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MCU 500
Merging Unit and Circuit Breaker Controller

Being part of Efacec portfolio for Digital Substation solutions, the MCU 500 is a
state-of-the-art IED for near-process applications and integration of smart power
equipment in process bus architectures, including both stand-alone merging unit
(SAMU) function for current and voltage signals acquisition and circuit breaker
and switch controller functions (BIED) for interfacing switching devices.
The MCU 500 enables several communication network architectures, including
zero-time recovery protocols and accurate time synchronization from several
sources and it is suitable for distinct applications, covering Transmission, Sub-
Transmission and Distribution substations, supported on multiple product options
that enable fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solutions.
Object orientation and state-of-the-art toolset, combined with pre-configured
application templates, allow straightforward engineering throughout the system
life-cycle without compromising user requirements. Designed with IEC 61850
and other open standards in mind the MCU 500 is future-proof and can also be
seamlessly integrated in multivendor distributed systems.

Key Features Costumer Benefits

• Stand-alone merging unit function • Single device hardware and software platform
• Circuit breaker and switch controller • Multiple applications
• IEC 61850-9-2LE publisher, prepared for IEC 61869-9 • High application adaptability while being easy to specify, configure,
test and maintain
• IEC 61850-9-2LE subscriber
• Extended range of operation for process-level applications
• IEC 61850 Server and GOOSE publisher/subscriber
• High-availability and redundancy options
• PRP/HSR communication redundancy options
• Enhanced performance and accuracy
• Accurate measurement and disturbance recording
• Protection, control, monitoring, measurements and recording
• Event recorder integrated in each device
• CT, VT and trip circuit supervision • Web-based interface and advanced diagnostics
• Distributed Automation according to IEC 61850 and IEC 61131-3 • Architecture supports the latest IEC 61850 edition including process
programming bus
• Integrated webserver
• Fully-integrated in the system engineering toolse
• Watchdog and self-monitoring
• State-of-the-art configuration and management software
Functions
Stand-Alone Merging Unit Input/Outputs

Enabling the integration of conventional current and voltage transformers in Expansion

digital substation architectures, the MCU 500 can be configured as Stand-Alone AC Analogue Inputs Slots
4 AC Current Inputs Card (up to 2
Merging Unit (SAMU) device. With its highly accurate analogue inputs and carefully Device Status LEDs cards)
designed time-response and low-pass filters, the SAMU can generate sampled values (Power, Run, 4 CT
Communications)
in its digital interface at both 80 samples/cycle (protection applications) and 256 Digital I/O 3 CT + 1 sensitive CT 
Local HMI Interface 4 AC Voltage Inputs Card (up to 1
samples/cycle (metering and power quality applications), according to IEC 61850- Port
card)
9-2LE. Indeed, the MCU 500 is prepared for other sampling rates, enabling future Dual Power Supply IRIG-B Input 4 VT
applications according to the more generic IEC 61869-9 standard. Expansion Board Slots
Watchdog Ethernet
The analogue acquisition can be accurately synchronized by an external time source, Ports 8 DI Expansion Card
6 DO Expansion Card 
either IRIG-B or PTP. CT and VT failure algorithms are built-in the device, allowing
4 High-Speed DO Expansion Card
the detection of external circuit failures, and originating corresponding quality MCU 500 Hardware Interfaces
information in the IEC 61850-9-2 interface.  - Optional feature

Circuit Breaker and Switch Controller

The application of the MCU 500 can be extended to circuit breaker controller The MCU 500 was designed according to European and US international standards Power Supply
applications, enabling the integration of digital primary switching devices in process and tested by independent labs. It is fully prepared for extreme environmental Single 48/60/110/125/220 V d.c. (38 V to 350 V)
bus architectures. High-speed tripping for transmission protection is provides, as all conditions and tested against the most demanding climatic, mechanical and EMC 115/230 V a.c. (80 V to 265 V)

Dual 48/60/110/125/220 V d.c. (38 V to 350 V)
other typical supervision and control associated with circuit breakers. Additional emission and immunity tests. This product is also CE Marked according to the
115/230 V a.c. (80 V to 265 V)
supervision and control of bay circuit switches is also possible, taking advantage applicable European Directives, namely the Low-Voltage (LVD) Directive 2006/95/
 - Optional feature
of the I/O expansion capabilities. EC, as well as the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.

