SIST EN 61290-10-4:2007

Optical amplifiers - Test methods -- Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters - Interpolated source subtraction method using an optical spectrum analyzer

This part of IEC 61290 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and optically amplified subsystems.  The object of this standard is to establish uniform requirements for accurate and reliable measurements, by means of the interpolated source subtraction method using an optical spectrum analyzer.

Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker - Teil 10-4: Mehrkanal-Parameter - Quellen-Interpolations- und Subtraktionsverfahren unter Verwendung eines optischen Spektralanalysators

Amplificateurs optiques - Méthodes d'essais -- Partie 10-4: Paramètres à canaux multiples - Méthode par soustraction de la source interpolée en utilisant un analyseur de spectre optique

La présente partie de la CEI 61290 s'applique à tous les amplificateurs optiques (AO) et sous-systèmes à amplification optique, disponibles sur le marché. L'objet de la présente norme est d'établir des exigences uniformes afin d'obtenir des mesures précises et fiables, au moyen de la méthode par soustraction de la source interpolée en utilisant un analyseur de spectre optique.

Optični ojačevalniki – Preskušalne metode – 10-4. del: Večkanalski parametri – Metoda z odvzemanjem interpoliranega vira z uporabo analizatorja optičnega spektra (IEC 61290-10-4:2007)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-Sep-2007
• ICS: 33.180.30 - Optic amplifiers
• Technical Committee: iTEL - Communication cables
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 04-Sep-2007
• Due Date: 09-Nov-2007
• Completion Date: 12-Sep-2007
• Ref Project: EN 61290-10-4:2007 - Optical amplifiers - Test methods - Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters - Interpolated source subtraction method using an optical spectrum analyzer

Overview

EN 61290-10-4:2007 (IEC 61290-10-4:2007) specifies a standardized test method for measuring multichannel parameters of optical amplifiers using the Interpolated Source Subtraction (ISS) technique with an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). It applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers and optically amplified subsystems, including optical fibre amplifiers (rare-earth doped and Raman), semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) and planar waveguide amplifiers (POWA). The method determines channel gain and channel signal–spontaneous noise figure for multichannel (WDM) configurations.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Measurement method: Interpolated source subtraction (ISS) - ASE (amplified spontaneous emission) at each channel is estimated by interpolation from nearby-wavelength measurements and source noise is subtracted to isolate amplifier noise.
• Parameters determined: Channel gain and channel signal-spontaneous noise figure (NF).
• Apparatus & calibration:
  • Multichannel source: laser lines with FWHM < 0.1 nm, side-mode suppression > 35 dB, output power fluctuation < 0.05 dB, wavelength accuracy ±0.1 nm and stability ±0.01 nm. Source spontaneous emission (SSE) limits: < −43 dB/nm at 0 dBm total input and < −48 dB/nm at 5 dBm total input (recommended).
  • Optical spectrum analyzer (OSA): polarization sensitivity < 0.1 dB, stability < 0.1 dB, wavelength accuracy < 0.05 nm, linearity ≈ 0.2 dB.
  • Variable optical attenuator: > 40 dB range, stability < 0.1 dB, wavelength flatness < 0.2 dB.
  • Polarization controller: low reflectance (< −50 dB) and insertion-loss variation < 0.2 dB; used when polarization-dependent gain exists.
• Procedure elements: calibration (optical bandwidth, OSA power correction factor), measurement, calculation and reporting of results.
• Limitations: Accuracy degrades at high input power due to laser spontaneous emission and interpolation errors; Annex A gives guidance on these limits and expected interpolation errors.

Applications and users

• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized OA measurements.
• Optical amplifier and subsystem manufacturers (R&D, production test, QA).
• System integrators and network operators validating DWDM multichannel amplifier performance.
• Component suppliers and test-equipment vendors developing OSA-based measurement solutions.

Related standards

• IEC/EN 61291‑1:2006 - Optical amplifiers - Part 1: Generic specification (to be used in conjunction).
• IEC 61291‑4 - Optical amplifiers - Part 4: Multichannel applications - Performance specification template.
• See also IEC 61290‑3 for general aspects of noise figure test methods.

