Overview
IEC 60728-13:2010 - "Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services - Part 13: Optical systems for broadcast signal transmissions" - defines the basic system parameters and measurement methods for optical distribution systems with a system outlet. The standard specifies performance limits and test procedures for FTTH (fibre to the home) networks used to deliver broadcast and narrowcast TV and radio signals, and it also applies to broadcast over telecommunication networks when the optical portion meets this standard. The published edition includes the August 2010 corrigendum.
Key topics and technical requirements
IEC 60728-13 focuses on measurable system performance and contains normative guidance on:
- Optical system reference models (one-fibre and two-fibre solutions) and measurement point definitions
- Measurement preparation: standard environmental and operating conditions, equipment accuracy and source power requirements
- Methods of measurement for:
- Optical power
- Carrier level and carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N) for analogue (AM‑VSB) and digital (QAM, OFDM) signals
- Relative intensity noise (RIN) and deriving C/N from optical noise
- Optical modulation index and carrier-to-crosstalk ratio (CCR)
- System specifications for broadcast over optical networks: wavelength allocations, frequency bands, minimum operational C/N and RIN requirements, and crosstalk/non-linearity considerations
- Environmental conditions and in‑house/in‑building wiring performance allocations
- Annexes covering real-world system examples, optical system overview, degradation mechanisms (e.g., scattering, non-linearities), and detailed parameter measurement procedures
Keywords: IEC 60728-13, optical systems, FTTH, xPON, broadcast signal transmission, C/N ratio, RIN, optical power measurement.
Practical applications and who uses the standard
IEC 60728-13 is intended for professionals involved in the planning, deployment, testing and regulation of optical broadcast distribution:
- Cable and IPTV operators deploying FTTH broadcast and narrowcast services
- System architects and network designers defining optical link budgets and in‑building allocations
- Equipment manufacturers (optical transmitters, receivers, WDM/PON components) ensuring product compliance to broadcast requirements
- Test laboratories and field technicians performing optical power, C/N, RIN and CCR measurements
- Regulatory bodies and service providers assessing interoperability and service quality for broadcast over optical infrastructures
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 60728 series (cable networks for television and sound)
- Telecom PON standards and profiles (the standard introduces xPON as the physical media; related PON work includes IEEE 802.3ah references cited in the document)
IEC 60728-13 is a practical reference for ensuring reliable broadcast signal transmission over fibre, providing standardized measurement methods and performance criteria essential for modern FTTH broadcast deployments.
Open preview (PDF)Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services - Part 13: Optical systems for broadcast signal transmissions
