IEC 62343-3-2:2016

Dynamic modules - Part 3-2: Performance specification templates - Optical channel monitor

IEC 62343-3-2:2016 provides a performance specification template for optical channel monitors. The objective of this performance specification template is to provide a framework for the performance specification of the optical channel monitor. Additional specification parameters may be included for detailed product specifications or performance specifications. However, specification parameters specified in this document should not be removed from the detail product specifications or performance specifications. This document outlines the parameters that are used to specify the performance of the optical channel monitor. Keywords: optical channel monitor (OCM)

Modules dynamiques - Partie 3-2: Modèles de spécification de performance - Contrôleur de canal de transmission optique

IEC 62343-3-2:2016 fournit un modèle de spécification de performance pour les contrôleurs de canal de transmission optique. Ce modèle de spécification de performance est destiné à fournir un cadre pour la spécification de performance du contrôleur de canal de transmission optique.Anchor Des paramètres de spécification supplémentaires peuvent être inclus pour les spécifications particulières de produit ou de performance. Toutefois, il convient de ne pas retirer les paramètres de spécification stipulés dans le présent document des spécifications particulières de produit ou de performance. Le présent document décrit les paramètres utilisés pour spécifier les performances du contrôleur de canal de transmission optique.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-May-2016
• ICS: 33.180.01 - Fibre optic systems in general
• ICS: 33.180.99 - Other fibre optic equipment
• Technical Committee: SC 86C - Fibre optic systems, sensing and active devices
• Drafting Committee: WG 5 - TC 86/SC 86C/WG 5
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 12-May-2016
• Completion Date: 31-Jul-2016

Overview

IEC 62343-3-2:2016 - "Dynamic modules - Part 3-2: Performance specification templates - Optical channel monitor" provides a standardized performance-specification template for optical channel monitors (OCMs) used in DWDM systems. The document defines a framework of required and optional performance parameters (power, frequency, OSNR, bandwidth metrics, environmental and timing characteristics) that vendors and system designers should include in product and performance specifications. It ensures consistent measurement semantics and traceability when integrating OCMs into systems such as ROADMs and channel-equalization subsystems.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance specification template: A comprehensive table of parameters (Table 1) listing required (R) and optional (O) items to form a minimal yet complete specification.
• Measurement parameters: Channel power (absolute/relative/error/variability/resolution), frequency (absolute/relative/variability/resolution), OSNR (absolute/relative/variability), total band power, and back reflection.
• Bandwidth metrics: Reference measurement bandwidth and noise equivalent bandwidth are called out as fundamental for defining how power and spectral measurements are reported and compared to reference instruments (e.g., OSA).
• Channel plan and frequency handling: Support for fixed ITU grids and flexible grids; the template notes when input channel plan or frequency band should be required and how spacing tolerance and channel identification are applied.
• Timing & environmental: Response time, repeatability interval, operating/storage temperature and humidity.
• Traceable test references: Normative references include IEC 61280-2-9, IEC 61300-3-21, IEC 61300-3-29 and IEC 62074-1, which inform OSNR, switching time, spectral transfer and WDM device specifications.

Applications and who uses it

• OCM manufacturers: to prepare product specifications that are consistent, comparable and interoperable.
• System integrators and network operators: to select OCMs for DWDM lines, ROADMs and dynamic channel-equalization systems; to interpret monitoring data reliably.
• Test labs and QA teams: to design conformance and acceptance tests aligned with IEC measurement semantics.
• Standards developers and procurement teams: to reference a clear template when specifying monitoring requirements for optical networks.

Related standards

• IEC 62343 (general guidance on dynamic modules)
• IEC 61280-2-9 (OSNR measurement for DWDM)
• IEC 61300-3-21 / 3-29 (switching time, spectral transfer)
• IEC 62074-1 (WDM device generic specification)

By using IEC 62343-3-2:2016, stakeholders ensure OCM performance claims are expressed consistently - improving interoperability, testability and operational reliability of DWDM monitoring solutions.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62343-3-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Dynamic modules –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates – Optical channel monitor

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
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IEC 62343-3-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Dynamic modules –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates – Optical channel monitor

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.99, 33.180.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-3364-1

– 2 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references. 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Performance specification template . 6
Annex A (informative) Background and additional information on this specification
template . 9
A.1 Background information on the structure of this specification template . 9
A.1.1 Selecting “directionally correct” terminology . 9
A.1.2 Logical sequence of parameters in Table 1 . 9
A.1.3 Performance parameters hierarchical structure . 10
A.2 Additional information about reference measurement bandwidth . 10
Bibliography . 12

Table 1 – Optical channel monitor specification template . 7

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
DYNAMIC MODULES –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates –
Optical channel monitor
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
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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 62343-3-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this document is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86C/1324/CDV 86C/1371/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this document 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 62343 series, published under the general title Dynamic modules,
can be found on the IEC website.

