The Smart Grid arose from the combination of the Power Grid (generation, transport and consume) with the Information Technologies. Smart Grids are evolving driven by the need of greater efficiency, by the growth of distributed power generation and by the massive automation of the processes involved. As a result of these advances, the networks involved converge and fully heterogeneous nodes and equipment must interact. Therefore, from a global perspective based on promoting interoperability and standardization it must be taken into account specific requirements of the Smart Grid, like real-time processing, accurate synchronization and cyber-security. In this context, the new Smart Grid must take into account the massive implementation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in the Industrial regions of the grid (like in the substations) and in the Smart-cities or in users’ premises. The CPS are those systems required to connect the world of computers with the physical world.

The challenge is huge and multidisciplinary. The proposal presented in this research project seeks to make contributions in the field of embedded systems proposing a common architecture of nodes for Smart Grid (CPS and Smart gateways), a clear necessity defined in the State of the Art. These nodes must provide direct integration into network and allow real-time processing, feature required in some control processes involved in the Smart Grid. It must incorporate advanced synchronization mechanisms providing high availability (for the network, usually employing redundant communications, and for the device itself, applying fault-tolerance) and cyber-security.