IEC 60875-1:2015

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices - Part 1: Generic specification

IEC 60875-1:2015 applies to non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices, all exhibiting the following features:
- they are passive, in that they contain no optoelectronic or other transducing elements;
- they have three or more ports for the entry and/or exit of optical power, and share optical power among these ports in a predetermined fashion;
- the ports are optical fibres, or optical fibre connectors. This standard establishes uniform requirements for the optical, mechanical and environmental properties. This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2010 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- removal of terms and definitions for splitter, coupler, symmetric non-wavelength-selective branching device, asymmetric non-wavelength-selective branching device;
- addition of terms and definitions for bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching device and non-bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching device, removal of assessment level. Keywords: non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices, uniform requirements for the optical, mechanical and environmental properties.

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques - Dispositifs de couplage à fibres optiques ne dépendant pas de la longueur d'onde - Partie 1: Spécification générique

L'IEC 60875-1:2015 s'applique aux dispositifs de couplage à fibres optiques qui ne dépendent pas de la longueur d'onde. Tous présentent les caractéristiques suivantes:
- ils sont passifs, au sens où ils ne contiennent aucun élément optoélectronique ou transducteur;
- ils ont trois ports ou plus pour l'entrée et/ou la sortie de la puissance optique, et ils partagent la puissance optique parmi ces ports, selon une modalité spécifiée;
- les ports sont des fibres optiques ou des connecteurs à fibres optiques. La présente norme établit des exigences uniformes relatives aux propriétés optiques, mécaniques et environnementales. La présente sixième édition annule et remplace la cinquième édition parue en 2010; elle constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- suppression des termes et définitions suivants: répartiteur, coupleur optique, dispositif de couplage ne dépendant pas de la longueur d'onde symétrique et dispositif de couplage ne dépendant pas de la longueur d'onde asymétrique;
- ajout des termes et définitions suivants: dispositif de couplage bidirectionnel ne dépendant pas de la longueur d'onde, et dispositif de couplage non bidirectionnel ne dépendant pas de la longueur d'onde; suppression du niveau d'évaluation de la qualité. Mots clés: dispositifs de couplage à fibres optiques qui ne dépendent pas de la longueur d'onde, exigences uniformes relatives aux propriétés optiques, mécaniques et environnementales

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 06-May-2015
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: SC 86B - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components
• Drafting Committee: WG 7 - TC 86/SC 86B/WG 7
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 12-Apr-2024
• Completion Date: 31-May-2022

Relations

• Revised: IEC 60875-1:2024 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60875-1:2010 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices - Part 1: Generic specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60875-1 ®
Edition 6.0 2015-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Non-wavelength-
selective fibre optic branching devices –
Part 1: Generic specification
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques –
Dispositifs de couplage à fibres optiques ne dépendant pas de la longueur
d'onde –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

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IEC 60875-1 ®
Edition 6.0 2015-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Non-wavelength-

selective fibre optic branching devices –

Part 1: Generic specification
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques –

Dispositifs de couplage à fibres optiques ne dépendant pas de la longueur

d'onde –
Partie 1: Spécification générique

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-2663-6

– 2 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions. 7
3.1 Basic terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Component definitions . 8
3.3 Performance parameter definitions . 8
4 Requirement . 10
4.1 Classification . 10
4.1.1 General . 10
4.1.2 Types . 10
4.1.3 Style . 10
4.1.4 Variant . 11
4.1.5 Normative reference extensions . 12
4.2 Documentation . 12
4.2.1 Symbols . 12
4.2.2 Specification system . 12
4.2.3 Drawings . 14
4.2.4 Measurements . 14
4.2.5 Test data sheets . 15
4.2.6 Instructions for use . 15
4.3 Standardization system . 15
4.3.1 Interface standards . 15
4.3.2 Performance standards . 16
4.3.3 Reliability standards . 16
4.3.4 Interlinking . 17
4.4 Design and construction . 18
4.4.1 Materials . 18
4.4.2 Workmanship . 18
4.5 Quality . 18
4.6 Performance requirements . 18
4.7 Identification and marking . 19
4.7.1 General . 19
4.7.2 Variant identification number . 19
4.7.3 Component marking . 19
4.7.4 Package marking . 19
4.8 Safety . 20
Annex A (informative) Examples of technology of fibre optic branching devices . 21
Annex B (informative) Examples of fabrication technology of PLC chips . 22
Bibliography . 24

