IEC 61300-3-9-1997 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-9: Examinations and measurements - Far-end crosstalk. This part defines a standardized procedure to measure far-end crosstalk (also termed isolation for WDM devices) between channels of multiport (MxN) or 1xN passive fibre-optic components such as switches, WDMs and fan-outs.

Abstract

IEC 61300-3-9:1997 specifies the measurement principle, required apparatus, test connections and practical precautions to obtain reliable low-level optical measurements of far-end crosstalk/isolation. The standard defines far-end crosstalk as the ratio (reported in dB) of optical power at a nominally isolated output port to the optical power at a reference output port and provides guidance on sources, detectors, terminations and temporary joints needed for reproducible results.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal date listed by IEC: 29 December 2023).
• Publication date: 12 March 1997 (first edition).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optic interconnecting devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1997).
• Number of pages: 13 pages.

Scope

This standard applies to the measurement of far-end crosstalk/isolation for passive fibre-optic components with multiple output ports (MxN or 1xN), including switches, WDM components and fan-outs. It describes the measurement objective, required test equipment, typical test connections and steps to reduce measurement errors (ambient light control, suppression of cladding modes and reflections, correct terminations). The procedure is intended to produce reproducible low-level optical measurements suitable for product specification and quality verification.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of far-end crosstalk/isolation and expression of results in decibels (dB).
• Measurement principle: compare output power from a reference output port with power measured at a nominally isolated port.
• Required apparatus: stable optical source (appropriate spectral characteristics), high-dynamic-range detector/power meter, reproducible temporary joints (e.g., fusion splice), and appropriate terminations to suppress reflections.
• Test connections and layout guidance to avoid artefacts (pigtail handling, suppression of cladding modes, source spectral purity for WDMs).
• Measurement precautions: ambient light control, verification of detector linearity and sensitivity at low power levels, and clear specification of wavelengths for WDM isolation measurements.
• Details to be specified in test reports (e.g., wavelengths, launch conditions, terminations, calibration data).

Typical use and users

Used by component manufacturers, R&D and qualification laboratories, quality assurance teams and test houses to verify isolation/crosstalk performance of multiport passive fibre components. Also referenced by standards committees and engineers specifying test methods for product datasheets and acceptance testing.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures) and has been adopted as EN/ national variants (e.g., EN 61300-3-9:1997 and various national adoptions). Other relevant parts of the 61300 series (visual inspection, attenuation, retention tests and additional examination methods) should be consulted for comprehensive testing—examples include IEC/EN 61300-3-35, IEC/EN 61300-3-4 and IEC/EN 61300-2-4.

Keywords

Fibre optics; far-end crosstalk; isolation; WDM; multiport passive components; measurement procedure; optical test; IEC 61300.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61300-3-9:1997 is a part of the IEC 61300 series that defines a standardised test procedure for measuring far-end crosstalk (isolation) in multiport fibre-optic passive components.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the objective of the measurement, required apparatus (source, detector, temporary joints, terminations), the test connections and detailed precautions to ensure reproducible, low-level optical measurements of crosstalk/isolation. Results are reported as a difference in measured power levels (dB).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Component manufacturers, independent test laboratories, quality/production engineers and standards bodies use this procedure when specifying or verifying far-end crosstalk/isolation for switches, WDMs, fan-outs and similar passive optical devices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC lists 61300-3-9:1997 as withdrawn (withdrawal date recorded by IEC: 29 December 2023). IEC’s catalogue does not show a one-to-one replacement in the same part number; users should consult the latest IEC 61300 series parts and TC 86/SC 86B outputs for current test methods and any newer or consolidated procedures.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3-9 of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures) and has been adopted in regional/national forms (EN and other equivalents). Other parts of the series cover related examinations and tests (visual inspection, attenuation, retention, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Far-end crosstalk, isolation, fibre optic interconnecting devices, WDM, multiport, measurement procedure, optical power ratio, IEC 61300.