Patent ID: 7552367

Claim:
A method for recording analog signals and digitally encoded information associated with primary devices of an electric power system and secondary devices associated with the electric power system, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of analog output signals from corresponding transducers of the electric power system; receiving a plurality of ON/OFF status signals from the primary and secondary devices of the electric power system; receiving at least one of a time-synchronization analog signal from a time synchronization source and a time-synchronization data packet from the time synchronization source over a communication medium; maintaining an internal clock synchronized with the synchronization source for time synchronization; sampling and digitizing the plurality of analog output signals to generate digitized analog output signals; monitoring at least one of a status and a change of status of the plurality of ON/OFF status signals; receiving digitally encoded information signals originating in the primary and secondary devices as incoming data packets from a substation protection and control communication network via a communication port; decoding and analyzing the incoming data packets; analyzing both the plurality of analog output signals and digitally encoded information signals using a triggering algorithm; and storing the digitized analog output signals and digitally encoded information signals together with corresponding timing information in a record as fault and sequence of events records in a non-volatile memory storage medium of a hosting device.