Figure 1 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device . 11
Figure 2 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device . 11
Figure 3 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device . 11
Figure 4 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device . 11

Figure 5 – Standards . 17
Figure A.1 – FBT-type optical branching device technology . 21
Figure A.2 – PLC-type optical branching device technology . 21
Figure B.1 – Fabrication by FHD method . 22
Figure B.2 – Fabrication by CVD method . 23
Figure B.3 – Fabrication by ion-exchange method . 23

Table 1 – Three-level IEC specification structure . 13
Table 2 – Standards interlink matrix . 18
Table 3 – Quality assurance options . 18

– 4 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES AND PASSIVE
COMPONENTS – NON-WAVELENGTH-SELECTIVE
FIBRE OPTIC BRANCHING DEVICES –

Part 1: Generic specification
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
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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.
International Standard IEC 60875-1 has been prepared by subcommittee SC86B: Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2010 and constitutes a
technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) removal of terms and definitions for splitter, coupler, symmetric non-wavelength-selective
branching device, asymmetric non-wavelength-selective branching device;
b) addition of terms and definitions for bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching
device and non-bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching device
c) removal of assessment level.

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86B/3806/CDV 86B/3872/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60875 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Non-wavelength-selective fibre optic
branching devices, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES AND PASSIVE
COMPONENTS – NON-WAVELENGTH-SELECTIVE
FIBRE OPTIC BRANCHING DEVICES –

Part 1: Generic specification
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60875 applies to non-wavelength-selective fibre optic branching devices, all
exhibiting the following features:
– they are passive, in that they contain no optoelectronic or other transducing elements;
– they have three or more ports for the entry and/or exit of optical power, and share optical
power among these ports in a predetermined fashion;
– the ports are optical fibres, or optical fibre connectors.
This standard establishes uniform requirements for the optical, mechanical and environmental
properties.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
IEC 60027 (all parts), Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (available at
http://www.electropedia.org/)
IEC 60617 (all parts), Graphical symbols for diagrams (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
IEC 60825 (all parts), Safety of laser products
IEC 61300 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures
IEC TR 61930, Fibre optic graphical symbology
ISO 129-1, Technical drawings – Indication of dimensions and tolerances – Part 1: General
principles
ISO 286-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) – ISO code system for tolerances on
linear sizes – Part 1: Basis of tolerances, deviations and fits
ISO 1101, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) – Geometrical tolerancing – Tolerances of
form, orientation, location and run-out

ISO 8601, Data elements and interchange formats – Information interchange – Representation
of dates and times
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-731, as well
as the following, apply.
3.1 Basic terms and definitions
3.1.1
port
optical fibre or optical connector attached to a passive component for the entry (input port)
and/or exit (output port) of the optical power
3.1.2
optical pigtail
short length of jumper or cable forming an optical port for an optic component
3.1.3
transfer matrix
optical properties of a non-wavelength-selective optic branching device can be defined in terms
of an n × n matrix of coefficients, n being the number of ports, with the coefficients representing
the fractional optical power transferred between designated ports
Note 1 to entry: In general, the transfer matrix T is as follows:
t t ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ t 
11 12 1n
 
