Orion is the NovaTech substation automation platform: gateways and data concentrators that connect to each device in its native protocol, process the information with logic and deliver it to each client in its own. The current family includes the OrionLX+, OrionSX, OrionMX, Orion I/O and the virtual OrionVX; the OrionLX and OrionLXm remain widely installed. Everything from the OrionLX onward is configured with the same tool, NovaTech Configuration Director (NCD), and runs the same firmware.
What it is and where it is used
Orion is the substation automation platform of NovaTech, a US automation company. Its devices work as gateway, data concentrator, RTU and logic processor: they connect to each device in the substation in its native protocol, process the information and deliver it to each client (SCADA, control center, corporate network) in the protocol it needs. The current family includes the OrionLX+, the OrionSX, the OrionMX, the Orion I/O and the OrionVX; the OrionLX and the OrionLXm remain widely installed.
They are found in utility and cooperative substations, in industrial plants and in distribution automation, often replacing old RTUs. For the general concept, see the guide on substation RTU and gateway.
Variants: OrionLX, LX+, LXm, MX, SX, I/O and VX
| Model | Application | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| OrionLX+ | Large substations, complex applications | Highest capacity; direct-video HMI |
| OrionSX | Data server and HMI | Most compact and newest; concentration for EMS, DERMS and ADMS |
| OrionMX | Vaults, poles, small substations | All connections on one side, universal mounting |
| Orion I/O | Substation inputs and outputs | Low cost per point; optional front touchscreen |
| OrionVX | Servers | Virtual version of the Orion platform |
| OrionLX / OrionLXm | Substation gateway | Widely installed generations; same firmware and tool |
Main features
- Protocols. Library of more than forty configurable protocols, with full support for SEL protocols (SCADA data, event files and settings).
- Replacement of old RTUs. NovaTech offers replacement of D20, Telvent, ACS, Telegyr, SNW and other RTUs, keeping what the control center sees.
- Logic. IEC 61131 and Lua tools, local logic, smart alarms and sequence of events.
- Distribution automation. FLISR schemes and feeder automation.
- HMI. Custom web pages, single-line diagrams and predesigned faceplates in Orion SCADA, optional local HMI and direct video on the OrionLX+ and OrionSX.
- Cybersecurity. Design oriented to NERC CIP practices: restricted access, malware prevention and security event logging.
Communications and integration
A typical Orion reads the relays in their native protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850, SEL) and delivers the data to the control center over DNP3 or IEC 60870-5-104, and to the corporate network over other protocols. It also retrieves event files from the relays, useful for trip analysis. Configuration is done with NovaTech Configuration Director (NCD), with preconfigured lists for hundreds of commonly used devices.
Frequently asked technical questions
- OrionLX+ or OrionLXm manual: NovaTech publishes the platform documentation; since all units share firmware from the OrionLX onward, much of the configuration is common.
- Points that do not reach SCADA: usually an outdated point map after a relay change, or a serial port with problems.
- Replacing an old RTU: the database must be extracted and the addresses the control center expects must be kept.
- Time synchronization: the sequence of events depends on the Orion and the relays sharing the same reference; see time synchronization in substations.
OrionLX+: published hardware data
NovaTech is explicit about the OrionLX+, the highest-capacity model. The following data comes from its product page and its specification and ordering note; some documents are several years old, so confirm the model and order code with the manufacturer before buying.
| Aspect | Published data |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Standard 2U, 19-inch rack |
| Memory and database | 8 GB; PostgreSQL database |
| Power supplies | One or two, hot-swappable from the front, with load sharing and health monitoring; high-voltage version (125/250 Vdc or 120/240 Vac) and low-voltage version (24/48 Vdc) |
| Expansion | Five NovaCard slots (NC0 to NC4) and modular serial cards of seven types (A, B, C, D, E, G and H), field-replaceable, up to 16 |
| Ethernet | Two standard copper ports; the NovaCard adds three more for five in total, on separate network cards; one card variant offers PRP/HSR ports for LAN A and LAN B |
| Digital inputs | 12–48 Vdc or 120–250 Vdc, with 1 ms time stamping |
| Outputs | 10 A contacts with MOV protection |
| Time reference | Built-in IRIG-B |
| Capacity | 40,000 IED/SCADA points standard, with 60,000 and 80,000 options; typical update under 2 seconds; tested with 512 IEDs with redundancy and IEC 61850 |
| Environment | –40 to +70 °C operating; 5 to 95% humidity non-condensing |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
The five network ports are on independent cards. According to the specification note, two can form the redundancy link between a primary and a secondary OrionLX+, leaving three for WAN and LAN; any of the links can be fiber. Several cascaded Orions and the redundancy can work as a single system with one NCD file for several units.
Protocols toward the devices and toward SCADA
NovaTech separates protocols by direction. Toward the IEDs: IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, DNP3 with Secure Authentication (SAv5), Modbus and the SEL protocols (ASCII, Fast Meter, Fast Operate and Fast SER), plus other legacy ones. Toward SCADA: DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, ICCP, Modbus, MultiSpeak and XML. The standard OrionLX is offered with IEC 61850 as client and server; the LX+ page consulted does not specify the edition of the standard, so that item must be confirmed against the installed firmware version. See IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104. The gateway’s client and server roles, its point database and command testing are covered in Protocol Gateway: DNP3, Modbus and IEC 61850.
A useful distinction when specifying: master and slave (or client and server) are separate roles. A gateway that speaks DNP3 toward the relay as master and DNP3 toward the control center as slave needs both functions, and each may or may not be included in the order configuration. The standard LX+ model includes eight protocols; the rest are added as options.
Cybersecurity
NovaTech’s application notes describe the Orion as a substation gateway oriented to NERC CIP, with strong passwords, centralized authentication, encrypted protocols and a stateful firewall. That the device offers those functions does not mean the project complies: compliance depends on how the network is configured and operated. See IEC 62351.
Points of attention in commissioning and maintenance
- Point map. Every time a relay is changed, the map must be regenerated and the control center informed; a shifted point is a silent error.
- Replacing an old RTU. Extract the existing RTU’s database and keep the addresses and scales the control center expects; see substation RTU and gateway.
- Event files. The Orion can retrieve event files from the relays; for them to be useful in trip analysis, the relay clocks and the Orion clock must be synchronized.
- Redundancy. Test the switchover between the primary and standby units with real communications, including the loss of one of the links.
- Backup. Keep the NCD file, the firmware version and the protocol licenses in a controlled place; without them, replacing a damaged unit is slow.
- Testing. Signal by signal, end to end; see end-to-end testing.
How we help
Our team configures NovaTech Orion gateways: point databases, protocols toward the control center, logic, alarms and HMI, and point-to-point tests with SCADA. We load and modify logic, interlocks and signals remotely through remote relay and controller configuration, worldwide, without waiting for a site visit. See SCADA integration and gateways and control, protection and communications configuration. To request a quote, write to us through contact.
Related guides
- Substation RTU and gateway
- SEL RTAC gateway
- Siemens SICAM A8000 RTU
- Schneider Saitel T300 RTU
- Substation SCADA and HMI system
- PcVue and Ignition SCADA
- DNP3
- GE Multilin D20, D400 and G500 RTU and gateway
- Hitachi Energy RTU560, RTU540, RTU530 and RTU520
- ABB COM600, Ingeteam INGESYS IC3 and Arteche saTECH gateways
- SEL Axion SEL-2240
- Protocol Gateway: DNP3, Modbus and IEC 61850
References
- NovaTech, Orion Grid Automation product line page.
- Technical articles on the Orion platform and NovaTech Configuration Director (NCD) in the industry trade press.
- IEEE 1815 (DNP3); IEC 61131-3; IEC 61850 (series).
Frequently asked questions
What is the NovaTech Orion LX?
It is a NovaTech substation communications and automation processor. It connects to relays, meters, RTUs and other devices in their own protocol, runs logic and alarms, and delivers the data to SCADA or the corporate network in the protocol each one needs. It is the basis of the current Orion family.
What is the difference between the OrionLX+, the OrionMX and the OrionSX?
According to NovaTech, the OrionLX+ is the highest-capacity model, for large substations and complex applications, with direct-video HMI; the OrionMX is intended for vaults, poles and small substations, with all connections on one side; and the OrionSX is the most compact and newest, as a data server and HMI for EMS, DERMS or ADMS systems.
Which software configures a NovaTech Orion?
NovaTech Configuration Director (NCD), which includes preconfigured lists for hundreds of commonly used devices. NovaTech states that all Orion units from the OrionLX onward are configured with the same tool and run the same firmware, which makes it easier to maintain devices of different generations.