Learning outcomes
- Explain the key principles of dnp3 controls, events and time synchronisation.
- Carry out a structured practical check or configuration task.
- Recognise common faults, risks and evidence needed for diagnosis.
Module 11 · Lesson 2
DNP3 controls, events and time synchronisation
Configure select-before-operate, control models, deadbands, event buffers and time sync.
Before you begin
Controlled simulation with no hazardous outputs.
Safety: Use site procedures, approved test equipment and competent supervision. Never bypass a protection or interlock without formal control.
Step-by-step learning
- Assign critical controls to the approved operate model.
- Set analogue deadbands to capture meaningful change without flooding events.
- Test event buffering through a communications outage.
- Verify device time, event timestamps and SCADA display after reconnection.
Ian's practical tips:
- A telemetry system without trustworthy time makes sequence-of-events analysis unreliable.
- Test what happens when the event buffer fills.
Fault-finding questions
- What should be happening, and what evidence proves it?
- Where is the last known correct signal, voltage, state or process condition?
- What changed immediately before the fault?
- Can the system be divided into smaller testable sections?
Practical activity
Create a one-page test record for this lesson. Include expected values, measured results, equipment used, risks controlled, defects found and the final proven condition.