EN 61290-5-1:2006

• Abstract:

  This part of IEC 61290 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and optically amplified sub-systems. It applies to OAs using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based on either rare-earth doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductor OAs (SOAs), and waveguides (POWAs).

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Jul-2006
• Withdrawal Date: 31-May-2009
• ICS: 33.180.30 - Optic amplifiers
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 86C - Fibre optic systems and active devices
• Drafting Committee: IEC/SC 86C - IEC_SC_86C
• Parallel Committee: IEC/SC 86C - IEC_SC_86C
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 19-Jul-2006
• Completion Date: 19-Jul-2006
• Ref Project: SIST EN 61290-5-1:2007 - Optical amplifiers - Test methods -- Part 5-1: Reflectance parameters - Optical spectrum analyzer method

• Replaces: EN 61290-5-1:2000 - Optical fibre amplifiers - Basic specification - Part 5-1: Test methods for reflectance parameters - Optical spectrum analyser
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023
• Refers: EN 61291-1:1998 - Optical fibre amplifiers - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN 61291-1:2012 - Optical amplifiers - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN IEC 61291-1:2018 - Optical amplifiers - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN 61291-2:2016 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN 60728-6:2011 - Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services - Part 6: Optical equipment
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN IEC 60728-106:2023 - Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services - Part 106: Optical equipment for systems loaded with digital channels only
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN IEC 61291-2:2023 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: EN 61291-1:2006 - Optical amplifiers - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026

Overview

EN 61290-5-1:2006 is a European Norm (EN) specifying standardized test methods for measuring the reflectance parameters of optical amplifiers (OAs) using the optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) method. Developed by CENELEC and aligned with IEC 61290-5-1:2006, this standard extends its applicability beyond optical fiber amplifiers to all commercially available optical amplifiers, including semiconductor OAs (SOAs), optically pumped fiber amplifiers (OFAs using rare-earth doped fibers or the Raman effect), and planar waveguide OAs (POWAs).

The standard aims to ensure uniformity and accuracy in measuring key reflectance characteristics, supporting the reliable performance assessment of optical amplifiers and amplified sub-systems widely used in fiber optic communications.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: Covers all commercially available OAs and optically amplified sub-systems, including OFAs, SOAs, and POWAs.
• Reflectance Parameters: Describes procedures for measuring maximum input reflectance, minimum input reflectance, and output reflectance of optical amplifiers.
• Test Methodology: Establishes the OSA-based test method, including apparatus configuration, calibration, and measurement procedures.
• Equipment Requirements: Specifies stringent technical criteria for all apparatus used, such as optical sources, couplers, isolators, power meters, variable attenuators, connectors, and polarization controllers.
• Uniform Reporting: Outlines the essential test conditions and parameters to be reported, supporting comparability and traceability across laboratories.

Applications

The standardized test methods defined in EN 61290-5-1:2006 have direct practical value in:

• Telecommunications Industry: Supporting manufacturers and optical network operators in characterizing the reflectance of OAs for DWDM systems, ensuring optical link integrity.
• Product Development and QA: Providing a repeatable and accurate means for R&D teams and quality assurance departments to validate the performance of new or existing OA products.
• Compliance and Procurement: Enabling buyers and integrators to compare products from different vendors objectively, backed by standard-compliant test data.
• Laboratory Testing: Serving optical component testing facilities as a reference procedure for calibration and verification of amplifiers.
• System Integration: Applying in the selection and deployment of OAs within optically amplified sub-systems, to optimize return loss and minimize signal degradation.

The OSA method outlined ensures high precision in capturing reflectance, critical for minimizing signal distortion and improving the reliability of high-speed fiber optic communication links.

Related Standards

EN 61290-5-1:2006 interfaces with several other important standards in the optical amplifier testing and fiber optics domain, including:

• IEC 61291-1 / EN 61291-1: Generic specifications for optical fiber amplifiers, referenced as an indispensable document for understanding OA classification and parameters.
• Other Parts of IEC 61290 Series: Covering test methods for gain parameters, noise figure, pump leakage, insertion losses, and multi-channel characteristics using different analyzer methods.
• EN 61290-5-2: Test methods for reflectance parameters using electrical spectrum analyzers.
• IEC TC 86 / SC 86C Standards: Ongoing technical standards addressing the broader fiber optics systems and active devices sector.

These related standards collectively support a comprehensive, harmonized framework, fostering interoperability and trust in optical component testing and integration within global fiber optic networks.

Keywords: optical amplifier, reflectance measurement, optical spectrum analyzer, OA test methods, fiber optic standards, EN 61290-5-1, IEC 61290-5-1, optically pumped fiber amplifier, semiconductor OA, optical communications, standardization.