Overview - IEC TR 62343-6-11:2019 (Optical Multicast Switch Interfaces)
IEC TR 62343-6-11:2019 is a Technical Report that proposes a standardized software and hardware interface for the optical multicast switch (MCS). The MCS is a dynamic module used primarily in ROADMs to implement colourless, directionless and contentionless (CDC) functions in DWDM systems. The report defines how resident firmware exposes switch status and control to a host, and consolidates survey responses and candidate specifications (including pinout, connector form, power, reset and alarm behavior). Detailed interface examples and command-set guidance are provided in Annex A.
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
- Control model: MCS controlled by resident firmware enabling host access to status and switch settings.
- Hardware connector: Recommended Samtec 60‑pin, 2 mm pitch male connector (TMMH series), with guide poles and selectable lead shape to suit line-card mechanics. (Annex A contains connector appearance and pin mapping.)
- Power supply: Summarized specification requests 5.0 V as the primary supply; vendors may reserve pins for additional rails (examples include optional 3.3 V or +15 V).
- Communication interfaces: Proposes use of both I²C (I C) and UART (LVTTL) as primary interfaces. RS‑232C is referenced in some responses as optional. Annex A covers I²C/I2C‑DATA and I²C‑CLK pins, UART Rx/Tx mapping and logical voltage ranges.
- Command sets & formats: Combines survey inputs into a recommended command list, communication parameters and alarm FIFO behavior. I²C implementation is guided to follow referenced I²C conventions.
- Reset & alarm functions: Defines hardware and software reset behaviors, watchdog (WDT) notification for CPU abnormalities, and alarm reporting for key components (flash ROM, SDRAM, FPGA, oscillators, PLC/MEMS drive faults, power supply and internal temperature).
Applications and Who Uses It
- ROADM and DWDM system designers who integrate MCS modules for optical branching and reconfiguration.
- Module manufacturers implementing MCS firmware/hardware interfaces to ensure interoperability with host line cards.
- System integrators and network equipment vendors building colourless, directionless, contentionless architectures.
- Firmware, hardware and test engineers responsible for command sets, pin mapping, alarm handling and verification.
- Standards and procurement teams seeking consistent module specifications for multi‑vendor deployments.
Practical benefits include easier module interchangeability, reduced integration time, standardized debug and alarm semantics, and clearer supplier-host contracts.
Related Standards
- IEC 62343-3-4 - definition of the optical multicast switch (MCS).
- IEC TR 62343-6-4 - technical information on MCS applications in DWDM systems.
For implementation details, connector drawings, pin assignments, voltage ranges, command examples, reset types and alarm definitions, consult Annex A of IEC TR 62343-6-11:2019.