The option for subscription of analogue signals from other SAMU in the same The MCU 500 devices also support power supply redundancy as an option.
communication network and the high-processing capacity of the MCU 500 provide
future configuration extensions including the implementation of other protection
or control functions at process level. Interfaces
Measurement, Monitoring and Recording
Built-in and Web-based User Interface
The MCU 500 provides additional built-in measurement and monitoring functions.
Three-phase measurements (voltage, current, power, energy, etc.) are available and The local user interface includes operation status indication and a front Ethernet
can be used for diagnosis and commissioning purposes or made available through port for configuration, diagnostic and test.
the IEC 61850 server.
Disturbance records are stored in native COMTRADE format including both analogue
and digital information. Up to 100 records can be stored. A general-purpose event
Status LEDs
recorder that can store up to 25 000 events of any data source is also included. (Power, Run,
Communications)

Hardware Ethernet Port for

Local Access

The MCU 500 provides a compact design and light case, suitable for installation in
small cabinets in the switchyard near primary assets. Both wall and rack-mounted
MCU 500 User Interface Front Panel
options are available, for further flexibility.
Extended I/O capability allows up to 12 AC inputs, 48 digital inputs or 36 digital Complementary to the local interface the MCU 500 provides IP connectivity options Web interface

outputs, including high-speed tripping options. Both rated values of analogue inputs for the engineering toolset as well as an embedded webserver where all local
and threshold levels of binary inputs are configurable by software. operations are available as well as access to status, SOE and disturbance records.
Besides the more typical configuration of 4 current and 4 voltage signals, additional This allows straightforward device operation and management either locally or
flexibility is allowed by supporting other configurations. For example, two sets of remotely.
4 current module enable separate inputs for protection and control/measurement Communication Interfaces and Protocols Communication Interfaces
applications (different CT cores). The fourth current in each module can be provided
with higher sensitivity option, for high impedance earth-fault detection. The MCU 500 supports multiple communication options, enabling the simultaneous Communications *
integration in both process and station communication buses. Two dual-Ethernet Dual Ethernet Port 100/1000BASE-FX 
interfaces are provided, with 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s options available, and Dual Ethernet Port 100/1000BASE-FX 
integration in either point-to-point, PRP or HSR architectures is possible. RTC Synchronization
All communication interfaces include extensive self-monitoring, including online PTP (IEEE 1588-2008) 
data and statistics. SNTP Client 

Cyber security features such as software and firmware protection, authentication IRIG-B Input 

and encrypted communication between IED and external access (systems, tools, - Core feature in product assembly
web browsers) for selected protocols are included. - Optional (Standard component)
* - Other communication hardware options available, please contact
Unified Engineering and Handling
The MCU 500 SAMU and circuit breaker controller shares a common user interface,
installation and maintenance procedures with other Efacec IED families, and is
delivered with pre-defined configuration templates for typical applications.
The user is still able to fully adapt MCU 500 to any specific application with the
use of the Automation Studio toolset, including the creation, type testing and
deployment of user-defined configuration templates.

IEC 61131-3 function block diagram

Efacec Automation Studio

User-defined algorithms or control schemes can be designed through straightforward

IEC 61131-3 programming together with full flexibility for user-defined IEC 61850
object models. With a state-of-the-art engineering environment, the MCU 500
provides all the required flexibility and openness to support several distinct
applications.

Applications
Station Server

Protection & Protection &

Control (1) Control (2)

Due to our policy of continuous development, specifications may change whithout notice. Not valid as a contractual item.

MU + BIED (1) MU + BIED (2)

CB

MCU 500 Application

View the product on our website.

Efacec Energia, Máquinas e Equipamentos Eléctricos, S.A.

Automation Business Unit mod. CS427I1808A1
Rua Eng. Frederico Ulrich - Ap. 3078 | 4471-907 Moreira Maia | Portugal | Tel: +351 229 402 000 | Fax: +351 229 485 428 | [email protected] | www.efacec.com/automation