intelligent electronic device (automation) (IED)

The term Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) is used for components used in industrial control systems(ICS).

IED components are used in automation, manufacturing plants, power supply, chemical and petrochemical plants, refineries, water treatment, and smart grids, to name a few. IED devices are processor-basedcontrollers used on a wide variety of power system components such as transformers, capacitors, contactors, circuit breakers, circuit breakers or disconnectors, and are used for energy measurement, control and communication.

The IED components receive their data from sensors and power devices and generate control commands whenever a sampled value deviates from its tolerance values. Most IED components used perform protective functions and are described in the IEC 61850 standard.