Functional needs which led to the use of digital computing devices in the protection system of 1300 MW units

After a review of classical protection functions used in 900 MW power plants, it is concluded that in order to have functioning margins it is useful to calculate more finely the controled parameters. These calculating needs lead to the use of digital computing devices. Drawing profit from the new possibilities one can improve the general performances of the protection system with regard to availability, safety and maintenance. These options in the case of PALUEL led to the realization of SPIN, described here