– 4 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
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.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

INTRODUCTION
An optical channel monitor (OCM) is a dynamic module that measures the optical
characteristics, mainly power and frequency, of each channel present in a dense wavelength
division multiplexing (DWDM) transmission line. The OCM is typically connected to an optical
tap coupler which directs to the OCM anywhere between 1 % and 5 % of the optical signal in
the fibre-optic transmission line. The data reported by the OCM are used in a reconfigurable
optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) to dynamically equalize the power in the optical
channels and to monitor the performance of the channels continuously over the lifetime of the
system.
– 6 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
DYNAMIC MODULES –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates –
Optical channel monitor
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62343 provides a performance specification template for optical channel
monitors. The objective of this performance specification template is to provide a framework
for the performance specification of the optical channel monitor.
Additional specification parameters may be included for detailed product specifications or
performance specifications. However, specification parameters specified in this document
should not be removed from the detail product specifications or performance specifications.
This document outlines the parameters that are used to specify the performance of the optical
channel monitor.
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 61280-2-9, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 2-9: Digital
systems – Optical signal-to-noise ratio measurement for dense wavelength-division
multiplexed systems
IEC 61300-3-21, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 3-21: Examinations and measurements – Switching time
IEC 61300-3-29, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 3-29: Examinations and measurements – Spectral
transfer characteristics of DWDM devices
IEC 62074-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic WDM
devices – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 62343, Dynamic modules – General and guidance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 62343 and
IEC 61280-2-9 apply.
4 Performance specification template
This specification template is a comprehensive compilation of all the performance parameters
that may be relevant to optical channel monitors. Table 1 includes a column that indicates if a
parameter is required or optional. The required parameters include the performance

parameters that are deemed necessary to form a minimal specification. The optional
parameters can be specified in addition to the required parameters depending on the specific
requirements of the transmission system for which it is designed.
The product specification template is given in Table 1. The R/O column refers to whether that
particular specification item could be considered required or optional. The notation of “na”
signifies that no specification is provided in that cell. All Min. and Max. cells left blank shall be
filled in with a specification.
Table 1 – Optical channel monitor specification template
No Parameter name R/ Test method Notes
Min. Max. Unit
. O
a
1 Input channel plan R  THz
b
2 Channel frequency range O  THz IEC 62074-1
c, f
3 Input channels frequency spacing tolerance R n/a THz Under consideration
± val.
4 Input channels power dynamic range R  dB Under consideration
5 Input channels non-uniformity R n/a dB Under consideration
6 Input adjacent channels non-uniformity O n/a dB Under consideration
c
7 Input channels non-uniformity for channel identification O n/a
...

IEC 62343-3-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Dynamic modules –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates – Optical channel monitor

Modules dynamiques –
Partie 3-2: Modèles de spécification de performance – Contrôleur de canal de
transmission optique
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International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
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IEC 62343-3-2 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Dynamic modules –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates – Optical channel monitor

Modules dynamiques –
Partie 3-2: Modèles de spécification de performance – Contrôleur de canal de

transmission optique
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.01; 33.180.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-8668-5

– 2 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Performance specification template . 6
Annex A (informative) Background and additional information on this specification
template. 9
A.1 Background information on the structure of this specification template . 9
A.1.1 Selecting “directionally correct” terminology . 9
A.1.2 Logical sequence of parameters in Table 1 . 9
A.1.3 Performance parameters hierarchical structure . 10
A.2 Additional information about reference measurement bandwidth . 10
Bibliography . 12

Table 1 – Optical channel monitor specification template . 7

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
DYNAMIC MODULES –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates –
Optical channel monitor
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.
International Standard IEC 62343-3-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This bilingual version (2020-07) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2016-05.
The text of this document is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86C/1324/CDV 86C/1371/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this document can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.

