety of substations have been undertaken and
stable receipt of the GPS signal has been demonstrated. In
addition, several methods have been recommended for
consideration when GPS synchronization techniques are
applied to protection and control systems. In particular,
countermeasures have been described that are employed in the
event of a loss of satellite signal and on the occurrence of
satellite anomalies.
It was observed that synchronization signal output could be
maintained even when a GPS satellite anomaly actually
occurred if the T-RAIM function is used. T-RAIM is used in
all of our line current differential relay as a powerful function
to ensure reliability. By considering these methods, high
reliability performance can be confirmed in the application of
GPS synchronization to protection and control systems.

VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of
Kansai Electric Power Company for cooperating in long-term
monitoring of GPS signal receiving in substations. We also

acknowledge the contributions of electric power companies in

Japan for cooperating in monitoring in many substations.
VIII. REFERENCES
[1]

[2]
[3]

[4]
[5]

[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]

D. Itagaki, Y. Fuwa GPS based Time Synchronizing Signal

Distribution Method for Power System Protection / Control Systems and
Field Experience, 2004 National Convention Record IEE Japan,
281,(2004)
D.Itagaki, K. Ohashi, M. Saga, I.Shuto, Development of High
Resolution and High Reliability Time Synchronizing Signal Distribution
Technique for Substation Systems, IEE-DPSP04, pp.714-717, (2004)
D.Itagaki, Y.Shirota, K.Sekiguchi, Field experiences and assessment of
GPS synchronizing signal receiving for power system protection, control
and monitoring, 2004 Technical Meeting on Power Protective Relay
IEE Japan,(2004)
I. HALL, P. G. Beaumont, G. P. Baber, I. Shuto, M. Saga, K. Okuno, H.
Ito, New Line Current Differential Relay using GPS Synchronization,
IEEE Bologna PowerTech Conference03
S. Imai, et al., A Newly Developed Web-based Fault Locating
Technology for Transmission Lines and Its Experience in the Field,
IEEE/PES T&D Conference Proceedings Vol.1, October 02, pp.136141.
IRIG-STANDARD200-89,
Telecommunications
Group,
Range
Commanders Council, U.S.Army White Sands Missile Range, NM.
IEEE Std 1344-1995, Standard for Synchrophasors for Power Systems
http://www.schriever.af.mil/GPSSUPPORTCENTER/
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps/geninfo/2001SPSPerformanceStandard
FINAL.pdf

IX. BIOGRAPHIES

Daiju Itagaki received his BS and ME degrees in

engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology,
Tokyo Japan. He joined Toshiba in 1996, and is
currently responsible for development of protection
and control systems.

Kenichiro Ohashi received his B.S. degree in

electrical engineering from Tohoku Gakuin
university, Japan, and joined Toshiba in 1995.He is
currently responsible for product development of
protection and control systems as a quality
assurance/testing engineer

Itsuo Shuto received his BS and ME degrees in

engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology,
Tokyo Japan. He joined Toshiba in 1978, and is
currently responsible for development of protection
and control systems.

Hachidai Ito (M '85) received his BS and ME

degrees in electrical engineering from Kyoto
University, Kyoto, Japan in 1979 and 1981
respectively. Also he received his MS degree in
Computer Science from University of Maryland,
College Park, Maryland USA in 1987. He joined
Toshiba in 1981, and was working as a development
engineer and a manager of Protection and Control
Development Department. He is now a Chief
Engineer in Power System Protection &Control and
is principally responsible for technology and overseas marketing of protection
and control products in Toshiba Corporation. He is a member of IEEE, IEEJ
and IEICE. Also he is a secretary of Japanese National Committee of
IEC/TC95, a member of its 3 working groups, a member of CIGRE WG
B3.05 and a member of several working groups in IEEE/PSRC.