IEC 61280-1-3:2010 PDF

Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures - Part 1-3: General communication subsystems - Central wavelength and spectral width measurement

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Title (English):

IEC 61280-1-3:2010

Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures - Part 1-3: General communication subsystems - Central wavelength and spectral width measurement

Document status:: Active
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 17
Publication date:: March 18, 2010
Edition:: IEC IS 61280 edition 2 version 1
ICS:: 27.120

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Description (English):

IEC 61280-1-3:2010 provides definitions and measure procedures for several wavelength and spectral width properties of an optical spectrum associated with a fibre optic communication subsystem, an optical transmitter, or other light sources used in the operation or test of communication subsystems. The measurement is done for the purpose of system construction and/or maintenance. In the case of communication subsystem signals, the optical transmitter is typically under modulation. NOTE - Different properties may be appropriate to different spectral types, such as continuous spectra characteristic of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and multilongitudinal-mode (MLM), multitransverse-mode (MTM) and single-longitudinal mode (SLM) spectra, characteristic of laser diodes (LDs). This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1998. This edition constitutes a technical revision with changes reflecting new laser technology and includes a second method modified for state of the art instrumentation. Keywords: definitions and measure procedures for several wavelength and spectral width properties of an optical spectrum, optical transmitter, test of communication subsystems

Technical details

Technical committee: SC 86C - Fibre optic systems, sensing and active devices
SKU: IEC 61280-1-3:2010

Abstract

Overview

IEC 61280-1-3:2010 defines measurement definitions and procedures for central wavelength and spectral width properties of optical spectra in fibre optic communication subsystems. It covers test methods for optical transmitters and light sources used in system construction and maintenance, including measurements while transmitters are modulated. The second edition updates the first (1998) to reflect advances in laser technology and adds a modified second method for modern instrumentation.

Key technical topics and requirements

Scope of measurement
- Central wavelength definitions: centre wavelength, centroidal wavelength, peak wavelength.
- Spectral width definitions: RMS spectral width, n-dB-down width, full-width half-maximum (FWHM).
- Additional characteristic: side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) for nominally single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) lasers.
Test methods
- Method A: Uses high-sample-count optical spectrum analyzers (OSA) to analyze dense spectra.
- Method B: Legacy method using discrete wavelength points; retained for compatibility with earlier instrumentation.
Apparatus and calibration
- Requires a calibrated optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). Calibration per IEC 62129 is mandatory.
- Recommended OSA capabilities: for LEDs, ~1 nm or better resolution and >200 nm range; for lasers (WDM applications) ~0.1 nm or better resolution. OSA sensitivity must capture at least –20 dB from peak; higher dynamic range needed for SMSR.
Test setup and samples
- Test cords typically 2–5 m long, matching intended cable plant; single-mode cords require specific loop arrangements to reject cladding modes.
- Measurements usually performed with the transmitter under modulation; SLM lasers may require modulation or high data rates (above ~2.5 Gb/s) to produce measurable linewidths.
Safety
- Follow laser safety classification and requirements per IEC 60825-1.

Practical applications and users

This standard is practical for:

Test engineers and field technicians performing acceptance testing, commissioning and maintenance of fibre optic links.
Manufacturers of optical transmitters, LEDs and laser diodes who need to certify spectral performance.
System integrators and network operators deploying WDM systems where accurate central wavelength and spectral width affect channel spacing and crosstalk.
Use cases include transmitter characterization, troubleshooting spectral impairments, verifying compliance with system design tolerances, and assessing SMSR for SLM sources.

Related standards

IEC 62129 - Calibration of optical spectrum analyzers (referenced for OSA calibration)
IEC 60825-1 - Safety of laser products (equipment classification and requirements)
IEC 61280 series - Other parts cover complementary fibre optic subsystem test procedures

Keywords: IEC 61280-1-3:2010, central wavelength measurement, spectral width measurement, optical spectrum analyzer, fibre optic communication subsystem, RMS width, FWHM, SMSR, LED, MLM, SLM, WDM.

Related standards

Standards mentioned in the description

Abstract

Overview

Key technical topics and requirements

Scope of measurement
- Central wavelength definitions: centre wavelength, centroidal wavelength, peak wavelength.
- Spectral width definitions: RMS spectral width, n-dB-down width, full-width half-maximum (FWHM).
- Additional characteristic: side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) for nominally single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) lasers.
Test methods
- Method A: Uses high-sample-count optical spectrum analyzers (OSA) to analyze dense spectra.
- Method B: Legacy method using discrete wavelength points; retained for compatibility with earlier instrumentation.
Apparatus and calibration
- Requires a calibrated optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). Calibration per IEC 62129 is mandatory.
- Recommended OSA capabilities: for LEDs, ~1 nm or better resolution and >200 nm range; for lasers (WDM applications) ~0.1 nm or better resolution. OSA sensitivity must capture at least –20 dB from peak; higher dynamic range needed for SMSR.
Test setup and samples
- Test cords typically 2–5 m long, matching intended cable plant; single-mode cords require specific loop arrangements to reject cladding modes.
- Measurements usually performed with the transmitter under modulation; SLM lasers may require modulation or high data rates (above ~2.5 Gb/s) to produce measurable linewidths.
Safety
- Follow laser safety classification and requirements per IEC 60825-1.

Practical applications and users

This standard is practical for:

Test engineers and field technicians performing acceptance testing, commissioning and maintenance of fibre optic links.
Manufacturers of optical transmitters, LEDs and laser diodes who need to certify spectral performance.
System integrators and network operators deploying WDM systems where accurate central wavelength and spectral width affect channel spacing and crosstalk.
Use cases include transmitter characterization, troubleshooting spectral impairments, verifying compliance with system design tolerances, and assessing SMSR for SLM sources.

Related standards

IEC 62129 - Calibration of optical spectrum analyzers (referenced for OSA calibration)
IEC 60825-1 - Safety of laser products (equipment classification and requirements)
IEC 61280 series - Other parts cover complementary fibre optic subsystem test procedures

Keywords: IEC 61280-1-3:2010, central wavelength measurement, spectral width measurement, optical spectrum analyzer, fibre optic communication subsystem, RMS width, FWHM, SMSR, LED, MLM, SLM, WDM.

IEC 61280-1-3:2010 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key technical topics and requirements

Practical applications and users

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key technical topics and requirements

Practical applications and users

Related standards

Related standards

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