IEC 60728-3:2017

Overview

IEC 60728-3:2017 - Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services - Part 3: Active wideband equipment for cable networks specifies measuring methods, performance requirements and data‑publication requirements for active wideband equipment used in cable networks. The fifth edition (2017) cancels and replaces the 2010 edition and is a technical revision that updates frequency ranges, integrates related technical content and removes obsolete analogue specifications.

Key updates in this edition include:

• Forward path upper frequency extended from 1000 MHz to 1218 MHz (optionally up to 1794 MHz)
• Return path upper frequency extended from 85 MHz to 204 MHz
• Integration/updates of IEC 60728-3-1 and CLC/TS 50083-3-3
• Removal of obsolete analogue test methods and additional normative references, terms and abbreviations

Key topics and requirements

The standard covers practical, testable requirements and measurement methods for active equipment used in modern cable networks. Major technical topics include:

• Methods of measurement for linear and non‑linear behavior
  • Linear distortion: return loss, group delay variation
  • Non‑linear distortion: intermodulation, Composite Triple Beat (CTB), Composite Second Order (CSO), cross‑modulation
• Noise performance: noise figure, CINR / NPR measurement methods for digitally modulated signals
• Hum modulation and carrier/hum ratio measurements
• Automatic gain and slope control (AGC) step response
• Crosstalk attenuation and isolation for loop‑through and output ports (including multi‑switch requirements)
• Equipment requirements: frequency range, impedance/return loss, gain, flatness, test points, power supply, EMC and safety, environmental/MTBF and marking
• Immunity to surge voltages and test levels
• Annexes with test frequency plans, test carriers, measurement examples and equipment checks

Applications and who uses it

IEC 60728-3:2017 is used by:

• Cable equipment manufacturers for design verification and product specifications
• Test laboratories for device characterization and certification
• Network operators and system integrators for acceptance testing, network upgrades and interoperability checks
• Regulatory bodies and procurement teams to define compliance and performance requirements for active wideband devices
• Maintenance teams to diagnose performance issues and validate repairs

Practical uses include equipment design validation, pre‑deployment testing, supplier qualification, and ensuring signal integrity for television, audio and interactive services across extended frequency ranges.

Related standards

• Other parts of the IEC 60728 series (system and passive components)
• Integrated content from IEC 60728-3-1 and CLC/TS 50083-3-3
• Applicable regional/national EMC, safety, and telecommunications testing standards

Keywords: IEC 60728-3, active wideband equipment, cable networks, CTB, CSO, CINR, noise figure, return loss, intermodulation, forward path, return path, measurement methods.