IEC 60793-2-60:2008

Overview

IEC 60793-2-60:2008 is the IEC sectional product specification for category C single‑mode intraconnection fibres. It defines requirements for optical fibre types C1, C2, C3 and C4 used for intraconnections within or between optical components, photonic systems and subsystems. These fibres are typically produced in kilometre lengths and cut into short lengths for pigtails and internal interconnects; they may be supplied bare, colour‑coded, overcoated or buffered.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Fibre families and nominal wavelengths
  • C1: optimized for 1260, 1550, 1625 nm (MFD 8.6–9.5 μm at 1310 nm)
  • C2: optimized at 1310 nm (MFD 5.0–7.0 μm at 1310 nm)
  • C3: optimized at 1550/1625 nm (MFD 5.5–7.5 μm at 1550 nm)
  • C4: optimized for amplifier pump/980 nm (MFD 4.0–7.0 μm at 980 nm)
• Cladding diameter options
  • Two nominal cladding diameters are specified: 125 μm (_125) and 80 μm (_80), each with tight dimensional control.
• Mode Field Diameter (MFD)
  • MFD is a primary variable; families and sub‑categories (_a, _b) are defined to balance splice loss vs macrobend performance.
• Attribute groups covered
  • Dimensional (cladding/coating diameter, concentricity)
  • Mechanical (proof test, tensile strength, coating strippability)
  • Transmission (attenuation, cut‑off wavelength, macrobending loss, MFD)
  • Environmental (damp heat, dry heat, temperature cycling and environment‑dependent tests)
• Referenced measurement methods
  • The standard references the IEC 60793‑1 series for test procedures (e.g., IEC 60793‑1‑30 proof test, ‑1‑40 attenuation, ‑1‑45 MFD, ‑1‑47 macrobending).

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 60793‑2‑60 is intended for:

• Optical‑fibre manufacturers defining product families for intraconnection use
• Component and photonic‑subsystem designers specifying fibres for pigtails and internal links
• Test laboratories performing conformity and QA testing against sectional requirements
• Procurement and quality engineers ensuring compatible fibre selection for low splice loss or improved bend performance

Typical applications include internal interconnects in transceivers, optical amplifiers, photonic integrated modules and pigtails for passive/active components.

Related standards

• IEC 60793‑2 (Product specifications – general)
• IEC 60793‑1‑xx series (measurement and test methods referenced throughout)
• IEC/TR 61931 (fibre optic terminology)

Keywords: category C, optical fibres, intraconnection fibres, single‑mode, mode field diameter, cladding diameter, IEC 60793‑2‑60.