EN IEC 61291-2:2023

Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template

IEC 61291-2:2023 is available as IEC 61291-2:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 61292-2:2023 provides a performance specification template applicable to optical amplifiers (OAs) used in single channel applications. Multichannel applications are covered in IEC 61291-4. The objective of this template is to provide a framework for the preparation of performance standards and/or product specifications defining the performance of OA devices used in single channel applications. In addition to the requirements specified in this template, a performance standard or product specification could include other parameters, such as ratings, operating conditions, tests, and pass/fail criteria. For a particular application, product specification writers could add specification parameters and/or groups of specification parameters to this template, without removing the parameters specified in this document. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - the test methods for gain ripple in Table 2, Table 4 and Table 6 refer now to the IEC 61290‑1 series; - the SOA definition (3.1.3) refers now to IEC 61931.

Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker - Teil 2: Einzelkanal-Anwendungen - Vorlage für Betriebsverhaltensspezifikationen

Amplificateurs optiques - Partie 2: Applications à un seul canal - Modèle de spécifications de performances

IEC 61291-2:2023 est disponible sous forme de IEC 61291-2:2023 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L'IEC 61292-1:2023 fournit un modèle de spécifications de performances applicable aux amplificateurs optiques (AO) utilisés dans le cadre d’applications à un seul canal. Les applications multicanaux sont couvertes dans l’IEC 61291-4. L’objectif de ce modèle est de fournir un cadre pour l’établissement de normes de performances et/ou de spécifications de produit définissant les performances des dispositifs AO utilisés dans le cadre d’applications à un seul canal. En plus des exigences spécifiées dans ce modèle, une norme de performances ou une spécification de produit peut inclure d’autres paramètres, tels que des valeurs assignées, des conditions de fonctionnement, des essais et des critères de succès/défaillance. Pour une application particulière, les rédacteurs de spécifications de produit peuvent ajouter des paramètres de spécification et/ou des groupes de paramètres de spécification à ce modèle, sans supprimer les paramètres spécifiés dans le présent document. Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition parue en 2016. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’édition précédente: - les méthodes d’essai pour l’ondulation du gain dans le Tableau 2, le Tableau 4 et le Tableau 6 font maintenant référence à la série IEC 61290-1; - la définition de SOA (3.1.3) fait maintenant référence à l’IEC 61931.

Optični ojačevalniki - 2. del: Enokanalne aplikacije - Specifikacijska predloga delovanja (IEC 61291-2:2023)

Standard IEC 61291-2:2023 je na voljo kot IEC 61291-2:2023, ki vsebuje mednarodni standard in njegovo različico z revizijami, ki prikazujejo vse spremembe tehnične vsebine v primerjavi s prejšnjo izdajo.
Standard IEC 61292-2:2023 zagotavlja predloge za specifikacije za optične ojačevalnike (OA), ki se uporabljajo v enokanalnih izvedbah. Večkanalne izvedbe so obravnavane v standardu IEC 61291-4. Cilj te predloge je zagotoviti okvir za pripravo standardov delovanja in/ali specifikacij izdelkov, ki določajo delovanje naprav z optičnimi ojačevalniki, ki se uporabljajo v enokanalnih izvedbah. Poleg zahtev, določenih v tej predlogi, lahko standard delovanja ali specifikacija izdelka vključuje druge parametre, kot so ocene, obratovalni pogoji, preskusi in merila za določanje »ustreznosti/neustreznosti«. Za določeno vrsto uporabe lahko avtorji specifikacije izdelka tej predlogi dodajo specifikacijske parametre in/ali skupine specifikacijskih parametrov, pri tem pa ohranijo parametre, določene v tem dokumentu. Peta izdaja razveljavlja in nadomešča četrto izdajo, objavljeno leta 2016. Ta izdaja je tehnično popravljena izdaja. Ta izdaja v primerjavi s prejšnjo vključuje naslednje pomembne tehnične spremembe:
– preskusne metode za nihanje ojačanja v tabeli 2, tabeli 4 in tabeli 6 se zdaj nanašajo na skupino standardov IEC 61290-1;
– definicija polprevodniških optičnih ojačevalnikov (SOA) (3.1.3) se zdaj nanaša na standard IEC 61931.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 23-Mar-2023
• 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
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 24-Mar-2023
• Due Date: 29-Sep-2023
• Completion Date: 24-Mar-2023
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 61291-2:2023 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template (IEC 61291-2:2023)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 61291-2:2016 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template
• Effective Date: 14-Dec-2021

Overview

EN IEC 61291-2:2023 - titled Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template - provides a standardized framework for preparing performance standards and product specifications for optical amplifiers (OAs) used in single channel applications. This fifth edition replaces EN 61291-2:2016 and constitutes a technical revision. It includes updated references for gain-ripple test methods (now pointing to the IEC 61290‑1 series) and updates the SOA definition to reference IEC 61931.

