IEC 61753-061-2:2020

Overview

IEC 61753-061-2:2020 is an IEC performance standard that specifies the minimum test and measurement requirements and severities for single‑mode fibre optic pigtailed polarization independent isolators intended for category C - controlled environments. It defines how non‑connectorized, single‑mode pigtail isolators (as specified by IEC 61202-1) should be prepared, tested and reported so they can be classified as meeting controlled‑environment performance. Edition 2.0 (2020) is a technical revision that also incorporates Corrigendum 1.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and sample preparation
  • Applies to non‑connectorized, single‑mode, fibre‑pigtail style polarization independent isolators.
  • Samples shall be terminated on single‑mode fibres per IEC 60793-2-50 and cable formats per IEC 60794-2-50.
• Minimum tests and severities
  • Test methods referenced from the IEC 61300 series (environmental, mechanical and optical test procedures).
  • Includes examinations/measurements such as polarization dependence loss, attenuation/return loss, transient loss and polarization mode dispersion measurements in accordance with the referenced IEC procedures.
• New/updated technical content (Edition 2)
  • Annex B: detailed high optical power test procedures and conditions for forward, backward and bidirectional input tests.
  • Harmonized test conditions with IEC 61753‑1:2018.
  • Addition of category CHD and more detailed measurement conditions in Annex C.
  • Clause structure updated per the latest ISO/IEC Directives.
• Test reporting
  • Requirements for sample size, test details and the format of test reports are specified (see Tables and Annex A).

Practical applications and users

• Who uses IEC 61753-061-2:
  • Fibre optic component manufacturers (qualification and production verification of pigtailed isolators).
  • Independent test laboratories performing performance and environmental qualification.
  • Procurement, OEMs and system integrators specifying isolators for indoor/controlled environments (data centers, central offices, lab equipment, optical amplifiers).
  • Quality and reliability engineers ensuring components meet controlled‑environment performance classes.
• Practical value:
  • Ensures consistent, reproducible verification of isolator performance under mechanical, thermal, humidity and high optical power stress.
  • Facilitates vendor comparisons and procurement specifications by standardizing test methods and severities.

Related standards

• IEC 61202‑1 (Fibre optic isolator generic specification)
• IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures)
• IEC 60793‑2‑50 and IEC 60794‑2‑50 (single‑mode fibre and indoor cable family specifications)
• IEC 61753‑1 (general performance categories and environment definitions)

Keywords: IEC 61753-061-2:2020, fibre optic isolator, polarization independent isolator, single‑mode, pigtailed, controlled environments, high optical power test, IEC 61753 series.