IEC 61291-2:2012

Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Digital applications - Performance specification template

IEC 61291-2:2012 applies to single channel optical amplifier (OA) devices to be used in digital applications. For multichannel applications, use IEC 61291, Part 4. The object of this performance specification template is to provide a frame for the preparation of detail specifications on the performances of single channel OA devices to be used in digital applications. This edition constitutes a minor update through clarification that the scope is for single channel optical amplifiers, and that pump leakage parameters do not apply to semiconductor optical amplifiers.

Amplificateurs optiques - Partie 2: Applications numériques - Modèle de spécifications de performances

La CEI 61291-2:2012 s'applique aux dispositifs amplificateurs optiques (AO) à un seul canal, destinés à être utilisés dans le cadre d'applications numériques. Pour les applications multicanaux, utiliser la CEI 61291, Partie 4. L'objet de ce modèle de spécifications de performances est de fournir une trame de préparation de spécifications particulières relatives aux performances des dispositifs AO à un seul canal destinés à être utilisés dans le cadre d'applications numériques. Cette édition constitue une mise à jour mineure, consistant en une clarification du domaine d'application, mentionnant uniquement les amplificateurs optiques pour un seul canal, et les paramètres de fuite de pompage ne s'appliquent pas aux amplificateurs optiques à semiconducteurs.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Jan-2012
• ICS: 33.180.30 - Optic amplifiers
• Technical Committee: SC 86C - Fibre optic systems, sensing and active devices
• Drafting Committee: WG 3 - TC 86/SC 86C/WG 3
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 18-Feb-2016
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: IEC 61291-2:2016 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Single channel applications - Performance specification template
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61291-2:2007 - Optical amplifiers - Part 2: Digital applications - Performance specification template
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61291-2:2012 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies performance templates for single channel optical amplifiers (OAs) intended for digital applications. It serves as a guideline for preparing detailed performance specifications, offering a structured framework for manufacturers and engineers involved in designing, testing, and implementing optical amplifiers used in digital optical communication systems.

This edition clarifies the scope to focus exclusively on single channel OAs and excludes pump leakage parameters for semiconductor optical amplifiers. For multichannel optical amplifier applications, IEC 61291 Part 4 should be consulted.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard applies solely to single channel optical amplifiers intended for digital data transmission. It provides a performance specification template covering power amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, and line amplifiers.

• Specification Parameters
  The document outlines minimum essential performance parameters, including:

  • Input/output power ranges (dBm)
  • Wavelength bands (nm)
  • Gain (dB)
  • Signal-spontaneous noise figure (dB)
  • Polarization dependent gain (dB)
  • Amplified spontaneous emission power levels (dBm)
  • Reflectance characteristics (dB)
  • Environmental and reliability factors such as operating temperature, humidity, vibration, storage conditions, and failure rate (FIT)

• Exclusions and Clarifications
  Notably, pump leakage parameters are excluded for semiconductor optical amplifiers. The standard also reinforces that detail specifications can add, but not remove, mandatory parameters.

• Referenced Standards
  The performance specifications integrate relevant IEC standards for laser safety (IEC 60825-1), test methods (IEC 61290 series), generic specifications (IEC 61291-1), reliability qualification (IEC 61291-5-2), and electromagnetic compatibility guidelines (IEC Guide 107).

Applications

IEC 61291-2:2012 is critical for manufacturers, system integrators, and quality assurance teams dealing with digital optical communication infrastructures that employ single channel optical amplifiers. Typical applications include:

• Optical Fiber Communication Networks
  Enhancing signal strength and quality in long-haul and metro digital transmission lines through reliable, well-specified optical power, pre-, and line amplifiers.

• Telecommunication Equipment Manufacturing
  Developing products that meet international performance criteria ensuring interoperability, safety, and efficiency in optical networks.

• System Design and Testing
  Providing a reference framework for setting minimum technical performance requirements, facilitating consistent testing methodologies and product validation.

• Quality and Compliance Assurance
  Assisting certification bodies and suppliers in verifying adherence to standardized performance and safety parameters, ensuring robustness in field operations.

Related Standards

• IEC 61291-1: Generic Specification for Optical Amplifiers
  Provides foundational definitions and specifications applicable to all types of optical amplifiers.

