The scope of this guide is to define and characterize control architecture for high-power electronics from power semiconductor device levels to the power system level. This guide covers the application of power electronics in the areas of Power Quality/Custom Power@ Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)@ High Voltage DC Transmission (HVDC)@ Distributed Generation@ Energy Storage applications@ etc. with a power range from hundreds of kW to thousands of MW@ but with emphasis on the 1 MW to hundreds of MW. Purpose The purpose of this guide is to define hierarchical control architecture@ define various parameters/functions that need to be handled within each level@ and those that need to be communicated between the levels and their required speed range. When the control functions of many different power electronic systems are investigated and evaluated@ a significant degree of common functionality emerges@ irrespective of the target application. Using the concept of system levels (or layers)@ it is possible to define a hierarchical control architecture for high-power electronics-based systems. The intent of this document is to provide a framework and guideline specifically for the control system in order to allow multiple vendors to design and manufacture components@ subassemblies@ and software@ which can be used in a large variety of power electronic products or systems. This guideline will also serve as a foundation for interchangeability among different manufacturers at the layer level with defined interfaces.