SimBench provides an extensive open-source dataset of typical electrical power systems with up-to-date grid data and in addition, corresponding time series for load, generation and storage. It enables multi-voltage-level analyses and increases comparability and transparency of tools and methods for developments in the field of power systems. The grid data and elaborated study cases are based on German distribution system operators (DSOs) planning and operational principles. After a brief introduction to the SimBench project, this paper presents the general and consistent principles derived for SimBench.