IEC 61300-3-23-1998 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components — Basic test and measurement procedures — Part 3-23: Examination and measurements — Fibre position relative to ferrule endface. The standard specifies methods to measure the axial position of a fibre in a spherically polished ferrule endface (i.e., to determine fibre undercut or fibre protrusion) for connector and ferrule quality control.

Abstract

IEC 61300-3-23:1998 defines examination and measurement procedures to quantify the relative position of an optical fibre to the ferrule endface in spherically polished ferrules. It describes instrumental methods (two‑dimensional profilometry and three‑dimensional interferometric surface analysis), data processing (fitting an ideal circle to the spherical endface) and the derived measurement of fibre undercut or protrusion used for connector assessment.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / replaced (see related standards below).
• Publication date: 29 April 1998.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optic interconnecting devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1998).
• Number of pages: 35 (IEC publication).

Scope

The standard’s scope is limited to measurement and examination techniques for determining the fibre’s axial position relative to a spherically polished ferrule endface — specifically to detect and quantify fibre undercut (recessed) or protrusion. It defines recommended apparatus, measurement procedures and data processing required to obtain repeatable undercut/protrusion values for connector assessment.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for ferrule endface geometry and fibre position (undercut/protrusion).
• Two principal measurement methods: two‑dimensional profilometry (surface trace/profile with a wedge probe) and three‑dimensional interferometric surface analysis.
• Instrumentation requirements (e.g., profilometer and profile data processing unit; interferometric 3D analyzer and appropriate ferrule holders and positioning stages).
• Data processing procedures, including fitting an ideal circle to the spherical ferrule endface and extracting converted profile data to calculate fibre undercut or protrusion.
• Measurement accuracy and performance expectations for surface analyzers are specified to ensure repeatability of undercut/protrusion results.

Typical use and users

Used by connector and ferrule manufacturers, independent test laboratories, quality assurance/acceptance teams and R&D groups working on optical connectors and passive components. Typical applications are production acceptance testing, incoming inspection of ferrules, research on endface finishing processes, and verification of connector endface quality in high‑performance optical assemblies.

Related standards

IEC 61300-3-23:1998 is part of the IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices). It has been withdrawn and replaced by IEC 61300-3-47 (published 2014), which consolidates and updates endface measurement methods. Other related parts in the 61300 series address visual inspection, attenuation, return loss and retention tests.

Keywords

ferrule endface, fibre position, fibre undercut, fibre protrusion, profilometry, interferometry, connector endface, IEC 61300, test procedures, ferrule geometry

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61300-3-23:1998 is an IEC technical standard that specifies examination and measurement procedures to determine the axial position of an optical fibre relative to a spherically polished ferrule endface (fibre undercut or protrusion).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers recommended measurement methods (2D profilometry and 3D interferometric analysis), required instrumentation and data‑processing techniques to calculate undercut/protrusion values from ferrule endface surface profiles.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector and ferrule manufacturers, optical test laboratories, QA/inspection teams and R&D groups concerned with connector endface quality and reproducible measurement of fibre position.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61300-3-23:1998 has been withdrawn and replaced; its material was superseded by IEC 61300-3-47:2014 (withdrawal/replacement effective in 2014). Users should consult the later part 3-47 for the current, consolidated endface measurement procedures.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures) covering tests and examinations for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ferrule endface, fibre undercut, fibre protrusion, profilometer, interferometry, endface measurement, connector inspection, IEC 61300.