IEC 61300-3-14-2014 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components — Basic test and measurement procedures — Part 3-14: Examinations and measurements — Error and repeatability of the attenuation settings of a variable optical attenuator (IEC 61300-3-14:2014). This third edition defines methods to measure the error and repeatability of attenuation-value settings for variable optical attenuators (VOAs) for both manually and electrically controlled devices and for single-mode and multimode fibre VOAs.

Abstract

IEC 61300-3-14:2014 specifies a measurement method, required apparatus, calculation procedures and reporting details to determine the error (maximum deviation from the set attenuation) and repeatability of attenuation settings of variable optical attenuators. The 2014 (third) edition revises the 2006 edition, replaces the term "accuracy" with "error", distinguishes manual and electrical control types, harmonizes apparatus and specification details with the IEC 61300 series, and adds procedures for maximum deviation and hysteresis measurement.

General information

• Status: Published International Standard (3rd edition).
• Publication date: 10 October 2014 (3rd edition).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2014).
• Number of pages: 12 pages (PDF length as published by IEC).

Scope

This part of IEC 61300 provides a standardised method to measure the error and repeatability of attenuation-value settings of variable optical attenuators used as passive components. The standard covers both manually controlled and electrically controlled VOAs and applies to both single‑mode and multimode fibre VOAs. It defines required apparatus, measurement procedure, calculation of results, reporting and details to be specified for reproducible testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of measurement objectives: error (maximum deviation from the set value) and repeatability of VOA attenuation settings.
• Required apparatus and test-bench configuration to ensure repeatable measurements.
• Step-by-step measurement procedure for both manual and electrically controlled VOAs.
• Calculation methods for deriving error, maximum deviation and repeatability statistics.
• Measurement report format and details to be specified (sample records, test conditions).
• Informative Annex B: method to measure hysteresis characteristics; Annex A: example of a sample measurement record.

Typical use and users

Used by optical-component manufacturers, VOA designers, production and quality engineers, independent test laboratories and procurement/specification teams within telecom, datacom and fibre‑optic instrumentation sectors to verify VOA performance, ensure product compliance and support specification claims. National mirror bodies and test houses issuing conformity reports also refer to this part of the IEC 61300 series.

Related standards

IEC 61300-3-14 is part of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components). It supersedes IEC 61300-3-14:2006 (2nd edition) and is accompanied by other parts of the 61300 series that cover different optical tests and measurements. A more recent revision entry (IEC 61300-3-14:2025 RLV) is listed in the IEC catalogue as a later related release.

Keywords

variable optical attenuator; VOA; attenuation setting; error; repeatability; hysteresis; single-mode; multimode; fibre optics; test procedure; measurement report.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61300-3-14:2014 is an international test and measurement standard that specifies how to measure the error and repeatability of attenuation settings for variable optical attenuators (VOAs).

Q: What does it cover?

A: The standard covers measurement objectives, required apparatus, detailed measurement procedures, calculation methods (including maximum deviation and repeatability), reporting requirements and informative annexes including hysteresis measurement and example records. It applies to both manually and electrically controlled VOAs and to single‑mode and multimode fibres.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of VOAs and fibre‑optic components, in‑house and independent testing laboratories, QA/production engineers, procurement/specification teams in telecom/datacom and instrument vendors, and national standards/adoption bodies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61300-3-14:2014 is the third edition published in October 2014 and replaced the 2006 edition. The IEC catalogue also indicates a later related release entry (IEC 61300-3-14:2025 RLV) and a planned withdrawal date listed for the 2014 edition in the IEC record; users should check the IEC catalogue or national body for the absolute current status before relying on the 2014 text for compliance work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3-14 of the IEC 61300 series, which contains basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. Other parts of the series cover related optical test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Variable optical attenuator (VOA), attenuation setting, error, repeatability, hysteresis, single-mode, multimode, fibre optics, test procedure, measurement report.