A standardized, deterministic, software-defined architecture
VIRTEON brings the automated test and CI/CD discipline proven on SEAPATH up to the protection-application level — turning a slow, manual qualification process into a fast, repeatable, IT/OT-converged one.
Built on the IEC 61850 process bus
At the field level, merging units digitize currents and voltages and publish them as Sampled Values (SV), while fast protection signalling uses GOOSE messaging. Protection and control functions — conventionally split across many dedicated IEDs and bay control units — are virtualized as software applications and consolidated onto a small number of redundant, standardized industrial servers at station level, running on the SEAPATH virtualization layer.
Determinism and redundancy, by design
Critical protection demands real-time determinism. The architecture provides a redundant process-bus network (PRP), a redundant station control unit, and PTP time synchronization to microsecond accuracy, with secure teleprotection and SCADA interfaces.
The protection functions, as modular applications
Distance, line and busbar differential, transformer differential, backup overcurrent and teleprotection are deployed as modular applications, selected per substation topology — sourced from third-party vendors through the marketplace or developed by VIRTEON.
Real-time bricks
Fast intra-substation exchanges, fine time synchronization and secure inter-substation communication form the protection core.
SEAPATH virtualization
An operator-backed, open-source layer hosted by LF Energy — so R&D concentrates on the value layers, not on reinventing virtualization.
Closed-loop qualification
Every application is validated on an automated bench that replays a large corpus of certified fault recordings before deployment.
Proven, not theoretical
An operational proof of concept has already demonstrated virtualized protection running on the platform: a full IEC 61850 process-bus stack (SV input, GOOSE trip output, SCL configuration), multi-zone distance protection with directional earth-fault backup, faulted-phase selection and standard supervisions — validated end-to-end in a real-time, closed-loop environment across dozens of fault scenarios with a 100% pass rate.
This removes the central technical risk and means VIRTEON enters industrialization with a concrete, validated foundation.
Openness is a security principle
Auditable code, controlled access, IEC 62351 and NIS2-screened applications.
Standards & interoperability