t
 
⋅
 
T=
⋅ t 
ij
 
⋅
 
t t
 n1 nn
 
where
t is the ratio of the optical power P transferred out of port j with respect to input power P into port i, that is:
i
ij ij
t = P /P
i
ij ij
The transfer matrix is used to classify the different types of non-wavelength-selective branching devices which are
specified in this generic specification.
Note 2 to entry: In a non-wavelength-selective branching device, the coefficients t may be a function of the input
ij
wavelength, input polarization or modal power distribution. The values of these parameters are provided in the
detail specification, when necessary.
Note 3 to entry: Single-mode, non-wavelength-selective branching devices may operate in a coherent fashion with
respect to multiple inputs. Consequently, the transfer coefficients may be affected by the relative phase and
intensity of simultaneous coherent optical power inputs at two or more ports.
3.1.4
transfer coefficient
element t of the transfer matrix
ij
3.1.5
conducting port pair
two ports i and j between which t is nominally greater than zero
ij
– 8 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
3.1.6
isolated port pair
two ports i and j between which t is nominally zero, and a is nominally infinite
ij ij
3.2 Component definitions
3.2.1
non-wavelength-selective branching device
(optical) coupler
(optical) splitter
bidirectional passive component possessing three or more ports which operates non-selectively
over a specified range of wavelengths, divides or combines optical power coming into one or
more input port(s) among its one or more output port(s) in a predetermined fashion, without
any amplification, switching, or other active modulation
3.2.2
bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching device
device whose transfer matrix element of t is equal to t for all i and j
ij ji
3.2.3
non bidirectional non-wavelength-selective branching device
device which at least one transfer matrix element of t is not equal to t
ij ji
3.2.4
balanced coupler
non-wavelength-selective branching device which is designed and intended to produce that
each output port power from the same input port is equal
3.2.5
unbalanced coupler
non-wavelength-selective branching device which is designed and intended to produce that at
least one output port power from the same input port is not equal
3.2.6
tap-coupler
unbalanced coupler, typically the coupling ratio is from 1 % to 20 %
3.3 Performance parameter definitions
3.3.1
insertion loss
reduction in optical power between an input and output port of a passive component expressed
in decibels and defined as
a = –10 log (P /P )
1 0
where
P is the optical power launched into the input port;
P is the optical power received from the output port.
3.3.2
return loss
fraction of input power that is returned from a port of a passive component expressed in
decibelsand defined as
RL = –10 log (P /P )
r 0
where
P is the optical power launched into a port;
P is the optical power received back from the same port.
r
3.3.3
directivity
optical attenuation expressed in decibels between ports which have conducting connections at
any state within isolated port pairs
Note 1 to entry: It is a positive value expressed in dB. Generally, directivity for a passive device is defined as the
minimum value of directivities of all ports.
Note 2 to entry: Directivity is the optical loss between ports which has no conducting connections within all
operating wavelength ranges.
Note 3 to entry: Directivity is defined for port pairs which are expected to be isolated but not expressly intended to
be isolated. That means it is expected to isolate leak light and/or stray light.
3.3.4
excess loss
total power lost in a non-wavelength-selective branching device when an optical signal is
launched into port i, defined as
EL =−10 log10 t
i ∑ ij
j
where the summation is performed only over those values j for which i and j are conducting
ports
Note 1 to entry: For a non-wavelength-selective branching device with n input ports, there is an array of n values
of excess loss, one for each input port i.
3.3.5
uniformity
difference between the maximum and minimum attenuation measured for all output ports for
one input port
Note 1 to entry: For each input port, it is the maximum value over the operating wavelength range or ranges. The
uniformity for a device with more than one input port is defined as the maximum value of uniformities of all input
ports.
Note 2 to entry: Uniformity is expressed as the difference of maximum and minimum value of each insertion loss
from a common input port. It is expressed in decibels.
Note 3 to entry: Generally, uniformity for a passive device is defined as maximum value of uniformities of all ports.
3.3.6
coupling ratio
splitting ratio
for a given input port i, the ratio of light at a given output port k to the total light from all output
ports and defined as
CR = t t
ik ik∑ ij
j
where j represents the operational output ports.
3.3.7
operating wavelength
nominal wavelength λ, at which a passive component is designed to operate with the specified
performance
– 10 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
3.3.8
operating wavelength range
specified range of wavelengths from λ to λ about a nominal operating wavelength λ ,
i min i max i
within which a passive component is designed to operate with the specified performance
Note 1 to entry: For a non-wavelength-selective branching device with more than one operating wavelength, the
corresponding wavelength ranges are not necessarily equal.
3.3.9
polarization dependent loss
PDL
maximum variation of insertion loss due to a variation of the state of polarization (SOP) over all
the SOPs
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
4 Requirement
4.1 Classification
4.1.1 General
Non-wavelength-selective branching devices shall be classified as follows:
– type;
– style;
– variant;
– performance standard grade;
– assessment level;
– normative reference extensions.
4.1.2 Types
The main characteristics of each type are as follows:
– transmissive or reflective;
– bidirectional or unidirectional;
– tree or star;
– any combination of the above.
4.1.3 Style
4.1.3.1 General
Non-wavelength-selective branching devices may be classified into styles based on the fibre
type(s), the connector type(s), the cable type(s), the housing shape, and the configuration. The
configuration of branching device ports are classified as follows:
4.1.3.2 Configuration A
Device containing integral fibre optic pigtails, without connectors (see Figure 1).
EXAMPLE
IEC
Figure 1 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device
4.1.3.3 Configuration B
Device containing integral fibre optic pigtails, with a connector on each pigtail (see Figure 2).
EXAMPLE
IEC
Figure 2 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device
4.1.3.4 Configuration C
Device containing fibre optic connectors as an integral part of the device housing (see
Figure 3).
EXAMPLE
IEC
Figure 3 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device
4.1.3.5 Configuration D
Device containing some combination of the interfacing features of the preceding configurations
(see Figure 4).
EXAMPLE
IEC
Figure 4 – Non-wavelength-selective branching device
4.1.4 Variant
The branching device variant identifies those common features which encompass structurally
similar components.
Examples of features which define a variant include, but are not limited to the following:

