IEC TR 62572-4:2013
(Main)Fibre optic active components and devices - Reliability standards - Part 4: Guideline for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
Fibre optic active components and devices - Reliability standards - Part 4: Guideline for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
IEC/TR 62572-4:2013(E) which is a technical report, provides guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for receptacle style optical transceivers. It includes details about handling receptacle style optical transceivers, internal structures of optical transceivers, information on cleaning tools and machines, applicable cleaning methods and cleaning procedures. Receptacle style optical transceivers as well as optical fibre patch cords are handled by operators and maintenance staff of optical network systems. This technical report may be used as a guideline to prepare instruction manuals for the operators and maintenance staff of optical network systems. Keywords: optical connector end-face cleaning methods, receptacle style optical transceivers, optical network systems.
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IEC/TR 62572-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Fibre optic active components and devices – Reliability standards –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for
receptacle style optical transceivers
IEC/TR 62572-4:2013(E)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
CH-1211 Geneva 20 info@iec.ch
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
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IEC/TR 62572-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Fibre optic active components and devices – Reliability standards –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for
receptacle style optical transceivers
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
T
ICS 33.180.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-1172-4
– 2 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers and influence of contamination
on optical connector end-face . 8
4.1 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers . 8
4.2 Influence of contamination on optical connector plugs . 9
4.3 Transferring of contamination . 9
4.4 Influence of contamination on optical connector for optical transceivers . 9
5 Care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Storage of receptacle style optical transceivers. 9
5.3 Installation of receptacle style optical transceivers . 10
5.4 Connection of optical connector plugs to receptacle style optical
transceivers . 10
5.5 Removing of receptacle style optical transceivers . 10
5.6 Action in case of abnormality . 10
6 Cleaning tools and machines . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Cleaning tools and machines for optical receptacles . 11
7 Internal structure of receptacle style optical transceivers and their applicable
cleaning tools and machines . 11
Annex A (informative) Detail information of optical connector end-face cleaning tools
and machines . 13
A.1 Reel type cleaner . 13
A.2 Stick type cleaner . 13
A.3 Pen type cleaner . 13
A.4 Gas and vacuum cleaning machine . 14
A.5 Air duster . 14
A.6 Wet clean. 15
Annex B (informative) Detailed information on the internal structure of receptacle style
optical transceivers and their applicable cleaning tools and machines. 16
B.1 Internal structure of receptacle style optical transceivers . 16
B.2 Example of the method to distinguish internal structure of receptacle
style optical transceivers . 16
B.3 Applicable cleaning tools and machines according to internal structure of
receptacle style optical transceivers . 17
B.3.1 General . 17
B.3.2 Characteristics of stub type optical transceivers . 17
B.3.3 Characteristics of lens type optical transceivers . 17
B.3.4 Characteristics of plate contact type optical transceivers . 18
Annex C (informative) Cleaning procedure of optical connector end-face of receptacle
style optical transceivers . 19
C.1 Basic cleaning procedure . 19
C.2 Cleaning procedure of stick type cleaner . 19
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 3 –
C.3 Cleaning procedure of pen type cleaner . 20
C.4 Cleaning procedure of gas and vacuum type cleaning machine . 20
C.5 Cleaning procedure of air duster . 20
C.6 Other important points . 20
Annex D (informative) Examples of inspection instruments for an optical connector
receptacle end-face . 22
Bibliography . 23
Figure A.1 – Example of a reel type cleaner . 13
Figure A.2 – Examples of stick type cleaners . 13
Figure A.3 – Examples of pen type cleaners . 14
Figure A.4 – Example of pen type cleaner . 14
Figure A.5 – Examples of air dusters . 14
Figure B.1 – Internal structures for connecting to optical connector plugs . 16
Figure C.1 – Cleaning an optical transceiver receptacle end-face by a stick type
cleaner . 19
Figure C.2 – Cleaning optical transceiver receptacle end-face using a pen type cleaner . 20
Figure D.1 – Examples of visual inspection instruments for optical connector end-face . 22
Table 1 – Typical optical connector receptacle cleaning tools and machines . 11
Table 2 – Applicable cleaning tools and machines depending on the internal structure
of optical transceivers . 12
– 4 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC ACTIVE COMPONENTS AND DEVICES –
RELIABILITY STANDARDS –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning
methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
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.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. However, a
technical committee may propose the publication of a technical report when it has collected
data of a different kind from that which is normally published as an International Standard, for
example "state of the art".
