IEC 60793-1-48:2017

Overview

IEC 60793-1-48:2017 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as part of the IEC 60793 series. This standard specifies measurement methods and test procedures for polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in single-mode optical fibre. PMD is a critical property in the quality evaluation of optical fibres, influencing signal integrity in high-speed fibre optic communication systems. The 2017 third edition introduces technical revisions, including the removal of the SOP (state of polarization) approach, providing uniform requirements for the PMD measurement process.

Consistent application of IEC 60793-1-48 helps manufacturers, laboratories, and network operators verify fibre quality, ensuring reliable performance in commercial and high-capacity telecommunications infrastructure.

Key Topics

• Polarization Mode Dispersion Explained: PMD describes how different polarization modes in a single-mode optical fibre propagate at different speeds, leading to signal pulses spreading over time. This pulse broadening can degrade system performance, particularly in high bit-rate optical networks.
• Measurement Methods: The standard describes three recognized methods for measuring PMD, each with distinct analytical approaches:
  • Method A - Fixed Analyser (FA): Analyses how output power changes with wavelength using fixed polarization optics. Analysis sub-methods include extrema counting, Fourier transform, and cosine Fourier transform.
  • Method B - Stokes Parameter Evaluation (SPE): Utilizes Stokes vectors to determine DGD (differential group delay) by analyzing the polarization states as a function of wavelength. Mathematical interpretations such as Jones matrix eigenanalysis and Poincaré sphere analysis are supported.
  • Method C - Interferometry (INTY): Employs broadband light sources to create interference patterns, enabling direct measurement of PMD from the interferogram envelope. Both traditional and general analysis approaches are outlined.
• Uniform Measurement Requirements: The document standardizes test conditions and result interpretations to achieve reproducible and comparable PMD values across fibre types and production batches.
• PMD Coefficient: Provides guidelines for normalizing PMD values to fibre length, reported in units such as ps/√km or ps/km, depending on fibre characteristics.

Applications

IEC 60793-1-48:2017 is indispensable for various stakeholders in the optical fibre industry:

• Manufacturing Quality Control: Fibre and cable manufacturers use standardized PMD measurements during production and inspection to ensure consistency and compliance with customer or regulatory requirements.
• Laboratory Testing: Accredited labs and research institutions rely on this standard for precise PMD assessments in both development and failure analysis.
• Telecommunications Network Deployment: System designers and operators apply PMD results to fibre selection, infrastructure planning, and link budgeting, ensuring optimal performance of high-speed long-haul and metro networks.
• Fibre Inspection for Commercial Contracts: The uniformity promoted by IEC 60793-1-48 allows for clear communication in procurement processes, acceptance testing, and dispute resolution.

Related Standards

• IEC 60793-1-1: Optical fibres - General measurement methods and guidance, providing foundational test procedures for optical fibre.
• IEC TR 61292-5: General information on polarization mode dispersion parameters in optical amplifiers.
• ITU-T G.650.2: International recommendations for statistical and non-linear attributes of single-mode fibre and cable, including PMD.
• IEC 61282-9 (TR): Additional technical report offering deeper insight into PMD measurement concepts and mathematical underpinnings.

Summary

IEC 60793-1-48:2017 is a core reference standard for measuring and specifying polarization mode dispersion in single-mode optical fibre. Adhering to its methods ensures PMD characteristics are accurately determined, supporting the design and maintenance of robust fibre optic systems. Its relevance spans manufacturing, testing, and network implementation, reinforcing international best practices in fibre optic quality control and performance assessment.