Key Topics

• Performance specification template: A structured list of parameters that product-specification writers should include when defining OA behaviour for single-channel use.
• Device classes covered: Power amplifiers, pre-amplifiers and line amplifiers (separate templates and parameter sets).
• Minimum parameter tables: Tables 1–6 list minimum relevant parameters for amplifiers based on OFA (active fibre) components/modules and SOA components; these guide which performance metrics to specify.
• Test method alignment: References to the IEC 61290 test-method series for power, gain, noise figure, reflectance, polarization and transient parameters (e.g., IEC 61290‑1, ‑3, ‑4‑3, ‑5, ‑11).
• Safety and EMC: Normative references include IEC 60825‑1 (laser safety) and EMC standards IEC 61000‑6‑1 / IEC 61000‑6‑3.
• Extensibility: The template allows addition of ratings, operating conditions, tests and pass/fail criteria for specific applications without removing the core parameters.

Applications and Who Uses It

EN IEC 61291-2:2023 is practical for:

• Manufacturers and product managers writing OA product specifications for single-channel systems.
• Test laboratories and QA teams establishing acceptance tests and pass/fail criteria.
• System designers and integrators specifying amplifier performance for point-to-point links, access networks or specialized single-wavelength deployments.
• Procurement and compliance teams ensuring vendor deliverables meet standardized performance templates.
• Standards bodies and technical committees using the template as a baseline for national or product-specific standards.

Benefits include consistent specification language, harmonized test-method references, and clearer requirements for guaranteeing device interoperability and predictable performance.

Related Standards

• IEC 61291-1 - Optical amplifiers - Generic specification
• IEC 61291-4 - Multichannel applications (complementary)
• IEC 61290 (series) - Optical amplifier test methods (power, gain, noise, reflectance, PMD, transients)
• IEC 60825-1 - Laser safety classification and requirements
• IEC 61931 - SOA definition reference

This standard is essential for anyone creating or validating performance specifications for single-channel optical amplifiers and supports consistent, testable product definitions across the optical communications industry.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2023
Optični ojačevalniki - 2. del: Enokanalne aplikacije - Specifikacijska predloga
delovanja (IEC 61291-2:2023)
Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification
template (IEC 61291-2:2023)
Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker - Teil 2: Einzelkanal-Anwendungen – Vorlage für
Betriebsverhaltensspezifikationen (IEC 61291-2:2023)
Amplificateurs optiques - Partie 2: Applications à un seul canal - Modèle de
spécifications de performances (IEC 61291-2:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61291-2:2023
ICS:
33.180.30 Optični ojačevalniki Optic amplifiers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61291-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2023
ICS 33.180.30 Supersedes EN 61291-2:2016
English Version
Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications -
Performance specification template
(IEC 61291-2:2023)
Amplificateurs optiques - Partie 2: Applications à un seul Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker - Teil 2: Einzelkanal-
canal - Modèle de spécifications de performances Anwendungen - Vorlage für
(IEC 61291-2:2023) Betriebsverhaltensspezifikationen
(IEC 61291-2:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2023-03-20. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61291-2:2023 E

European foreword
The text of document 86C/1849/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 61291-2, prepared by SC 86C "Fibre
optic systems and active devices" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC
parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 61291-2:2023.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2023-12-20
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2026-03-20
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 61291-2:2016 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61291-2:2023 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 61000 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61000 (series)
IEC 61280 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61280 (series)
IEC 61291-4 NOTE Approved as EN 61291-4
IEC 62148-11 NOTE Approved as EN 62148-11
IEC 62149-1 NOTE Approved as EN 62149-1
IEC 62149-3 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62149-3
IEC 62572-3 NOTE Approved as EN 62572-3
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60825-1 - Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment EN 60825-1 -
classification and requirements
IEC 61000-6-1 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part EN IEC 61000-6-1 -
6-1: Generic standards - Immunity standard
for residential, commercial and light-
industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part EN IEC 61000-6-3 -
6-3: Generic standards - Emission standard
for equipment in residential environments
IEC 61290-1 series Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 1: EN IEC 61290-1 series
Power and gain parameters
IEC 61290-3 series Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 3: EN 61290-3 series
Noise figure parameters
IEC 61290-4-3 - Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 4-3: EN IEC 61290-4-3 -
Power transient parameters - Single channel
optical amplifiers in output power control
IEC 61290-5 series Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 5: EN 61290-5 series
Reflectance parameters
IEC 61290-6-1 - Optical fibre amplifiers - Basic specification - EN 61290-6-1 -
Part 6-1: Test methods for pump leakage
parameters - Optical demultiplexer
IEC 61290-11 series Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 11: EN 61290-11 series
Polarization mode dispersion parameter
IEC 61291-1 - Optical amplifiers - Part 1: Generic EN IEC 61291-1 -
specification
IEC 61291-5-2 - Optical amplifiers - Part 5-2: Qualification EN 61291-5-2 -
specifications - Reliability qualification for
optical fibre amplifiers
IEC/TS 62538 2008 Categorization of optical devices - -