– 12 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
– orientation of ports;
– means of mounting.
4.1.5 Normative reference extensions
Normative reference extensions are used to identify the integration of independent standards
specifications or other reference documents into blank detail specifications.
Unless otherwise specified, additional requirements imposed by an extension are mandatory.
Usage is primarily intended to merge associated components to form hybrid devices or
integrated functional application requirements that are dependent on technical expertise used
for other than fibre optics.
Published reference documents produced by ITU, consistent with the scope of the relevant IEC
specification series may be used as extension.
Some optical splice configurations require special qualification provisions which shall not be
imposed universally. This accommodates individual component design configurations,
specialized field tooling or specific application processes. In this case, requirements necessary
to assure repeatable performance or adequate safety, and provide additional guidance for
complete product specification. These extensions are mandatory whenever used to prepare,
assemble or install an optical splice either for field application usage or preparation of
qualification test specimens. The relevant specification shall clarify all stipulations. However,
design and style dependent extensions shall not be imposed universally.
In the event of conflicting requirements, precedence, in descending order, shall be generic over
mandatory extension, over blank detail, over detail, over application specific extension.
4.2 Documentation
4.2.1 Symbols
Graphical and letter symbols shall, whenever possible, be taken from IEC 60027, IEC 60617
and IEC 61930.
4.2.2 Specification system
4.2.2.1 General
This specification is part of a three-level IEC specification system. Subsidiary specifications
shall consist of blank detail specifications and detail specifications. This system is shown in
Table 1. There are no sectional specifications for non-wavelength-selective branching devices.

Table 1 – Three-level IEC specification structure
Specification Examples of information to be included Applicable to
level
Basic Assessment system rules
Two or more component families or sub-
families
Inspection rules
Optical measuring methods
Environmental test methods
Sampling plans
Identification rule
Marking standards
Dimensional standards
Terminology standards
Symbol standards
Preferred number series
SI units
Generic Specific terminology Component family
Specific symbols
Specific units
Preferred values
Marking
Quality assessment procedures
Selection of tests
Qualification approval and/or
capability approval procedures
Blank detail Quality conformance test schedule Groups of types having a common test
schedule
Inspection requirements
Information common to a number of types
Detail Individual values Individual type
Specific information
Completed quality conformance test
schedules
4.2.2.2 Blank detail specifications
Blank detail specifications are not, by themselves, a specification level. They are associated
with the generic specification.
Each blank detail specification shall be limited to one environmental category.
Each blank detail specification shall contain:
– minimum mandatory test schedules and performance requirements;
– one or more assessment levels;
– the preferred format for stating the required information in the detail specification;
– in case of hybrid components, including connectors, addition of appropriate entry fields to
show the reference normative document, document title and issue date.

