IEC 61753-058-2:2013

Overview

IEC 61753-058-2:2013 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the minimum initial test and measurement requirements for single mode fibre pigtailed style optical power limiters used in category C - controlled environments. This standard specifically addresses in-line type optical power limiters designed for use with single mode fibres in controlled environments, ensuring consistent optical performance, safety, and reliability.

Optical power limiters are critical passive components in fibre optic networks, providing protection and power regulation at the input of sensitive equipment or the output of high-power sources. Compliance with IEC 61753-058-2:2013 helps manufacturers and end-users ensure that these devices operate correctly and safely under various test and environmental conditions.

Key Topics

• Initial Test and Measurement Requirements:
  The standard specifies the thorough testing procedures that optical power limiters must pass before deployment, including optical, environmental, and mechanical tests.

• Performance Specifications:
  Key performance characteristics covered include insertion loss, return loss, polarization dependent loss, polarization mode dispersion, limit power accuracy, and response time.

• Environmental and Mechanical Stress Testing:
  Optical power limiters are tested for durability and functionality under conditions such as high/low temperature, humidity (damp heat), vibration, shock, static side load, and fibre/cable retention.

• Reporting and Documentation:
  Comprehensive test reports must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with the requirements, and samples must be sourced and grouped as outlined in the standard.

Applications

Single mode fibre pigtailed style optical power limiters covered by IEC 61753-058-2:2013 are widely used in:

• Telecommunications Networks:
  Protecting receiver equipment from damaging high optical power levels, such as at the input of OLTs (Optical Line Terminals) or ONUs (Optical Network Units).

• Data Centers and High-Speed Networks:
  Ensuring eye safety and safeguarding expensive transceivers or amplifiers in controlled indoor environments.

• Research Laboratories and Test Setups:
  Maintaining regulated power levels during experimental setups or equipment calibration.

• Industrial and Medical Systems:
  Preventing accidental exposure to high-intensity light sources and stabilizing power-sensitive fibre optic systems in controlled environments.

By adhering to IEC 61753-058-2:2013, equipment manufacturers and system integrators can guarantee that their optical power limiters will perform consistently, withstand typical environmental conditions, and maintain network reliability and safety standards.

Related Standards

Several IEC standards are referenced and often used in conjunction with IEC 61753-058-2:2013 to cover broader aspects of fibre optic component testing and performance:

• IEC 60869-1:
  Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic passive power control devices – Part 1: Generic specification. Provides general requirements for all optical power limiters.

• IEC 61300 Family:
  A comprehensive suite of standards covering test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components, including tests for vibration, shock, high optical power, temperature variation, and environmental endurance.

  • IEC 61300-1: General and guidance
  • IEC 61300-2-x: Environmental and mechanical test methods (vibration, shock, heat, cold, change of temperature, etc.)
  • IEC 61300-3-x: Optical measurements (insertion loss, return loss, polarization, etc.)

By integrating IEC 61753-058-2:2013 into their quality control and procurement processes, organizations ensure that their single mode fibre pigtailed style optical power limiters are safe, reliable, and interoperable within global fibre optic networks.

Keywords: IEC 61753-058-2:2013, single mode fibre, optical power limiter, controlled environment, initial test requirements, fibre optic component testing, passive optical devices, network equipment protection