IEC/TR 62572-4, which is a technical report, has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre
optic active components and devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this technical report is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
86C/1147/DTR 86C/1182/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical report can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 5 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in IEC 62752 series, under the general title Fibre optic active
components and devices – Reliability standards, 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 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.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
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 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
INTRODUCTION
High speed internet communication systems and subscriber systems have spread rapidly
owing to the increased capacity of data communication. In these systems, receptacle style
optical transceivers such as SFP (small form factor pluggable), XFP (10-Gbps small form
factor pluggable), which can be mounted and removed during transmission systems operation,
are widely used. Optical receptacles of optical transceivers are connected to optical connector
plugs of optical patch cords and optical signals are transmitted and received through these
optical receptacles. Pluggable type optical transceivers are required to be low cost and of
small size, and the designs are often simplified. Therefore, the internal structure, especially
the receptacle structure, tends to vary between optical transceiver manufacturers.
Generally, to maintain high reliability, optical connections require cleaning of the optical
connector end-face. The technical report on cleaning of optical connector plugs and optical
adaptors, IEC/TR 62627-01, which was proposed by Japan, was published in August, 2010.
There are, however, no standard cleaning methods for the optical receptacles of optical
transceivers. It is a concern that the failure of optical transceivers due to damage and
contamination of the optical receptacle end-face may lead to failure in optical network
systems.
This technical report is based on OITDA TP12/TP-2012.[1]
___________
References in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 7 –
FIBRE OPTIC ACTIVE COMPONENTS AND DEVICES –
RELIABILITY STANDARDS –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning
methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
1 Scope
IEC/TR 62572-4, which is a technical report, provides guidelines for optical connector end-
face cleaning methods for receptacle style optical transceivers. It includes details about
handling receptacle style optical transceivers, internal structures of optical transceivers,
information on cleaning tools and machines, applicable cleaning methods and cleaning
procedures.
Receptacle style optical transceivers as well as optical fibre patch cords are handled by
operators and maintenance staff of optical network systems. This technical report may be
used as a guideline to prepare instruction manuals for the operators and maintenance staff of
optical network systems.
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/TR 62627-01, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Part 01:
Fibre optic connector cleaning methods
IEC/TR 62627-05, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Part 05:
Investigation on impact of contamination and scratches on optical performance of single mode
(SM) and multimode (MM) connectors
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
stub
polished short ferrule, including optical fibre inside, mounted in a receptacle style optical
transceiver
Note 1 to entry: The stub is connected to an optical connector plug of an optical patch cord.
3.2
stub type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver with a stub
___________
To be published.
– 8 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
3.3
lens type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver without a stub, optically connecting an optical
semiconductor device to an optical connector plug of an optical patch cord with converging
optical beam by a lens (lenses)
3.4
plate contact type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver without a stub connected by contacting a flat or convex
plate (material of glass or plastic) to an end-face of an optical connector plug of an optical
patch cord
3.5
optical transceiver
optical module having both the functions of an optical transmitter and an optical receiver
3.6
reel type cleaner
optical connector plug end-face cleaning tool, in which a cleaning cloth is rolled and is packed
in a cassette box, and with a small window for cleaning
3.7
stick type cleaner
optical connector receptacle and optical connector adaptor end-face cleaning tool in which a
cleaning cloth is attached on top of a stick
Note 1 to entry: It is sometimes called a swab type cleaner.
3.8
pen type cleaner
optical connector receptacle and optical connector adaptor end-face cleaning tool in which a
tape-shaped cleaning cloth on the top of the tool moves and cleans
3.9
gas and vacuum type cleaning machine
optical connector end-face cleaning machine in which volatile liquid solvent (gas) is injected
and extracted from a nozzle
3.10
air duster
cleaning tool in which compressed air is blown from a nozzle of a can
Note 1 to entry: It is sometimes called canned air.