IEC 61291-2 ®
Edition 5.0 2023-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical amplifiers –
Part 2: Single channel applications – Performance specification template

Amplificateurs optiques –
Partie 2: Applications à un seul canal – Modèle de spécifications de

performances
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-6454-6

– 2 – IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 8
4 Performance specification templates for power amplifiers . 8
5 Performance specification templates for pre-amplifiers . 11
6 Performance specification templates for line amplifiers . 15
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 19
8 Laser safety requirements . 19
Bibliography . 20

Table 1 – Minimum relevant parameters for power amplifiers based on OFA
components or modules using active fibre specified for single channel applications . 9
Table 2 – Minimum relevant parameters for power amplifiers based on SOA
components specified for single channel applications . 10
Table 3 – Minimum relevant parameters for pre-amplifiers based on OFA components
or modules using active fibre specified for single channel applications . 12
Table 4 – Minimum relevant parameters for pre-amplifiers based on SOA components
specified for single channel applications . 14
Table 5 – Minimum relevant parameters for line amplifiers based on OFA components
or modules using active fibre specified for single channel applications . 16
Table 6 – Minimum relevant parameters for line amplifiers based on SOA components
specified for single channel applications . 18

IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
Part 2: Single channel applications –
Performance specification template

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61291-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic systems and active devices,
of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) the test methods for gain ripple in Table 2, Table 4 and Table 6 refer now to the IEC 61290-1
series;
b) the SOA definition (3.1.3) refers now to IEC 61931.

– 4 – IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86C/1849/FDIS 86C/1858/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61291 series, published under the general title Optical amplifiers,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
This document is devoted to the subject of optical amplifiers. The technology of optical
amplifiers is still rapidly evolving, hence amendments and new additions to this document can
be expected. Each abbreviated term introduced in this document is generally explained in the
text the first time it appears. However, for an easier understanding of the whole text, a list of all
abbreviated terms used in this document is given in Clause 3.

– 6 – IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
Part 2: Single channel applications –
Performance specification template

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61291 provides a performance specification template applicable to optical
amplifiers (OAs) used in single channel applications. Multichannel applications are covered in
IEC 61291-4.
The objective of this template is to provide a framework for the preparation of performance
standards and/or product specifications defining the performance of OA devices used in single
channel applications. In addition to the requirements specified in this template, a performance
standard or product specification could include other parameters, such as ratings, operating
conditions, tests, and pass/fail criteria.
For a particular application, product specification writers could add specification parameters
and/or groups of specification parameters to this template, without removing the parameters
specified in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity
standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards – Emission
standard for equipment in residential environments
IEC 61290-1 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 1: Power and gain parameters
IEC 61290-3 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 3: Noise figure parameters
IEC 61290-4-3, Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 4-3: Power transient parameters –
Single channel optical amplifiers in output power control
IEC 61290-5 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 5: Reflectance parameters
IEC 61290-6-1, Optical fibre amplifiers – Basic specification – Part 6-1: Test methods for pump
leakage parameters – Optical demultiplexer
IEC 61290-11 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods – Part 11: Polarization mode
dispersion parameter
IEC 61291-1, Optical amplifiers – Part 1: Generic specification

IEC 61291-2:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
IEC 61291-5-2, Optical amplifiers – Part 5-2: Qualification specifications – Reliability
qualification for optical fibre amplifiers
IEC TS 62538:2008, Categorization of optical devices
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61291-1,
IEC TS 62538 and the following apply.
NOTE Possible supplementary definitions specific to OAs for single channel applications can be given in product
specifications.
3.1.1
optical amplifier
OA
optical waveguide device containing a suitably pumped, active medium that is able to amplify
an optical signal
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61931:1998, 2.7.75]
3.1.2
optical fibre amplifier
OFA
optical amplifier made of active optical fibre that is doped with rare-earth ions or that presents
non-linear optical effects in order to obtain optical amplification
3.1.3
semiconductor optical amplifier
SOA
optical amplifier in which the active optical waveguide is formed by a semiconductor laser diode
structure and will be electrically pumped
Note 1 to entry: The structure of these amplifiers is similar to that of Fabry-Perot laser diodes but with anti-reflection
design elements at the end-face surfaces. The signal is amplified through the stimulated emission phenomenon in
the gain medium.
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61931:1998, 2.7.77, modified – The note to entry has been added.]
3.1.4
optical element
unpackaged or partially packaged optical basic un
...