– 14 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
4.2.2.3 Detail specifications
A specific non-wavelength-selective branching device is described by a corresponding detail
specification, which is prepared by filling in the blanks of the blank detail specification. Within
the constraints imposed by this generic specification, the blank detail specification may be filled
in by any national committee of the IEC, thereby defining a particular non-wavelength-selective
branching device design as an IEC standard.
Detail specifications shall specify the following, as applicable:
– type (see 4.1.2);
– style (see 4.1.3);
– variant(s) (see 4.1.4);
– part identification number for each variant (see 4.7.2);
– drawings, dimensions required (see 4.2.3);
– performance requirements (see 4.6).
4.2.3 Drawings
4.2.3.1 General
The drawings and dimensions given in detail specifications shall not restrict themselves to
details of construction, nor shall they be used as manufacturing drawings.
4.2.3.2 Projection system
Either first angle or third angle projection shall be used for the drawings in documents covered
by this specification. All drawings within a document shall use the same projection system and
the drawings shall state which system is used.
4.2.3.3 Dimensional system
All dimensions shall be given in accordance with ISO 129-1, ISO 286-1 and ISO 1101.
The metric system shall be used in all specifications.
Dimensions shall not contain more than five significant digits.
When units are converted, a note shall be added in each relevant specification and the
conversion between systems of units shall use a factor of 25,4 mm to 1 inch.
4.2.4 Measurements
4.2.4.1 Measurement method
The measurement method for optical, mechanical, climatic, and environmental characteristics
of branching devices to be used shall be defined and selected preferentially from the
IEC 61300 series.
The size measurement method to be used shall be specified in the detail specification for any
dimensions which are specified within a total tolerance zone of 0,01 mm or less.
4.2.4.2 Reference components
Reference components for measurement purposes, if required, shall be specified in the
relevant specification.
4.2.4.3 Gauges
Gauges, if required, shall be specified in the relevant specification.
4.2.5 Test data sheets
Test data sheets shall be prepared for each test conducted as required by a relevant
specification. The data sheets shall be included in the qualification report and in the periodic
inspection report.
Data sheets shall contain the following information as a minimum:
– title of test and date;
– specimen description including the type of fibre and the variant identification number
(see 4.7.2);
– test equipment used and date of latest calibration;
– all applicable test details;
– all measurement values and observations;
– sufficiently detailed documentation to provide traceable information for failure analysis.
4.2.6 Instructions for use
Instructions for use, when required, shall be given by the manufacturer and shall include:
– assembly and connection instructions;
– cleaning method;
– safety aspects;
– additional information, as necessary.
4.3 Standardization system
4.3.1 Interface standards
The interface standards provide both manufacturer and user with all the information they
require to make or use a product conforming to the physical features of that standard interface.
Interface standards fully define and provide dimensions for the features essential for the
mating and unmating of optical connectors and other components. They also serve to position
the optical datum target, where defined, relative to other reference datum.
Interface standards ensure that connectors and adaptors that comply with the standard will fit
together. The standards may also contain tolerance grades for ferrules and alignment devices.
Tolerance grades are used to provide different levels of alignment precision.
The interface dimensions may also be used to design other components that will mate with the
connectors. For example, an active device mount can be designed using the adapter interface
dimensions. The use of these dimensions combined with those of a standard plug, provides the
designer with assurance that the standard plugs will fit into the optical device mount. They also
provide the location of the plug's optical datum target.
Standard interface dimensions do not, by themselves, guarantee optical performance. They
guarantee connector mating at a specified fit. Optical performance is currently guaranteed via
the manufacturing specification. Products from the same or different manufacturing
specifications using the same standard interface will always fit together. Guaranteed
performance can be given by any single manufacturer only for products delivered to the same
manufacturing specification. However, it can be reasonably expected that some level of
performance will be obtained from products having different manufacturing specifications,
although the level of performance cannot be expected to be any better than that of the lowest
specified performance.
– 16 – IEC 60875-1:2015 © IEC 2015