3.11
dust cap
cover or cap which is attached to an optical connector plug, an optical connector adaptor or
an optical receptacle when the optical connector is not connected to protect it from
contamination
4 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers and influence of
contamination on optical connector end-face
4.1 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers
Almost all optical receptacle style transceivers are of a pluggable type. Pluggable optical
transceivers are often attached to the front panels of optical network equipment, for
installation and maintenance the pluggable optical transceivers (as well as patch cords) are
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 9 –
mounted and removed from optical network equipment by operators and maintenance staff of
optical network systems.
When optical components and modules with connector plugs are mounted in optical network
equipment by equipment manufacturers, the environment (temperature, humidity and dust) in
the optical network equipment factories is generally well controlled and precautions are taken
to assure that components are kept clean. However, the environments in which optical
network systems operate, such as the central office, data centres and computer rooms are not
generally as clean as those in the equipment factories. In these environments, there is the
possibility that dust or condensation may be introduced onto the optical connector end-faces
of optical transceivers.
4.2 Influence of contamination on optical connector plugs
Optical signals propagate within or slightly outside of the core of optical fibres, the diameter of
which is very small, typically from about 10µm to around 50µm. If a very small particle of dust
of a few micrometres (µm) in size is deposited on an optical fibre core of an optical connector
plug, the optical connector may not achieve its designed optical performance (loss and return
loss), and may adversely impact the performance of the optical network system in which it is
used. Cleaning of optical connector plugs is important and is described in IEC/TR 62627-01.
IEC/TR 62627-05 summarizes the relationship observed between contamination on optical
connector end-faces and optical performance (loss and return loss).
4.3 Transferring of contamination
Optical connector plugs and optical connector receptacles may be mated many times, and
they may also be mated to different connectors. Once contamination is attached to the end-
face of an optical connector plug, the contamination may be transferred to the optical
receptacle to which the optical connector plug is mated. Moreover, contamination may be
transferred from the receptacle to another optical connector plug to which it is mated.
Contamination may be spread from one component to another like an infection. Therefore, it
is most important to prevent contamination on the optical connector end-face, and to clean the
end-face when contaminated.
4.4 Influence of contamination on optical connector for optical transceivers
Contamination of optical connector end-face of receptacle style optical transceivers may
impact optical performance, in the same way that contamination of optical connector plugs
impacts optical performance. The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI)
presented a paper at the Warsaw meeting of IEC/SC86B, in April 2012, that illustrates the
impact of contamination on transmitter/receiver optical subassemblies (TOSA/ROSA) [2] .
5 Care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers
5.1 General
This clause describes general care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers. It is
advisable to follow the manufacturer’s operating manuals or instructions, where provided.
5.2 Storage of receptacle style optical transceivers
Receptacle style optical transceivers should be stored so as to protect the device from static
electric discharge, dust, mechanical shock and vibration, and should also be kept within a
specified temperature and humidity range. During storage, dust caps should be placed on
optical receptacles to prevent contamination.
– 10 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
5.3 Installation of receptacle style optical transceivers
Pluggable type receptacle style optical transceivers are used on the front panels of optical
network equipment. When a pluggable type optical transceiver is mounted while network
equipment is operating, the optical transceiver is driven by the electrical power provided
through the electrical pins of the transceiver. Dust caps should be put on optical receptacles
when mounting on operating equipment to prevent eye damage to maintenance staff as well
as preventing contamination to the transceiver.
5.4 Connection of optical connector plugs to receptacle style optical transceivers
Optical connector plugs are connected to the optical receptacles of an optical transceiver after
mounting on equipment. Dust caps should be removed just before the optical connector plugs
are connected. Care should also be taken to prevent dust from entering the optical receptacle.
Optical connector plug end-faces should be inspected and cleaned if contamination is
observed. After optical connector plug end-faces are inspected and found to be in compliance
with the specified visual inspection requirements, the optical connector plugs are connected
to the optical receptacles of the transceivers. Optical receptacle end-faces are more difficult
to clean than optical connector plug end-faces. Moreover, there are several different intern
...
