61850 Test Software is essential for validating communication, interoperability, and correct behavior in modern digital substations. From GOOSE messaging and MMS communication to multivendor interoperability checks, the right testing tools help engineers verify that protection, control, and automation systems operate safely and reliably before and after commissioning.
This article reviews some of the most widely used IEC 61850 test software solutions, explaining what each tool is best suited for and how they support factory acceptance tests, site commissioning, and troubleshooting in real-world substations.
Table of Contents
1. Triangle Microworks – 61850 Test Suite Pro
Triangle Microworks 61850 Test Suite Pro is a software-based IEC 61850 testing tool widely used for protocol-level testing and interoperability validation. It is commonly adopted by manufacturers, test laboratories, and experienced commissioning engineers who need deep insight into IEC 61850 behavior.
The tool can operate as an MMS client or server and as a GOOSE publisher or subscriber. Engineers can simulate IEC 61850 device behavior, send MMS requests, publish custom GOOSE messages, and verify how IEDs respond under normal and abnormal conditions. This makes it especially valuable for standard compliance testing and multivendor troubleshooting.
61850 Test Suite Pro is not intended to replace relay test sets for protection timing verification. Instead, it focuses on communication correctness, data modeling, and protocol behavior, areas where traditional protection test equipment is limited.
Triangle Microworks provides detailed documentation and official product information through its website, making the tool suitable for long-term engineering, testing, and development use.
2. OMICRON – IEDScout
OMICRON IEDScout is a dedicated IEC 61850 tool designed for exploring, testing, and validating communication with IEC 61850 devices. It is widely used by protection and automation engineers during commissioning, troubleshooting, and system verification.
IEDScout allows engineers to browse logical devices, logical nodes, and data objects, read and write values, verify MMS reports, and send or monitor GOOSE messages. Its structured interface makes it easy to understand how an IED is modeled and how it communicates, without needing low-level protocol analysis.
The tool is especially useful when verifying:
- MMS connectivity between SCADA and IEDs
- Correct reporting configuration
- GOOSE publishing and subscription behavior
- Basic interoperability between devices
IEDScout is often used alongside relay test equipment and network analyzers to confirm that IEC 61850 communication is functioning correctly before functional testing begins.
3. Kalkitech – ASE61850 Suite
ASE61850 Suite is a professional IEC 61850 testing and simulation platform developed by ASE Systems. It is widely used by utilities, system integrators, and manufacturers for IEC 61850 engineering, testing, and interoperability validation.
The suite supports MMS and GOOSE communication and can emulate IEC 61850 servers and clients, allowing engineers to test communication behavior without relying on physical IEDs. This makes it particularly useful during factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), and training activities.
ASE61850 Suite allows engineers to configure datasets, control blocks, reports, and communication parameters, making it suitable for multivendor IEC 61850 environments. It is often used to validate correct implementation of IEC 61850 models, communication flows, and system behavior before energizing a substation.
The platform is flexible and scalable, but it requires a basic understanding of IEC 61850 concepts to use effectively. For experienced engineers, it provides strong control over system simulation and communication testing.
4. Helios Power Solutions – AXON AT61 IEC 61850 Standard Simulator
The AXON AT61 by Helios Power Solutions is a dedicated IEC 61850 simulator designed for engineers who need a compact, practical, and standards-based testing tool. Unlike general-purpose software analyzers, the AXON AT61 focuses on real-world IEC 61850 simulation and validation during commissioning and factory tests.
AXON AT61 can simulate IEC 61850 servers and clients, allowing engineers to test MMS and GOOSE communication without relying on real protection relays. This makes it especially useful when parts of the substation system are not yet available or when isolating communication issues during FAT or SAT.
The tool is commonly used to:
- Simulate IEC 61850 IED behavior
- Publish and subscribe to GOOSE messages
- Validate MMS communication and reports
- Test interoperability between multivendor devices
One of the strengths of AXON AT61 is its simplicity and portability. It is well suited for engineers who want a focused IEC 61850 simulator without the complexity of large test platforms. Utilities and system integrators often use it as a reference device to confirm correct behavior from protection and control IEDs.
Final Takeaway
Each tool has a clear role:
- Triangle Microworks 61850 Test Suite Pro → deep IEC 61850 protocol testing
- OMICRON IEDScout → practical IEC 61850 device testing
- Kalkitech ASE61850 Suite → full IEC 61850 system simulation
- Helios AXON AT61 → compact IEC 61850 simulator for FAT/SAT
Together, these tools cover most IEC 61850 testing needs, from basic verification to advanced interoperability analysis.