• IEC 61291-4: Multichannel Applications of Optical Amplifiers
  Specifies performance criteria for multichannel OA devices, complementing IEC 61291-2’s single channel focus.

• IEC 61290 Series: Optical Amplifier Test Methods
  Detailed test procedures referenced for evaluating performance parameters like gain and noise figure.

• IEC 60825-1: Laser Safety Requirements
  Relevant for ensuring that optical amplifiers comply with safety classifications and regulations.

• IEC 61291-5-2: Reliability Qualification Specifications
  Addresses qualification tests for durability, including environmental stresses such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock.

Summary

IEC 61291-2:2012 establishes a comprehensive, internationally accepted performance specification template for single channel optical amplifiers used in digital applications. By defining critical parameters for power, pre-, and line amplifiers along with rigorous environmental and reliability criteria, this standard supports the consistent development and deployment of high-performance optical communication components.

Adherence to IEC 61291-2 helps ensure optical amplifiers meet the demands of modern digital networks-enhancing signal integrity, ensuring safety compliance, and promoting interoperability across global telecommunication systems. For engineers and manufacturers seeking to optimize optical amplifier specifications within digital applications, IEC 61291-2 serves as an essential reference model.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61291-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2012-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical amplifiers –
Part 2: Digital applications – Performance specification template

Amplificateurs optiques –
Partie 2: Applications numériques – Modèle de spécifications de performances

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IEC 61291-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2012-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical amplifiers –
Part 2: Digital applications – Performance specification template

Amplificateurs optiques –
Partie 2: Applications numériques – Modèle de spécifications de performances

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX L
ICS 33.180.30 ISBN 978-2-88912-858-7

– 2 – 61291-2 © IEC:2012
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope and object . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 6
3.1 Terms and definitions . 6
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 6
4 Product specification worksheet for power amplifiers . 7
5 Product specification worksheet for pre-amplifiers . 8
6 Product specification worksheet for line amplifiers . 9
7 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements . 10
Bibliography . 11

Table 1 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of power amplifiers to be specified for
digital applications . 7
Table 2 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of pre-amplifiers to be specified for
digital applications . 8
Table 3 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of line amplifiers to be specified for

digital applications . 9

61291-2 © IEC:2012 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
Part 2: Digital 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
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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 61291-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86C/1018/CDV 86C/1039/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 third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2007 and constitutes a
minor update through clarification that the scope is for single channel optical amplifiers, and
that pump leakage parameters do not apply to semiconductor optical amplifiers.

– 4 – 61291-2 © IEC:2012
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site 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.
61291-2 © IEC:2012 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
This international standard is devoted to the subject of optical amplifiers. The technology of
optical amplifiers is still rapidly evolving, hence amendments and new additions to this
standard can be expected. Each abbreviation introduced in this international standard is
generally explained in the text the first time it appears. However, for an easier understanding
of the whole text, a list of all abbreviations used in this international standard is given in
Clause 3.
– 6 – 61291-2 © IEC:2012
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
Part 2: Digital applications –
Performance specification template

1 Scope and object
This performance specification template applies to single channel optical amplifier (OA)
devices to be used in digital applications. For multichannel applications, use IEC 61291,
Part 4.
The object of this performance specification template is to provide a frame for the preparation
of detail specifications on the performances of single channel OA devices to be used in digital
applications.
Detail specification writers may add specification parameters and/or groups of specification
parameters for particular applications. However, detail specification writers may not remove
specification parameters specified in this standard.
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 60825-1:1993, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements
IEC 61290 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods
IEC 61291-1, Optical amplifiers – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 61291-5-2, Optical amplifiers – Part 5-2: Qualification specifications – Reliability
qualification for optical fibre amplifiers
IEC Guide 107, Electromagnetic compatibility – Guide to the drafting of electromagnetic
compatibility publications
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions of IEC 61291-1 apply.
NOTE Possible supplementary definitions specific to OAs for digital applications may be given in detail
specifications.
3.2 Abbreviated terms
OA optical amplifier
EMC electromagnetic compatibility
ESD electrostatic discharge
61291-2 © IEC:2012 – 7 –
4 Product specification worksheet for power amplifiers
The following worksheet contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
detail specifications of single channel OA devices to be used as power amplifiers in digital
applications, together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value,
minimum value or both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.
Table 1 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of
power amplifiers to be specified for digital applications
Parameters Unit Minimum Maximum IEC Reference
value value
Transmission Input power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series
characteristics
Output power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series