4.3.2 Performance standards
Performance standards contain a series of tests and measurements (which may or may not be
grouped into a specified schedule depending on the requirements of that standard) with clearly
defined conditions, severities and pass/fail criteria. The tests are intended to be run on a
"once-off" basis to prove any product's ability to satisfy the "performance standards"
requirements of a market sector, user group or system location. A product that has been shown
to meet all the requirements of a performance standard can be declared as complying with a
performance standard, but should then be controlled by a quality assurance/quality
conformance programme.
A key point of the test and measurement standards for their application (particularly with regard
to insertion loss and return loss) in conjunction with the interface standards of interproduct
compatibility can be defined. Conformity of each individual product to this standard will be
ensured.
4.3.3 Reliability standards
Reliability standards are intended to ensure that a component can meet performance
specifications under stated conditions for a stated time period.
For each type of component, the following shall be identified (and shall appear in the standard):
– failure modes (observable, general mechanical or optical effects of failure);
– failure mechanisms (general causes of failure common to several components);
– failure effects (detailed cause of failure, specific to component).
These are all related to environmental and material aspects.
Initially, just after component manufacture, there is an "infant mortality phase" during which
many components would fail if deployed in the field. To avoid early field failure, all components
can be subjected to a screening process in the factory, involving environmental stress that may
be mechanical, thermal or humidity related. This is to induce known failure mechanisms in a
controlled environmental situation to occur earlier than would normally be seen in an
unscreened population. For those components that survive (and are then sold), there is a
reduced failure rate since these mechanisms have been eliminated.
Screening is an optional part of the manufacturing process rather than a test method. It does
not affect the "useful life" of a component, defined as the period during which it performs
according to specifications. Eventually, other failure mechanisms appear and the failure rate
increases beyond the defined threshold. At this point, the useful life ends and the "wear-out
period" begins and the component must be replaced.
At the beginning of useful life, performance testing on a sampled population of components
may be applied by the supplier, by the manufacturer or by a third party. This is to ensure that
the component meets performance specifications over the range of intended environments at
this initial time. Reliability testing, on the other hand, is applied to ensure that the component
meets performance specifications for at least a specified minimum useful lifetime or for a
specified maximum failure rate. These tests are usually carried out by utilizing the performance
testing but increasing duration and severity in order to accelerate the failure mechanism.
A reliability theory relates component reliability testing to component parameters and to lifetime
or failure rate under testing. The theory then extrapolates these to life or failure rate under less
stressful service conditions. The reliability specifications include values of the component
parameters needed to ensure the specified minimum lifetime or maximum failure rate in
service.
4.3.4 Interlinking
Standards currently under preparation are given in Figure 5. A large number of the test and
measurement standards exist already and the quality assurance qualification approval
standards have existed for many years.
When interface, performance and reliability standards are in place, the matrix given in Table 2
demonstrates some of the options available for product standardization.
Product A is a product that is fully IEC standardized, having a standard interface and meeting
defined performance standards and reliability standards.
Product B is a product with a proprietary interface, but which meets a defined IEC performance
standard and reliability standard.
Product C is a product which complies with an IEC standard interface but does not meet the
requirement of either an IEC performance standard or reliability standard.
Product D is a product which complies with an IEC interface standard and with a performance
standard, but does not meet a reliability requirement.
Obviously, the matrix is more complex than shown since there will be a number of interface,
performance and reliability standards that can be cross-related. In addition, all the products
may be subject to a recognized quality assurance programme or even a national or company
quality assurance system. Table 3 shows options of qualification approval, capability approval
and technology approval within a quality assurance programme.
Test and
Performance Reliability Quality
Interface
measurement
...