Crystal Group, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance rugged compute solutions for critical infrastructure, today announced that its ES3604L24 Substation Server has achieved IEC 61850-3 certification, reinforcing its commitment to interoperability, reliability, and standards-based grid modernization.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260126749955/en/

The IEC 61850-3-certified ES3604L24 Substation Server from Crystal Group delivers rugged, high-performance compute at the grid edge, supporting virtualized protection, automation, and control in digital substations.

The IEC 61850-3-certified ES3604L24 will be on display at DISTRIBUTECH 2026, taking place Feb. 2-5, in both Crystal Group’s booth #4939 and the vPAC Alliance booth #6115.

Purpose-built for modern digital substations, the ES3604L24 Substation Server is a scalable, high-performance platform designed to support virtualization, real-time automation, cybersecurity, and virtual protection and control applications. Certification to IEC 61850-3 validates the system’s ability to operate reliably in harsh substation environments while ensuring seamless communication and interoperability with protection, automation, and control systems across multi-vendor utility ecosystems.

“IEC 61850-3 certification is a critical milestone for utilities modernizing their substations with virtualized architectures,” said Cale Stephens, vice president, engineering and advanced technology at Crystal Group. “With the ES3604L24, utilities can confidently deploy a rugged, standards-based server platform that supports today’s requirements while scaling for future grid demands.”

Engineered specifically for substation deployment, the ES3604L24 offers flexible configuration options, including support for high core-count processors, extensive PCIe expansion, AC or DC power inputs, and large memory capacities. Its rugged design helps utilities reduce footprint and complexity while enabling advanced protection, automation, and control workloads at the grid edge.

At DISTRIBUTECH 2026, attendees can connect with Crystal Group team members to explore how the IEC 61850-3-certified ES3604L24 supports virtualized protection and control architectures and aligns with vPAC Alliance initiatives focused on open, interoperable, and future-ready substations.

For more information or to schedule a meeting at DISTRIBUTECH, visit www.crystalrugged.com.

About Crystal Group, Inc.

Crystal Group, Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance, rugged compute solutions for defense, government, commercial and industrial markets. Founded in 1987, this fast-growing, employee-owned business specializes in the design, customization, build and testing of rugged servers, embedded computers, networking devices, displays, and data storage for high reliability in harsh environments.

Their integrated solutions meet or exceed IEEE, IEC, and military standards, including MIL-STD-810, 167-1, 461, and MIL-S-901, to bring seamless, real-time artificial intelligence, autonomy and cybersecurity to demanding edge applications. All products are manufactured in the company’s U.S. facility, certified to ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D standards and are backed by a five-plus-year warranty.

©2026 Crystal Group, Inc. All rights reserved. All marks are property of their respective owners. Design and specifications are subject to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260126749955/en/

“IEC 61850-3 certification is a critical milestone for utilities modernizing their substations with virtualized architectures,” said Cale Stephens, vice president, engineering and advanced technology at Crystal Group.