IEC/TR 62572-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Fibre optic active components and devices – Reliability standards –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for
receptacle style optical transceivers
IEC/TR 62572-4:2013(E)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
CH-1211 Geneva 20 info@iec.ch
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
Useful links:
IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables you to find IEC publications The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
committee,…). definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in
It also gives information on projects, replaced and additional languages. Also known as the International
withdrawn publications. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) on-line.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication
details all new publications released. Available on-line and or need further assistance, please contact the
also once a month by email. Customer Service Centre: csc@iec.ch.
IEC/TR 62572-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Fibre optic active components and devices – Reliability standards –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning methods for
receptacle style optical transceivers
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
T
ICS 33.180.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-1172-4
– 2 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers and influence of contamination
on optical connector end-face . 8
4.1 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers . 8
4.2 Influence of contamination on optical connector plugs . 9
4.3 Transferring of contamination . 9
4.4 Influence of contamination on optical connector for optical transceivers . 9
5 Care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Storage of receptacle style optical transceivers. 9
5.3 Installation of receptacle style optical transceivers . 10
5.4 Connection of optical connector plugs to receptacle style optical
transceivers . 10
5.5 Removing of receptacle style optical transceivers . 10
5.6 Action in case of abnormality . 10
6 Cleaning tools and machines . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Cleaning tools and machines for optical receptacles . 11
7 Internal structure of receptacle style optical transceivers and their applicable
cleaning tools and machines . 11
Annex A (informative) Detail information of optical connector end-face cleaning tools
and machines . 13
A.1 Reel type cleaner . 13
A.2 Stick type cleaner . 13
A.3 Pen type cleaner . 13
A.4 Gas and vacuum cleaning machine . 14
A.5 Air duster . 14
A.6 Wet clean. 15
Annex B (informative) Detailed information on the internal structure of receptacle style
optical transceivers and their applicable cleaning tools and machines. 16
B.1 Internal structure of receptacle style optical transceivers . 16
B.2 Example of the method to distinguish internal structure of receptacle
style optical transceivers . 16
B.3 Applicable cleaning tools and machines according to internal structure of
receptacle style optical transceivers . 17
B.3.1 General . 17
B.3.2 Characteristics of stub type optical transceivers . 17
B.3.3 Characteristics of lens type optical transceivers . 17
B.3.4 Characteristics of plate contact type optical transceivers . 18
Annex C (informative) Cleaning procedure of optical connector end-face of receptacle
style optical transceivers . 19
C.1 Basic cleaning procedure . 19
C.2 Cleaning procedure of stick type cleaner . 19
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 3 –
C.3 Cleaning procedure of pen type cleaner . 20
C.4 Cleaning procedure of gas and vacuum type cleaning machine . 20
C.5 Cleaning procedure of air duster . 20
C.6 Other important points . 20
Annex D (informative) Examples of inspection instruments for an optical connector
receptacle end-face . 22
Bibliography . 23
Figure A.1 – Example of a reel type cleaner . 13
Figure A.2 – Examples of stick type cleaners . 13
Figure A.3 – Examples of pen type cleaners . 14
Figure A.4 – Example of pen type cleaner . 14
Figure A.5 – Examples of air dusters . 14
Figure B.1 – Internal structures for connecting to optical connector plugs . 16
Figure C.1 – Cleaning an optical transceiver receptacle end-face by a stick type
cleaner . 19
Figure C.2 – Cleaning optical transceiver receptacle end-face using a pen type cleaner . 20
Figure D.1 – Examples of visual inspection instruments for optical connector end-face . 22
Table 1 – Typical optical connector receptacle cleaning tools and machines . 11
Table 2 – Applicable cleaning tools and machines depending on the internal structure
of optical transceivers . 12
– 4 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC ACTIVE COMPONENTS AND DEVICES –
RELIABILITY STANDARDS –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning
methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
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.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. However, a
technical committee may propose the publication of a technical report when it has collected
data of a different kind from that which is normally published as an International Standard, for
example "state of the art".
