IEC 60512-28-100:2019

Overview

IEC 60512-28-100:2019 defines standardized signal integrity tests for connectors used in electrical and electronic equipment, extending the test frequency range up to 2 000 MHz. It specifies test methods and measurement arrangements to evaluate transmission performance of connector series referenced in IEC 60603-7 and IEC 61076-1/2/3 and can be applied to lower-frequency connector types (while the connector’s own detail specification remains the primary conformance reference).

This second edition updates the previous 1 000 MHz scope to 2 000 MHz and revises tables and requirements throughout.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Signal integrity measurements (Tests 28a–28g):
  • Test 28a - Insertion loss
  • Test 28b - Return loss
  • Test 28c - Near-end crosstalk (NEXT)
  • Test 28d - Far-end crosstalk (FEXT)
  • Test 28f - Transverse conversion loss (TCL)
  • Test 28g - Transverse conversion transfer loss (TCTL)
• Referenced procedures
  • Shield transfer impedance (ZT) - see IEC 60512-26-100 (test 26e)
  • Coupling attenuation (aC) - see IEC 62153‑4‑12
• Measurement infrastructure and best practice
  • Use of vector network analysers (VNA), RF switching units, controlled coaxial interconnects and calibrated reference loads
  • Mixed-mode S‑parameter nomenclature and modal decomposition techniques for balanced pair measurements
  • Detailed requirements for test fixtures (indirect-reference, direct-probe, specialized) and termination loads
  • Calibration at the defined reference plane and verification of termination symmetry and impedance matching
• Test reporting and accuracy guidance for each measurement type

Practical applications

• Qualification and performance verification of high-speed connectors used in:
  • Data communications (Ethernet, datacenter interconnects)
  • Telecommunications and networking equipment
  • Industrial and electronic assemblies requiring controlled transmission up to 2 GHz
• Use cases include connector design validation, production test, compliance verification, and supplier qualification.
• Test labs, OEMs, connector manufacturers and compliance engineers use this standard to ensure consistent, repeatable signal integrity results across suppliers and test facilities.

Who should use this standard

• Connector manufacturers and R&D teams validating mating hardware
• Independent test and certification laboratories
• System integrators and OEMs specifying connector performance for high-speed links
• Quality and compliance engineers establishing test programs for interconnects

Related standards

• IEC 60603-7, IEC 61076-1/2/3 (connector family specifications)
• IEC 60512-26-100 (transfer impedance test 26e)
• IEC 62153-4-12 (coupling attenuation)

Keywords: IEC 60512-28-100:2019, Connectors, Signal Integrity Tests, insertion loss, return loss, NEXT, FEXT, TCL, TCTL, transfer impedance, mixed‑mode S‑parameters.