Name: A Practical Introduction to the IEC 60870-5-104 Protocol
Rating: 4.6 (47 reviews)

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Created byEmile Ackbarali

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Analyze IEC 60870-5-104 Information Objects and Components
Apply Common Address of ASDU in Network Scenarios
Interpret Device Documentation for Protocol Implementation
Classify Data Types Using Names and Codes
Implement Quality Descriptors and Timestamps
Execute Protocol Simulation Using Software Tools
Configure Client-Server Communication Mechanisms
Perform General and Counter Interrogation Methods
Implement Group Interrogation Strategies
Manage Cyclic and Spontaneous Data Transmission
Execute Clock Synchronization and File Transfer
Perform Command Transmission and Parameter Loading

Course content

10 sections • 36 lectures • 2h 48m total length

Introduction4:37
Explore scada systems monitoring and controlling outstations across a power grid using the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol, and understand IEDs, RTUs, data models, timestamps, quality descriptors, and data retrieval mechanisms.
The Learning Path4:16
Develop the skill to configure IED devices for central control and SCADA with IEC 60870-5-104. Explore the data model, information objects, data types, quality descriptors, timestamps, and practical communication simulations.
Accessing Attached Resources and Setting Optimal Video Resolution2:23
Access attached resources via the resources dropdown to download files or use web links. Set video resolution from auto to 720p for crisp playback, with possible buffering.

Information Objects5:12
Information Object Components4:32
Common Address of ASDU4:37
Common Address Scenarios3:47
Explore common address scenarios in IEC 60870-5-104 by distinguishing an intelligent electronic device from its common address, and examine single versus multiple addresses and gateways for retrofits.
IP Addressing2:36
Device Document Interpretation Example7:24
Learn to interpret IEC 60870-5-104 device documentation using a power meter example, identifying IP address, common address, and information object addresses, plus unit codes and data types.

Data Type Names and Codes6:07
Reference Documentation for Data Types6:12
Device Documentation Interpretation Example3:09
Examine how information objects use type identifiers in IEC 60870-5-104 documentation, such as m_sp for single point and c_sc for single command, with tb1 and with or without time tag.
Quality Descriptors and Timestamps4:48
Explore quality descriptors and timestamps in the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol, examining the five descriptor bits—overflow, blocking, substituted, stale, and invalid—and the CP56 time formats for full date and time.

The Software Simulation Tools3:13
Install and run the IEC 104 R2 ID server simulator and the IEC 104 master client simulator to gain hands-on experience with the IEC 60870-5-104 data model and its configurations.
Downloading and Installing the Simulation Tools3:56
Download and install the IEC 104 server and client simulators from GitHub, unzip the files, accept default settings, and run the trial versions with desktop icons.
Data Model Simulation8:28

Central Control and Outstation Initiated Communication3:39
Cause of Transmission3:24
Examine the cause of transmission (cot) in ic 104, revealing how central control interprets data frames as periodic, spontaneous, or interrogation-driven to support troubleshooting.
Our First Client-to-Server Connection using Simulation Tools7:48
Demonstrate a first client-server IEC 60870-5-104 connection using two simulators, configure the server at 127.0.0.1:2404 with common address 1000, and exchange a single point and a measured value.
Saving Configurations3:27

Requirements

Basic familiarity with electrical systems or industrial equipment - no advanced power system knowledge required.
General understanding of computer networks and how devices communicate - basic networking concepts are helpful but not essential.
Some exposure to industrial software or automation tools - previous SCADA experience is beneficial but beginners are welcome.

Description

This comprehensive course provides a thorough introduction to the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol, one of the most widely adopted standards for SCADA communication in industrial automation and power systems. Designed for control system engineers, automation professionals, and technical personnel working with industrial communication systems, this course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on simulation experience to ensure practical understanding and real-world application skills.

Students will master the complete IEC 60870-5-104 protocol stack, starting with fundamental data model concepts and progressing through advanced communication functions. The course covers information objects, data types, quality descriptors, and timestamps, providing the foundation for understanding how data is structured and transmitted in SCADA systems. Through interactive simulation exercises, participants will gain practical experience with client-server connections, interrogation methods, cyclic and spontaneous transmission, and advanced functions including clock synchronization, file transfer, parameter loading, and command transmission.

This course is ideal for control system engineers, SCADA technicians, automation professionals, system integrators, and technical personnel who need to understand, implement, or maintain IEC 60870-5-104 communication systems. No prior experience with the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol is required, though basic knowledge of industrial automation and networking concepts will be helpful.

Upon completion, students will have comprehensive knowledge of IEC 60870-5-104 protocol fundamentals and practical skills for implementing SCADA communication systems. Participants will be equipped to configure devices, establish communications, perform data interrogation, manage transmission modes, and implement advanced protocol functions in professional industrial environments.

Who this course is for:

Power System Engineers
Automation and Control Engineer
Protection and Control Technicians
System Integrators
Energy Consultants and Project Managers

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 11min

The IEC 60870-5-104 Data Model6 lectures • 28min

Data Types, Quality Descriptors and Timestamps4 lectures • 20min

IEC 60870-5-104 Data Model Simulation3 lectures • 16min

Overview of Communication Mechanisms4 lectures • 18min

Interrogation Methods6 lectures • 34min

Cyclic and Spontaneous Transmission3 lectures • 13min

Clock Sync, File Transfer and Parameter Loading4 lectures • 19min

Command Transmission2 lectures • 6min

Bonus Section - How to ALWAYS Get the Lowest Prices on my Courses1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: