TSN Test Tools for Time-Critical Utility Networks
Ensure precision timing, stream shaping, and latency control across smart grid and substation networks with Data Center Test’s TSN testing solutions
Overview
At Data Center Test, we offer advanced Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Test Tools that ensure deterministic, time-critical communication across industrial and utility networks. Designed to verify compliance with IEEE 802.1 standards, our TSN tools help test the latency, time synchronization, traffic shaping, and frame preemption required by next-gen smart grid, SCADA, and automation systems. Headquartered in Canoga Park, CA, Data Center Test is a trusted North American leader in smart utility IoT solutions. Our tools empower organizations to meet the stringent timing requirements of real-time control environments through rigorous QA, precision diagnostics, and unparalleled support
Hardware, Software & Cloud Services
- High-precision time-synchronized traffic generators → Ethernet Analyzers – Provide precision traffic generation and synchronization critical for TSN testing.
- Multi-port Ethernet interfaces with TSN-ready chipsets → XFP Transceivers – Support high-speed, multi-port Ethernet connectivity with compatibility for TSN environments.
- Hardware timestamping and time-aware shapers → FFTx – Enable advanced timing, signal conditioning, and real-time shaping essential for TSN hardware-level accuracy.
- Portable and rack-mounted options for lab and field testing → Fiber Optic Multimeters – Offer flexible deployment options with robust hardware suited for both lab and field TSN validation.
• TSN conformance test suites (802.1AS, Qbv, Qbu, Qci, Qch)
• End-to-end latency analysis tools
• Gantt charts for cycle-accurate traffic evaluation
• Real-time network visualization and error logging
• Remote monitoring dashboards
• Auto-sync with GPS/IEEE 1588 master clocks
• Event log backup, alerts, and test automation
• Integration with NMS platforms and test orchestration engines
Core Components of BERT Systems
• Precision timing verification (sub-microsecond accuracy)
• Stream reservation and traffic shaping validation
• Scheduled traffic injection and analysis
• Support for IEEE 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Shaping) and 802.1AS (Time Sync)
• Frame preemption and guard band testing (802.3br)
• Integrated test templates and automated compliance checks
• Multi-stream monitoring for network-wide analysis
• Compatible with SCADA systems, RTUs, and TSN switches
• Integrates with IEEE 1588/PTP grandmaster clocks
• API access for continuous integration and CI/CD pipelines
• TSN protocol analyzer integration for root cause diagnostics
• Interoperable with Ethernet, VLAN, and IPv6 frameworks
Data Center Test’s TSN Test Tools
Benefits of Data Center Test’s TSN Test Tools
- Ensure Timing Integrity: Verify that mission-critical data is delivered on schedule
- Reduce Deployment Risk: Validate TSN network configurations before live rollout
- Streamline Compliance: Automated IEEE 802.1 test reports for audits
- Optimize Network Load: Test multiple QoS classes and priority queues
- Accelerate Commissioning: Use preloaded tests to validate standards compliance
- Boost Network Visibility: Visualize timing, jitter, and latency in real-time
Applications
- Smart grid communication timing verification
- Substation automation and control systems
- TSN-enabled SCADA and DCS network rollout
- Renewable energy generation and microgrid sync
- Industrial Ethernet real-time applications
Industries We Serve
- Electric power and transmission utilities
- Smart city infrastructure
- Renewable energy farms (solar, wind)
- Water and wastewater automation
- Oil, gas, and chemical plants
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards
- IEEE 802.1AS
- IEEE 802.1Qbv/Qbu/Qch/Qci
- IEEE 802.3br
- IEC 61850
- CSA C22.3
Case Studies
Case Study 1 – United States: Midwest Substation Automation Project
A major U.S. electric utility in the Midwest used Data Center Test’s TSN test suite to validate communication latency and frame preemption on a newly deployed TSN-based automation system. Testing identified preemption timing mismatches, which were resolved pre-commissioning, avoiding future downtime
Case Study 2 – United States: Real-Time Grid Control Validation
In a Southern U.S. utility project, TSN test tools from Data Center Test were used to benchmark real-time communication between protection relays and control centers. Our tools helped them meet strict latency targets under load, enabling faster fault isolation and recovery
Case Study 3 – Canada: Microgrid Timing and Traffic Validation
A Canadian energy company deploying a TSN-based microgrid in Ontario used Data Center Test’s cloud-integrated TSN analyzers to validate timing synchronization between solar inverters and energy storage systems. Our analysis ensured <1μs jitter, leading to seamless energy coordination
Deploying TSN for your smart utility or industrial network?
Reach out to Data center test for personalized microscope solutions, demos, and expert support. We’re here to help you eliminate contamination and boost network performance.