NEMA October 2009 ElectroIndustry - 9

STANDARDS FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES advance alternating current technology in direct competition with Thomas Edison and GE’s direct current technology. As a result, we have one of the most heterogeneous power generation systems in the world. Its evolution was largely regional and driven by commercial and market interests. Today, the convergence of economic, environmental, and cultural forces is demanding that we organize and manage our energy use more efficiently. Interoperability of the nation’s electricity grid is at the top of the list. Standards are key to interoperability. EISA.07 mandates that NIST have “primary responsibility to coordinate development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of Smart Grid devices and systems.” NEMA was named in the legislation and has been a key player in this effort, working very closely with NIST and others to ensure member interests are well represented in the development and implementation of Smart Grid interoperability standards. After nearly a year of extrication, 80 standards have been identified as “first round” priorities just to ensure that key aspects of the grid and grid applications are “in synch.” The U.S. Smart Grid effort is also being integrated into global standards for grid products and applications through collaborative activities with the International Electrotechnical Commission. (See page 22.) NEMA holds the U.S. Technical Advisory Committee for this global effort. Congress and the Department of Energy are pushing NIST to ensure that Smart Grid becomes a reality without delay. NIST expects by year’s end to describe an initial architecture; establish priorities for interoperability standards, including cyber security; introduce an initial set of standards to support implementation; and roll out a plan for meeting the remaining standards needs. Testing and certification of how standards are implemented in Smart Grid devices, systems, and processes are essential to ensure interoperability and security under realistic operating conditions. Industry has indicated that this is a high priority. NIST, in consultation with industry, government, and other stakeholders, plans to implement an overall plan for a testing and certification framework in 2010. In the end, competition is the key element in driving innovation. But standards define the game we’re playing. Without standards, innovators have little guidance on where to focus their investment and limited resources. A more efficient and cost-effective strategy is to invest resources in the standards process up front and save time and money in developing relevant products for the marketplace. ei References: 1. Executive Interviews: Justin Rattner, The Link Between Standards and Innovation, (www.intel. com/standards/execqa/Justin_Rattner.htm) 2. Lane Burt, Proof of Concept—Well-crafted Standards Spur Innovation in Lighting, (www. grist.org/article/proof-of-concept-well-craft edstandards-spur-innovation-in-lighting) 3. M. Tsatsanis, How to Balance Standards and Innovation, (Technology Marketing Center, 2007) 4. R.H. Allen and R.D.Sriram, The Role of Standards in Innovation, (Elsevier Science, Inc.: Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2000) enables data transfer and communication among DICOS-enabled devices. In addition to its immediate application at 400 airports, DICOS may be extended to other transportation-related venues. By standardizing data values and representations of data, DICOS will minimize data format differences and enables scanning data acquired on one manufacturer’s device to be read on that of another. This is the essence of “interoperability”—the ability of two or more devices within a system to exchange and use data by standardizing parameters. Any conformant device, regardless of brand, competes in the marketplace to be a part of the system—ultimately widening the pool of prospective candidates and growing the market. NEMA’s Industrial Imaging and Communication Section has organized three working groups to develop computed tomography, digital radiography, and threat detection for representing and communicating results in a common format. Currently involved in the development of DICOS are representatives from Siemens, GE, L-3 Communications, Analogic, Optisecurity, Rapiscan Systems, Reveal Imaging Technologies, Varian Medical Systems and Guardian Technologies International, as well as representatives from DHS Science and Technology Directorate and the Transportation Security Administration. ei Harry Massey, Industry Director | harry.massey@nema.org and Jean Johnson, Program Manager | jean.johnson@nema.org NEMA electroindustry • October 09

NEMA October 2009 ElectroIndustry

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEMA October 2009 ElectroIndustry