Synchrophasors in the IEEE C37.118 and IEC 61850

The concept of a power system synchronized phasor was introduced in the 1980s and standardized for the first time with the standard IEEE 1344. The measurement concept was further refined in the current synchrophasor standard, IEEE C37.118, completed and published in 2005. It is currently undergoing revision to fully define the measurement in all conditions including dynamic changes in the power system. In addition it has been split into measurement and communication parts to simplify harmonizing the data exchange provisions with the IEC 61850 standard. This paper summarizes the development of the synchrophasor concepts, standards development, and ongoing standards harmonization.