IEC 61300-3-39-2011 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-39: Examinations and measurements - Physical contact (PC) optical connector reference plug selection for return loss measurements. The standard specifies selection criteria and a test procedure for non‑angled physical contact (PC) optical connector plugs to be used as a reference plug in return loss (RL) measurements and defines an acceptance return loss value (RLa) for plug acceptance testing.

Abstract

This part of IEC 61300 describes how to choose a non‑angled PC reference plug for return loss measurements, defines the acceptance return loss (RLa) used in plug acceptance tests, and provides a test procedure based on random mating of plugs against the reference to guarantee a given return loss when two plugs mate successfully. The edition is a technical revision of the first edition (1997) and includes structural updates and an Annex describing additional details.

General information

• Status: Active / Published
• Publication date: 22 November 2011
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optics)
• Edition / version: 2.0 (second edition)
• Number of pages: 26

Scope

The standard applies to non‑angled physical contact (PC) optical connector plugs used as reference plugs in return loss measurements. It establishes selection criteria for a reference plug, specifies an acceptance return loss value (RLa) for plug acceptance testing, and describes the test procedure (including random mating against the reference) necessary to demonstrate that a pair of plugs will meet the required return loss performance when mated.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection criteria for non‑angled physical contact (PC) reference plugs used in return loss measurements.
• Definition and use of an acceptance return loss value (RLa) for plug acceptance testing.
• Random‑mating test procedure to verify that two plugs meet return loss requirements when mated to the reference plug.
• Requirements and pass/fail criteria for plug acceptance based on measured return loss against the reference.
• Normative and informative annex material providing examples and clarifications (as included in the edition).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of fibre‑optic connectors and interconnect components, independent test laboratories, QA and R&D teams, and compliance/acceptance engineers who must select or validate reference plugs and perform return loss testing. Also referenced in product specification and verification procedures for connector production and incoming/outgoing inspection.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures) which includes numerous inspection and measurement parts (for example parts covering visual inspection, changes in return loss and attenuation, ferrule geometry, etc.). Related performance and product standards (e.g., IEC 61753 series) and several regional/adopted EN versions reference or work alongside IEC 61300 parts in connector testing programs.

Keywords

IEC 61300-3-39, fibre optics, optical connector, reference plug, return loss, RLa, physical contact (PC), connector acceptance testing, random mating, test procedure.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61300-3-39:2011 is a test and measurement standard that specifies how to select a non‑angled physical contact (PC) optical connector reference plug for return loss measurements and defines acceptance criteria (RLa) and test methods for plug acceptance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection criteria for PC reference plugs, the definition of an acceptance return loss value (RLa), and a random‑mating test procedure used to demonstrate that plugs meet return loss requirements when mated to the selected reference plug.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector and component manufacturers, independent test labs, quality assurance and R&D teams, and product compliance engineers use this standard when specifying reference plugs and performing return‑loss verification and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This document is the second edition published on 22 November 2011 (edition 2.0). Searches of standards listings and the IEC publication entry show the 2011 edition as the current published edition; no newer edition or formal superseding document was identified in the consulted listings as of the publication entries referenced here. Users should check the IEC webstore or their national standards body for any amendments or later revisions before relying on it for formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures) which contains many parts addressing inspections, measurements and specific test methods for optical fibre interconnecting devices and passive components.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include: reference plug, return loss (RL), acceptance return loss (RLa), physical contact (PC), optical connector, random mating, IEC 61300, connector testing.