IEC 61753-031-6:2014

Overview

IEC 61753-031-6:2014 is the IEC performance standard for non-connectorized single‑mode non‑wavelength‑selective branching devices (NWBDs) intended for an IEC category O (uncontrolled) environment. Edition 2.0 (2014) defines the minimum initial tests, measurement requirements and severities that 1×N and 2×N balanced bidirectional NWBDs - and common unbalanced 1×2 and 2×2 variants - must satisfy to be categorized as compliant. The standard is especially relevant to Passive Optical Network (PON) applications and introduces two attenuation/uniformity performance classes (Class A = premium/extended reach, Class B = standard/normal reach).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and device types: Balanced bidirectional non‑connectorized single‑mode 1×N and 2×N NWBDs; unbalanced devices limited to 1×2 and 2×2.
• Performance classes: Two classes for balanced devices - Class A (premium) and Class B (standard) - with stricter attenuation and uniformity in Class A for extended reach PON.
• Minimum tests and severities: Initial tests and measurement methods are drawn from the IEC 61300 series (basic test & measurement procedures). The standard specifies sample preparation (single‑mode fibres per IEC 60793‑2‑50) and test sequencing/grouping.
• Spectral bands: Test validation over spectral bands I (1 260–1 360 nm & 1 480–1 625 nm) and II (1 260–1 360 nm & 1 480–1 660 nm).
• Performance metrics: Focus on attenuation, uniformity and other optical characteristics (directivity, return loss, transient loss) with calculated and minimum requirements provided in Annex A.
• Technical revisions in the 2014 edition: introduction of performance classes, updated normative references, simplified spectral band descriptions, revised Clause 5 (performance requirements), removal of some environmental tests (damp heat steady state and impact) for performance requirements, and new Annex A calculations.

Practical applications and users

• For manufacturers: Design, test and classify non‑connectorized NWBD products to meet market and regulatory expectations for PON splitters and branching devices.
• For test laboratories and certificaton bodies: Implement the IEC 61300‑based test methods and produce compliant test reports required by IEC 61753‑031‑6.
• For network planners and operators: Specify appropriate Class A or B branching devices for extended‑reach or standard PON deployments in uncontrolled environments (outside plant, pole‑top cabinets, etc.).
• For component integrators: Ensure compatibility of non‑connectorized branching devices with single‑mode fibre categories and spectral band requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures)
• IEC 60793‑2‑50 (single‑mode fibre product specifications)
• Other parts of IEC 61753 (performance standards for fibre optic interconnecting devices)

Keywords: non‑wavelength selective branching device (NWBD), IEC category O environment, PON, 1×N, 2×N, single‑mode, attenuation, uniformity, IEC 61300.