– 4 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62343 series, published under the general title Dynamic modules,
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.
INTRODUCTION
An optical channel monitor (OCM) is a dynamic module that measures the optical
characteristics, mainly power and frequency, of each channel present in a dense wavelength
division multiplexing (DWDM) transmission line. The OCM is typically connected to an optical
tap coupler which directs to the OCM anywhere between 1 % and 5 % of the optical signal in
the fibre-optic transmission line. The data reported by the OCM are used in a reconfigurable
optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) to dynamically equalize the power in the optical channels
and to monitor the performance of the channels continuously over the lifetime of the system.

– 6 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
DYNAMIC MODULES –
Part 3-2: Performance specification templates –
Optical channel monitor
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62343 provides a performance specification template for optical channel
monitors. The objective of this performance specification template is to provide a framework for
the performance specification of the optical channel monitor.
Additional specification parameters may be included for detailed product specifications or
performance specifications. However, specification parameters specified in this document
should not be removed from the detail product specifications or performance specifications.
This document outlines the parameters that are used to specify the performance of the optical
channel monitor.
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 61280-2-9, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 2-9: Digital
systems – Optical signal-to-noise ratio measurement for dense wavelength-division multiplexed
systems
IEC 61300-3-21, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-21: Examinations and measurements – Switching time
IEC 61300-3-29, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-29: Examinations and measurements – Spectral transfer
characteristics of DWDM devices
IEC 62074-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic WDM
devices – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 62343, Dynamic modules – General and guidance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 62343 and IEC 61280-
2-9 apply.
4 Performance specification template
This specification template is a comprehensive compilation of all the performance parameters
that may be relevant to optical channel monitors. Table 1 includes a column that indicates if a
parameter is required or optional. The required parameters include the performance parameters

that are deemed necessary to form a minimal specification. The optional parameters can be
specified in addition to the required parameters depending on the specific requirements of the
transmission system for which it is designed.
The product specification template is given in Table 1. The R/O column refers to whether that
particular specification item could be considered required or optional. The notation of “na”
signifies that no specification is provided in that cell. All Min. and Max. cells left blank shall be
filled in with a specification.
Table 1 – Optical channel monitor specification template
No Parameter name R/ Test method Notes
Min. Max. Unit
. O
a
1 Input channel plan R THz
b
2 Channel frequency range O  THz IEC 62074-1

c, f
3 Input channels frequency spacing tolerance R n/a THz Under consideration
± val.
4 Input channels power dynamic range R dB Under consideration

5 Input channels non-uniformity R n/a dB Under consideration

6 Input adjacent channels non-uniformity O n/a dB Under consideration

c
7 Input channels non-uniformity for channel identification O n/a dB Under consideration

8 Input adjacent channels non-uniformity for channel O n/a dB Under consideration
c
identification
9 Input total band power dynamic range for channel O dBm Under consideration

measurements
10 Input total band power dynamic range for total band power O dBm Under consideration

measurements
11 Input OSNR dynamic range R dBm Under consideration

d
12 Input channels bit rates O Gb/s

13 Reference measurement bandwidth R nominal value IEC 61300-3-29,
e
IEC 62074-1
e
14 Noise equivalent bandwidth O nominal value Under consideration

15 Channel power absolute error R n/a dB Under consideration
± val.
16 Channel power relative error R n/a dB Under consideration

17 Channel power variability R n/a dB Under consideration

18 Channel power resolution interval O n/a dB Under consideration

19 Channel power polarization dependent error O n/a dB Under consideration
20 Total band power absolute error O n/a dB Under consideration
± val.
21 Total band power relative error O n/a dB Under consideration

22 Total band power variability O n/a dB Under consideration

23 Total band power resolution interval O n/a dB Under consideration
f
24 Frequency absolute error O n/a ± val. GHz Under consideration

25 Frequency relative error O n/a GHz Under consideration

26 Frequency variability O n/a GHz Under consideration

27 Frequency resolution interval O n/a GHz Under consideration

28 Frequency polarization dependent error O n/a dB Under consideration
f
29 OSNR absolute error O n/a ± val. dB Under consideration

30 OSNR relative error O n/a dB Under consideration

– 8 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
No Parameter name R/ Test method Notes
Min. Max. Unit
. O
31 OSNR variability O n/a dB Under consideration

