IEC 60728-4:2007

Overview - IEC 60728-4:2007 (Passive wideband equipment for coaxial cable networks)

IEC 60728-4:2007 is an international standard for passive wideband equipment used in coaxial cable networks that carry television, sound and interactive services. It applies to system outlets, splitters, taps and other passive single- or multi‑port devices (filters, attenuators, equalizers, galvanic isolators, power injectors, splices, terminating resistors, transfer points) but excludes coaxial cables and receiver leads. The standard covers the 5 MHz to 3000 MHz frequency range and defines performance requirements, data publication rules, measurement methods and minimum quality grades.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & equipment types: system outlets, splitters, taps, passive filters/attenuators/equalizers, power injectors, cable splices and terminating components.
• Frequency band: 5 MHz – 3000 MHz (wideband coaxial distribution).
• Performance parameters: attenuation, through‑loss, isolation, return loss, group delay variation, amplitude frequency response, hum modulation, and intermodulation (two‑carrier measurements for 2nd and 3rd order products).
• Measurement methods: standardized test set‑ups and procedures for attenuation, isolation, through‑loss, group delay, amplitude response and two‑carrier intermodulation to ensure repeatable lab and field testing.
• Data publication: mandatory reporting of key parameters so manufacturers and integrators can compare components.
• Quality grades: minimum requirements define three quality grades for passive equipment (except system outlets, which have a single grade), supporting network planning and procurement.
• Updates in this edition: revised definitions, added/updated test methods (attenuation, isolation, group delay, amplitude response, two‑carrier intermodulation) and updated performance requirements.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: equipment manufacturers, test laboratories, system designers, cable operators (CATV, HFC), MATV/SMATV integrators, installers, procurement and QA teams, and regulatory or certification bodies.
• Practical uses: specifying and verifying passive components in headend-to-subscriber distribution, in‑building coax installations, multi‑dwelling unit (MDU) systems, and interactive services where wideband performance and minimal intermodulation are critical. Ensures interoperability and predictable signal quality when integrating components from different suppliers.

Related standards

• Part of the IEC 60728 series (Cable networks for television, sound and interactive services). For full system design, consult other parts of the IEC 60728 series and applicable EMC, safety and cable/component standards.

This standard is essential for anyone specifying, testing or installing passive components in modern coaxial distribution networks and helps ensure consistent signal quality across 5 MHz–3 000 MHz systems.