IEC 61753-381-2:2016

Overview

IEC 61753-381-2:2016 defines the minimum initial test and measurement requirements and severities for Gaussian‑passband‑profile cyclic arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) devices intended for single‑mode, bidirectional transmission in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks. The standard specifies what cyclic AWG components must satisfy to be classified under IEC 61753‑1 Category C (controlled environment). It targets cyclic AWGs with free spectral range (FSR) characteristics that support multiple spectral‑band usage, and applies to devices supplied with single‑mode non‑connectorised pigtails and no electric circuit board.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance scope: Establishes the baseline initial tests and measurement parameters required for Gaussian‑passband‑profile cyclic AWGs used in WDM systems.
• Device type: Covers cyclic AWG devices that provide repeated FSR bands for transmission across multiple spectral bands.
• Transmission modes: Intended for single‑mode and bidirectional transmission scenarios common in WDM deployments.
• Environmental classification: Aligns device verification to Category C (controlled environment) as defined in IEC 61753‑1 - suitable for stable indoor environments with controlled conditions.
• Physical constraints: Applies to AWG components with non‑connectorised single‑mode pigtails and that do not contain electric circuit boards (pure passive optical components).
• Test intent (high level): Specifies minimum initial measurement activities and severity levels needed to demonstrate compliance with IEC 61753‑1 Category C. (Note: the standard text contains the detailed test definitions and severities.)

Applications

• Procurement specifications for passive optical components in WDM networks that require predictable multi‑band FSR behavior.
• Design verification and factory acceptance testing of cyclic AWG modules for metro, access or transport networks using multiple spectral bands.
• Manufacturer quality assurance to demonstrate compliance with IEC 61753 performance categories for controlled environments.
• Test laboratories and system integrators validating AWG performance for single‑mode, bidirectional WDM links.

Who uses this standard

• Optical component manufacturers (AWG vendors)
• Test and certification laboratories
• Network equipment manufacturers and system integrators
• Procurement/specification engineers for telecom operators and data center links
• QA teams responsible for passive WDM component acceptance

Related standards

• IEC 61753‑1 - performance category definitions (Category C = controlled environment) - referenced by this part as the classification framework.

Keywords: Gaussian‑passband‑profile cyclic arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), category C (controlled environment), cyclic AWG, free spectral range (FSR), single‑mode pigtails.