32 OSNR resolution interval O n/a dB Under consideration

33 OSNR polarization dependent error O n/a dB Under consideration

34 Back reflection R n/a dB Under consideration

35 Operating temperature R ºC -

36 Storage temperature R ºC -
37 Operating relative humidity R % -

38 Storage relative humidity R % -

39 Response time R n/a ms IEC 61300-3-21

40 Repeatability time interval R n/a ms Under consideration
a
Input channel plan is a parameter that is well suited in the context of DWDM transmission systems operating on fixed ITU
grids, as defined in ITU-T G.694.1, of equal channel spacing. In such applications, the frequency band parameter is
considered optional, as it can be derived using its definition and the input channel plan specification. However in the context
of DWDM transmission systems operating on flexible ITU grids of varying channel spacing, the input channel plan is no longer
a relevant parameter. The frequency band parameter takes precedence and becomes a required (R) parameter. In this case,
the maximum number of channels shall be specified as well as the granularity of the flexible bandwidth structure. Note that
the optical channel monitor does not distinguish between optical channels and optical sub-carriers within a channel. The
optical channel monitor simply performs the power measurement over the specified measurement integration bandwidth.
It is universally understood that any optical power measurement shall be specified over an optical frequency (or wavelength)
range. For example, optical spectrum analyser (OSA) instruments shall be set to a desired resolution bandwidth before a
spectral measurement can be performed. Similarly, for optical channel monitors, the reference measurement bandwidth and
the noise equivalent bandwidth are key parameters when defining the performance specification.
The reference measurement bandwidth is a parameter that is related to channel and total power measurements. The optical
channel monitor reports the power integrated over the reference measurement bandwidth. The accuracy of that measurement
can only be determined by comparing it to a measurement on a reference instrument, typically a calibrated OSA instrument,
over the same reference measurement bandwidth.
b
The input channels frequency spacing tolerance parameter is applicable to both fixed and flexible ITU grid specifications. In
the case of flexible ITU grids, this specification may be broken out based on different channel spacing values, as lasers
modulated at higher bit rates tend to be specified with tighter frequency tolerances. An alternative is to simply specify the
frequency tolerances of the input signals based on their bit rate and modulation format.
c
Channel identification is used in this document to cover a broad range of meanings depending on the application. In the
context of a DWDM system transmitting at bit rates no higher than 10Gb/s, channel identification can mean that the optical
channel monitor shall report the channels present. In the context of a DWDM system transmitting with channels with a mix of
bit rates up to 100 Gb/s, channel identification can be enhanced to distinguish 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s channels from 10 Gb/s
channels by their spectral shape. In the context of DWDM systems transmitting with channels with a mix of bit rates up to
1 Tb/s on flexible grids, the host can actually provide the channel plan to the optical channel monitor, in which case channel
identification becomes not applicable. Input parameters related to channel identification are specified separately from other
input parameters due to the fact that channel identification can pose unique challenges.
d
The minimum and maximum channel bit rates can be specified generically. It can be helpful for clarity to specify the input
channels modulation formats. This information can take the form of high resolution optical spectra to insure that the spectral
shape is fully taken into account in the performance specification of the optical channel monitor.
e
Values are nominal. Refer to IEC 61300-3-29, and IEC 62074-1 for additional details.
f
Absolute error is by definition the deviation from a reference measurement. A given measurement can be greater or lesser
than the reference measurement. Thus it is common to see the absolute error be specified as a plus or minus value. The
specification can therefore be expressed with the "plus" and the "minus" errors listed respectively under the max and min
columns. On the other hand, for all practical purposes, the absolute error of concern is the absolute value of the error
measured. In other words, the magnitude of the error matters more than its sign. In Table 1, the parameters specified as a
plus or minus error around a reference are denoted with "± val" in the max column. But a specification with "+ val" under the
Max column and "- val" under the Min column is an acceptable alternative.