IEC/TR 62572-4, which is a technical report, has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre
optic active components and devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this technical report is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
86C/1147/DTR 86C/1182/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical report can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 5 –
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in IEC 62752 series, under the general title Fibre optic active
components and devices – Reliability standards, 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 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.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
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 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
INTRODUCTION
High speed internet communication systems and subscriber systems have spread rapidly
owing to the increased capacity of data communication. In these systems, receptacle style
optical transceivers such as SFP (small form factor pluggable), XFP (10-Gbps small form
factor pluggable), which can be mounted and removed during transmission systems operation,
are widely used. Optical receptacles of optical transceivers are connected to optical connector
plugs of optical patch cords and optical signals are transmitted and received through these
optical receptacles. Pluggable type optical transceivers are required to be low cost and of
small size, and the designs are often simplified. Therefore, the internal structure, especially
the receptacle structure, tends to vary between optical transceiver manufacturers.
Generally, to maintain high reliability, optical connections require cleaning of the optical
connector end-face. The technical report on cleaning of optical connector plugs and optical
adaptors, IEC/TR 62627-01, which was proposed by Japan, was published in August, 2010.
There are, however, no standard cleaning methods for the optical receptacles of optical
transceivers. It is a concern that the failure of optical transceivers due to damage and
contamination of the optical receptacle end-face may lead to failure in optical network
systems.
This technical report is based on OITDA TP12/TP-2012.[1]
___________
References in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 7 –
FIBRE OPTIC ACTIVE COMPONENTS AND DEVICES –
RELIABILITY STANDARDS –
Part 4: Guidelines for optical connector end-face cleaning
methods for receptacle style optical transceivers
1 Scope
IEC/TR 62572-4, which is a technical report, provides guidelines for optical connector end-
face cleaning methods for receptacle style optical transceivers. It includes details about
handling receptacle style optical transceivers, internal structures of optical transceivers,
information on cleaning tools and machines, applicable cleaning methods and cleaning
procedures.
Receptacle style optical transceivers as well as optical fibre patch cords are handled by
operators and maintenance staff of optical network systems. This technical report may be
used as a guideline to prepare instruction manuals for the operators and maintenance staff of
optical network systems.
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/TR 62627-01, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Part 01:
Fibre optic connector cleaning methods
IEC/TR 62627-05, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Part 05:
Investigation on impact of contamination and scratches on optical performance of single mode
(SM) and multimode (MM) connectors
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
stub
polished short ferrule, including optical fibre inside, mounted in a receptacle style optical
transceiver
Note 1 to entry: The stub is connected to an optical connector plug of an optical patch cord.
3.2
stub type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver with a stub
___________
To be published.
– 8 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
3.3
lens type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver without a stub, optically connecting an optical
semiconductor device to an optical connector plug of an optical patch cord with converging
optical beam by a lens (lenses)
3.4
plate contact type optical transceiver
receptacle style optical transceiver without a stub connected by contacting a flat or convex
plate (material of glass or plastic) to an end-face of an optical connector plug of an optical
patch cord
3.5
optical transceiver
optical module having both the functions of an optical transmitter and an optical receiver
3.6
reel type cleaner
optical connector plug end-face cleaning tool, in which a cleaning cloth is rolled and is packed
in a cassette box, and with a small window for cleaning
3.7
stick type cleaner
optical connector receptacle and optical connector adaptor end-face cleaning tool in which a
cleaning cloth is attached on top of a stick
Note 1 to entry: It is sometimes called a swab type cleaner.
3.8
pen type cleaner
optical connector receptacle and optical connector adaptor end-face cleaning tool in which a
tape-shaped cleaning cloth on the top of the tool moves and cleans
3.9
gas and vacuum type cleaning machine
optical connector end-face cleaning machine in which volatile liquid solvent (gas) is injected
and extracted from a nozzle
3.10
air duster
cleaning tool in which compressed air is blown from a nozzle of a can
Note 1 to entry: It is sometimes called canned air.
