IEC 60728-113:2023

Overview

IEC 60728-113:2023 defines requirements for optical systems used in cable networks for the transmission of television, sound signals, and interactive services utilizing digital channels. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard is primarily focused on the transmission of broadcast signals over fibre-optic networks – specifically fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) systems – where digital signal integrity, system performance, and measurement parameters are critical.

This standard applies to systems composed of headend equipment, optical transmission lines, in-house wiring, and system outlets, with a frequency range up to 3,300 MHz. While covering digital broadcast over FTTH, it may also apply to telecommunication networks if their optical segment meets these specifications. The main objective is to enhance system reliability and performance by specifying baseline parameters for signal transmission and providing guidelines for measurement and assessment.

Key Topics

• System Reference Model: Defines the architecture of optical broadcast signal transmission, including headend, transmission lines, and endpoints.
• Performance Parameters: Outlines essential system specifications such as signal-to-intermodulation and noise ratio (SINR), relative intensity noise (RIN), optical modulation, and crosstalk suppression.
• Measurement Methods: Provides standardized procedures for assessing optical power, wavelength, noise levels, bit error ratio (BER), and modulation error ratio (MER).
• Downstream RF Over FTTH: Focuses exclusively on downstream RF (radio frequency) video signal transmission, not covering IP-based transport technologies.
• Compatibility and Interference: Addresses some aspects of interference between telecommunication and broadcast systems within shared optical media.
• Physical Layer Notes: While the document references the use of systems such as xPON for transmission, it does not detail physical layer protocols.

Applications

IEC 60728-113:2023 is relevant for organizations and technical experts involved in the design, deployment, and maintenance of:

• FTTH Broadcast Distribution: Ensuring high-quality, digital-only RF signal transmission for television and sound broadcasting to residential and commercial subscribers.
• Hybrid Broadcast/Telecom Networks: Where the optical portion must conform to broadcast performance standards, supporting scenarios where telecom and broadcast networks may coexist.
• System Testing and Compliance: Provides manufacturers, installers, and operators with clear criteria and validated measurement approaches for system acceptance testing and troubleshooting.
• Upgrade and Expansion Projects: Assists planners and engineers in integrating new digital-only optical broadcast distribution capabilities or transitioning from analog to digital infrastructures.

Benefits of adopting IEC 60728-113:2023 include improved service reliability, better end-user experience, and the ability to objectively benchmark network performance using internationally recognized parameters.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive optical broadcast network design and management strategy, the following related standards are of importance:

• IEC 60728 Series: The broader family of standards on cable networks, covering system performance and general technical requirements.
• IEC 60728-1: Lays down general requirements and system performance for cable networks distributing television and sound signals.
• IEC 60728-14: Addresses optical equipment and system interfaces for cable distribution.
• ITU-T G.984 / ITU-T G.987: Specify gigabit and next-generation passive optical network (PON) technologies commonly used as physical media.
• ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3: Relevant for Ethernet-based physical layers referenced in system architecture.

By adhering to IEC 60728-113:2023, network operators and solution providers ensure state-of-the-art compliance, interoperability, and robustness for optical broadcasting systems delivering entirely digital channel lineups.