Annex A
(informative)
Background and additional information on this specification template
A.1 Background information on the structure of this specification template
A.1.1 Selecting “directionally correct” terminology
Terminology in marketing literature is often selected to appear favourable and this is true for
the terminology for optical channel monitors.
As an example, datasheets can typically specify “channel power accuracy of ± 1,0 dB”. It would
be technically correct but ambiguous to say that “the channel power accuracy increased from
± 1,0 dB to ± 0,5 dB”, because the value itself decreased. It would be clearer to say that “the
channel power error decreased from ± 1,0 dB to ± 0,5 dB”. This last statement could be
described as being “directionally correct”. In the commercial marketplace, on the other hand,
promoting “channel power accuracy” rather than “channel power error” is preferred.
This International Standard utilizes terminology that offers the most clarity as opposed to the
terminology that is more prevalent in the marketplace. For example, in Table 1:
• "error" was selected instead of "accuracy";
• "non-uniformity" was selected instead of "uniformity";
• "variability" was selected instead of "repeatability";
• "resolution-interval" was selected instead of "resolution".
A.1.2 Logical sequence of parameters in Table 1
The parameters listed in Table 1 follow a logical sequence beginning with the input parameters,
followed by the performance parameters, and ending with operating parameters.
Input parameters specify the entire range of optical input conditions for which the performance
parameters apply. In general, the greater the range of input parameters, the greater the
specified error of an optical channel monitor. In this part of IEC 62343, the terminology for input
parameters is made explicit by inclusion of the word input between parameter 1 to 12. For
example, one input parameter is the input channels non-uniformity. As the input channels non-
uniformity increases, the more challenging it becomes for the channel monitor to measure a
channel with relatively low optical power when surrounded by channels with relatively high
optical power. This is because the accuracy of the measurement of the relatively low optical
power channel will be impacted by optical crosstalk from the neighbouring channels with
relatively high optical power.
Performance parameters such as channel power absolute error are grouped in the middle of
Table 1 from parameter 15 to 34.
Operating parameters can be found towards the end of Table 1 from parameter 35 and include
the word operating in the term. An example operating parameter is operating temperature.
These parameters represent the range of operating conditions over which the performance
parameters shall meet their specifications. In general, the broader the range of the operating
specifications, the more challenging it is for the optical channel monitor to maintain a specified
performance specification.
The explicit identification of input conditions and operating parameters is helpful to formulate
the definitions for the performance parameters: they can be globally referenced in the definitions
with the simple phrase “specified over all input and operating ranges”.

– 10 – IEC 62343-3-2:2016 © IEC 2016
A.1.3 Performance parameters hierarchical structure
The terminology for the performance parameters follows a hierarchical structure. The
hierarchical construct can be used to create all the possible permutations for all the possible
performance parameters that can be specified. All such permutations are shown in Table 1. But
typically, not all performance parameters are specified in practice. To reflect this, many such
parameters are listed as optional in Table 1.
The hierarchical structure consists of a root parameter and parameter attribute. Root
parameters are:
• channel power;
• total band power;
• OSNR;
• frequency.
Each of these root parameters can be combined with any of the following performance
attributes:
• absolute error;
• relative error;
• variability;
• resolution interval.
This hierarchical structure also facilitates the streamlining of all the definitions associated with
each performance attribute. In this document, most of the definitions of the performance
parameters are formed according to the following templates:
• [root parameter] absolute error: the maximum difference between the measured [root
parameter] and the calibrated reference [root parameter], (within specific conditions relevant
to this root parameter), during one measurement within the response time, specified over
all input and operating ranges;
• [root parameter] relative error: the maximum variation of the [root parameter] absolute error,
during one measurement within the response time, specified over all input and operating
ranges;
• [root parameter] variability: the maximum variation of the [root parameter] absolute error
over the repeatability time interval at a given input and operating condition, specified over
all input and operating ranges;
• [root parameter] resolution interval: the smallest increment of the reported [root parameter]
measurement value.
A.2 Additional information about reference measurement bandwidth
The reference measurement bandwidth is a value selected according to the bit rate and
modulation format of the optical signals being measured.
• Typically, smaller reference measurement bandwidths are designed for optical signals
modulated at symbol rates of 10 Gb/s and below.
• For optical signals modulated at symbol rates of 40 Gb/s and above, the reference
measurement bandwidth is increased to insure that the entire spectrum of the signal is
accounted for in the optical power measurement.
• For optical signals modulated at symbol rates of 400 Gb/s and above, the channel plans can
be defined on a flexible grid. In this case, the host system can provide the reference
measurement bandwidth to the optical channel monitor for each individual channel in the
scan.
The noise equivalent bandwidth is a parameter that shall be defined to accurately characterize
the performance parameters related to OSNR. Since OSNR is an optional performance
parameter, so is the noise equivalent bandwidth.
• To compute the OSNR, it i
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