A connectivity package is a software component that consists of executable code and data which enables system tools to communicate with a IED. Connectivity packages are used to create configuration structures in PCM600. The latest PCM600 and connectivity packages are backward compatible with older IED versions.
A connectivity package includes all of the data which is used to describe the IED, for example, it contains a list of the existing parameters, data format used, units, setting range, access rights and visibility of the parameter. In addition, it contains code which allows software packages that consume the connectivity package to properly communicate with the IED. It also allows for localization of text even when its read from the IED in a standard format such as COMTRADE.
Update Manager is a tool that helps in defining the right connectivity package versions for different system products and tools. Update Manager is included with products that use connectivity packages.