Wavelength band nm  IEC 61290-1 series

Gain dB  IEC 61290-1 series
a
Signal-spontaneous noise figure dB  NA IEC 61290-3 series

Polarization dependent gain dB NA IEC 61290-1 series

Reverse amplified spontaneous dBm NA IEC 61290-3 series
emission power level
Input reflectance dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at input
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at output
b
Pump leakage to input dBm NA IEC 61290-6 series
b
Pump leakage to output dBm NA IEC 61290-6 series
Maximum total output power dBm NA IEC 61290-1 series
Environmental Safety laser classification NA NA IEC 60825-1
reliability and
Operating temperature ° C  IEC 61291-5-2
safety parameters
Maximum operating relative % NA IEC 61291-5-2

humidity
Maximum Range of Hz  IEC 61291-5-2
operating frequencies
vibration
Amplitude mm NA IEC 61291-5-2
severity
peak-to-peak
Storage temperature ° C  IEC 61291-5-2
Maximum storage % NA IEC 61291-5-2
relative humidity
Maximum Drop height mm  IEC 61291-5-2

shock
severity,
free drop
Failure rate FIT NA IEC 61291-5-2
a
NA: not applicable
b
Not applicable to semiconductor optical amplifiers

– 8 – 61291-2 © IEC:2012
5 Product specification worksheet for pre-amplifiers
The following worksheet contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
detail specifications of single channel OA devices to be used as pre-amplifiers in digital
applications, together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value,
minimum value or both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.
Table 2 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of
pre-amplifiers to be specified for digital applications
Parameters Unit Minimum Maximum IEC Reference
value value
Transmission Input power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series
characteristics
Output power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series

Wavelength band nm  IEC 61290-1 series

Available signal wavelength band nm  IEC 61290-1 series

Gain dB  IEC 61290-1 series
Signal-spontaneous noise figure dB NA IEC 61290-3 series

Polarization dependent gain dB NA IEC 61290-1 series

Forward amplified spontaneous dBm NA IEC 61290-3 series

emission power level
Reverse amplified spontaneous dBm NA IEC 61290-3 series
emission power level
Input reflectance dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at input
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at output
a
Pump leakage to input dBm NA IEC 61290-6 series
a
Pump leakage to output dBm NA IEC 61290-6 series
Maximum total output power dBm NA IEC 61290-1 series
Environmental Safety laser classification NA NA IEC 60825-1
and safety
Operating temperature ° C  IEC 61291-5-2
parameters
Maximum operating relative % NA IEC 61291-5-2

humidity
Maximum Range of Hz  IEC 61291-5-2

operating frequencies
vibration
Amplitude mm NA IEC 61291-5-2
severity
peak-to-peak
Storage temperature ° C  IEC 61291-5-2
Maximum storage % NA IEC 61291-5-2
relative humidity
Maximum Drop height mm  IEC 61291-5-2
shock
severity,
free drop
a
Not applicable to semiconductor optical amplifiers

61291-2 © IEC:2012 – 9 –
6 Product specification worksheet for line amplifiers
The following worksheet contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
detail specifications of single channel OA devices to be used as line amplifiers in digital
applications, together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value,
minimum value or both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.
Table 3 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of
line amplifiers to be specified for digital applications
Parameters Unit Minimum Maximum IEC Reference
value value
Transmission Input power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series
characteristics
Output power range dBm  IEC 61290-1 series
Saturation output power dBm NA IEC 61290-1 series
Wavelength band nm  IEC 61290-1 series
Signal-spontaneous noise figure dB NA IEC 61290-3 series
Polarization dependent gain dB NA IEC 61290-1 series
Forward amplified spontaneous dBm NA IEC 61290-3 series
emission power level
Reverse amplified spontaneous dBm NA IEC 61290-3 series
emission power level
Input reflectance dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at input
Maximum reflectance tolerable dB NA IEC 61290-5 series
at output
a
Pump leakage to input dBm NA IEC 61290-6 series
a
Pump leakage to output dBm NA IEC 61290
...