IEC 61300-3-24-2006 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-24: Examinations and measurements - Keying accuracy of optical connectors for polarization maintaining fibre. This part of IEC 61300 provides a laboratory method to measure the keying accuracy of polarization‑maintaining (PM) fibre connectors so that the birefringence axes of mating fibres are aligned for high extinction‑ratio propagation.

Abstract

The standard specifies apparatus, procedure and reporting details for determining the keying (rotational) accuracy of optical connector plugs intended for polarization‑maintaining fibre. Tests evaluate how well the connector keying aligns the PM axes of mated fibres and provide data to support specification limits for extinction ratio and connector interchangeability.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Replaced (see Related standards).
• Publication date: 25 October 2006.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optic interconnecting devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2006).
• Number of pages: 21 pages.

Core bibliographic and lifecycle details as published by the IEC webstore.

Scope

This part of IEC 61300 defines a test method for measuring the keying accuracy of optical connectors intended for use with polarization‑maintaining fibre. It addresses the measurement objective, required apparatus, step‑by‑step measurement procedure, data reduction and the details that shall be recorded and specified when the test is used for acceptance or design verification. The intent is to quantify rotational misalignment that would degrade extinction ratio in PM links.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of keying accuracy and its relation to polarization extinction ratio in PM fibre connectors.
• Required test apparatus (fixturing, alignment references and measurement instruments) and environmental considerations.
• Stepwise measurement procedure including alignment, angular measurement, and repeatability checks.
• Data treatment, reporting format and information that must be specified (connector type, ferrule geometry, test conditions).
• Informative annexes offering guidance on typical keying tolerances and calculated versus measured extinction‑ratio relationships.

Typical use and users

Primary users are connector and passive component manufacturers, design and qualification laboratories, and quality/acceptance test teams in optical component suppliers and system integrators. The procedure is used during product development, production verification and supplier qualification where polarization performance and PM connector interchangeability are critical.

Related standards

This part is one member of the IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices). IEC 61300-3-24:2006 has been replaced by IEC 61300-3-55:2020 (which consolidates polarisation extinction ratio and keying‑accuracy examinations); related parts include IEC 61300-3-35 (end‑face cleanliness/inspection) and other 61300 series test parts addressing mechanical and optical test methods.

Keywords

polarization maintaining, PM fibre, keying accuracy, connector keying, extinction ratio, fibre optic connector testing, IEC 61300, measurement procedure

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is IEC 61300-3-24:2006 — a test method specification for measuring the keying (rotational) accuracy of optical connectors intended for polarization‑maintaining fibre.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The standard covers apparatus, step‑by‑step procedures, data reduction and reporting details necessary to quantify connector keying accuracy and to relate angular misalignment to expected polarization extinction performance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector manufacturers, test and qualification laboratories, and systems integrators working with PM fibre links use this procedure for design verification, production testing and supplier acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61300-3-24:2006 has been withdrawn and replaced by IEC 61300-3-55:2020; users should consult the 3‑55:2020 edition for the latest combined requirements on polarization extinction ratio and keying accuracy.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61300 series of basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. Other parts address optical, mechanical and environmental tests used across connector and component qualification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Polarization maintaining, keying accuracy, extinction ratio, connector testing, IEC 61300, PM fibre, measurement procedure.