3.11
dust cap
cover or cap which is attached to an optical connector plug, an optical connector adaptor or
an optical receptacle when the optical connector is not connected to protect it from
contamination
4 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers and influence of
contamination on optical connector end-face
4.1 Application of receptacle style optical transceivers
Almost all optical receptacle style transceivers are of a pluggable type. Pluggable optical
transceivers are often attached to the front panels of optical network equipment, for
installation and maintenance the pluggable optical transceivers (as well as patch cords) are
TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E) – 9 –
mounted and removed from optical network equipment by operators and maintenance staff of
optical network systems.
When optical components and modules with connector plugs are mounted in optical network
equipment by equipment manufacturers, the environment (temperature, humidity and dust) in
the optical network equipment factories is generally well controlled and precautions are taken
to assure that components are kept clean. However, the environments in which optical
network systems operate, such as the central office, data centres and computer rooms are not
generally as clean as those in the equipment factories. In these environments, there is the
possibility that dust or condensation may be introduced onto the optical connector end-faces
of optical transceivers.
4.2 Influence of contamination on optical connector plugs
Optical signals propagate within or slightly outside of the core of optical fibres, the diameter of
which is very small, typically from about 10µm to around 50µm. If a very small particle of dust
of a few micrometres (µm) in size is deposited on an optical fibre core of an optical connector
plug, the optical connector may not achieve its designed optical performance (loss and return
loss), and may adversely impact the performance of the optical network system in which it is
used. Cleaning of optical connector plugs is important and is described in IEC/TR 62627-01.
IEC/TR 62627-05 summarizes the relationship observed between contamination on optical
connector end-faces and optical performance (loss and return loss).
4.3 Transferring of contamination
Optical connector plugs and optical connector receptacles may be mated many times, and
they may also be mated to different connectors. Once contamination is attached to the end-
face of an optical connector plug, the contamination may be transferred to the optical
receptacle to which the optical connector plug is mated. Moreover, contamination may be
transferred from the receptacle to another optical connector plug to which it is mated.
Contamination may be spread from one component to another like an infection. Therefore, it
is most important to prevent contamination on the optical connector end-face, and to clean the
end-face when contaminated.
4.4 Influence of contamination on optical connector for optical transceivers
Contamination of optical connector end-face of receptacle style optical transceivers may
impact optical performance, in the same way that contamination of optical connector plugs
impacts optical performance. The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI)
presented a paper at the Warsaw meeting of IEC/SC86B, in April 2012, that illustrates the
impact of contamination on transmitter/receiver optical subassemblies (TOSA/ROSA) [2] .
5 Care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers
5.1 General
This clause describes general care in handling of receptacle style optical transceivers. It is
advisable to follow the manufacturer’s operating manuals or instructions, where provided.
5.2 Storage of receptacle style optical transceivers
Receptacle style optical transceivers should be stored so as to protect the device from static
electric discharge, dust, mechanical shock and vibration, and should also be kept within a
specified temperature and humidity range. During storage, dust caps should be placed on
optical receptacles to prevent contamination.
– 10 – TR 62572-4 © IEC:2013(E)
5.3 Installation of receptacle style optical transceivers
Pluggable type receptacle style optical transceivers are used on the front panels of optical
network equipment. When a pluggable type optical transceiver is mounted while network
equipment is operating, the optical transceiver is driven by the electrical power provided
through the electrical pins of the transceiver. Dust caps should be put on optical receptacles
when mounting on operating equipment to prevent eye damage to maintenance staff as well
as preventing contamination to the transceiver.
5.4 Connection of optical connector plugs to receptacle style optical transceivers
Optical connector plugs are connected to the optical receptacles of an optical transceiver after
mounting on equipment. Dust caps should be removed just before the optical connector plugs
are connected. Care should also be taken to prevent dust from entering the optical receptacle.
Optical connector plug end-faces should be inspected and cleaned if contamination is
observed. After optical connector plug end-faces are inspected and found to be in compliance
with the specified visual inspection requirements, the optical connector plugs are connected
to the optical receptacles of the transceivers. Optical receptacle end-faces are more difficult
to clean than optical connector plug end-faces. Moreover, there are several different internal
structures
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