Keywords: EN 61290-10-4:2007, IEC 61290-10-4, interpolated source subtraction, optical spectrum analyzer, optical amplifiers test methods, multichannel parameters, ASE, noise figure, channel gain.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2007
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Optical amplifiers - Test methods -- Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters - Interpolated
source subtraction method using an optical spectrum analyzer (IEC 61290-10-4:2007)
Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker - Teil 10-4: Mehrkanal-Parameter - Quellen
-Interpolations- und Subtraktionsverfahren unter Verwendung eines optischen
Spektralanalysators (IEC 61290-10-4:2007)
Amplificateurs optiques - Méthodes d'essais -- Partie 10-4: Parametres a canaux
multiples - Méthode par soustraction de la source interpolée en utilisant un analyseur de
spectre optique (IEC 61290-10-4:2007)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61290-10-4:2007
ICS:
33.180.30 2SWLþQLRMDþHYDOQLNL Optic amplifiers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 61290-10-4
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2007
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 33.180.30
English version
Optical amplifiers -
Test methods -
Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters -
Interpolated source subtraction method
using an optical spectrum analyzer
(IEC 61290-10-4:2007)
Amplificateurs optiques -  Prüfverfahren
Méthodes d'essais - für Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker -
Partie 10-4: Paramètres Teil 10-4: Mehrkanal-Parameter -
à canaux multiples - Quellen-Interpolations- und
Méthode par soustraction Subtraktionsverfahren
de la source interpolée en utilisant unter Verwendung eines
un analyseur de spectre optique optischen Spektralanalysators
(CEI 61290-10-4:2007) (IEC 61290-10-4:2007)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2007-06-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2007 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61290-10-4:2007 E
Foreword
The text of document 86C/724/CDV, future edition 1 of IEC 61290-10-4, prepared by SC 86C, Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC TC 86, Fibre optics, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel
Unique Acceptance Procedure and was approved by CENELEC as EN 61290-10-4 on 2007-06-01.
This standard is to be used in conjunction with EN 61291-1:2006.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
(dop) 2008-03-01
national standard or by endorsement
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
(dow) 2010-06-01
with the EN have to be withdrawn
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61290-10-4:2007 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 61290-1-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61290-1-1:2006 (not modified).
IEC 61290-3 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61290-3:2000 (not modified).
__________
- 3 - EN 61290-10-4:2007
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 61291-1 2006 Optical amplifiers - EN 61291-1 2006
Part 1: Generic specification
1) 2)
IEC 61291-4 - Optical amplifiers - EN 61291-4 2003
Part 4: Multichannel applications -
Performance specification template

1)
Undated reference.
2)
Valid edition at date of issue.

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
CEI
61290-10-4
NORME
First edition
INTERNATIONALE
Première édition
2007-05
Optical amplifiers –
Test methods –
Part 10-4:
Multichannel parameters –
Interpolated source subtraction method
using an optical spectrum analyzer

Amplificateurs optiques –
Méthodes d’essais –
Partie 10-4:
Paramètres à canaux multiples –
Méthode par soustraction de la source interpolée
en utilisant un analyseur de spectre optique
PRICE CODE
Q
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
For price, see current catalogue
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur

– 2 – 61290-10-4 © IEC:2007
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
INTRODUCTION.5

1 Scope and object.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Abbreviated terms .7
4 Apparatus.7
5 Test sample.8
6 Procedure .9
6.1 Calibration.9
6.1.1 Calibration of optical bandwidth.9
6.1.2 Calibration of OSA power correction factor .10
6.2 Measurement .11
6.3 Calculation .12
7 Test results .12

Annex A (normative) Limitations of the interpolated source subtraction technique due
to source spontaneous emission .13

Bibliography.17

Figure 1 – Apparatus for gain and noise figure measurement.7
Figure A.1 – DI subtraction error as a function of source spontaneous emission level.14
Figure A.2 – Spectral plot showing additive higher noise level from spontaneous
emission of individual laser sources and broadband multiplexer.16
Figure A.3 – Significantly reduced spontenous emmision using wavelength selective
multiplexer .16

61290-10-4 © IEC:2007 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters –
Interpolated source subtraction method using
an optical spectrum analyzer
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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61290-10-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 86C: Fibre optic
systems and active devices, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This standard shall be used in conjunction with IEC 61291-1. It was established on the basis
of the second (2006) edition of that standard.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86C/724/CDV 86C/742/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.

– 4 – 61290-10-4 © IEC:2007
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61290 series, published under the general title Optical amplifiers –
Test methods, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
61290-10-4 © IEC:2007 – 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.
– 6 – 61290-10-4 © IEC:2007
OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
TEST METHODS –
Part 10-4: Multichannel parameters –
Interpolated source subtraction method using
an optical spectrum analyzer
1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 61290 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and
optically amplified subsystems. It applies to OAs using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based
on either rare-earth doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductor optical amplifiers
(SOAs) and waveguides (POWA).
The object of this standard is to establish uniform requirements for accurate and reliable
measurements, by means of the interpolated source subtraction method using an optical
spectrum analyzer. The following OA parameters, as defined in Clause 3 of IEC 61291-1, are
determined:
• channel gain, and
• channel signal-spontaneous noise figure.
This method is called interpolated source subtraction (ISS) because the amplified
spontaneous emission (ASE) at each channel is obtained by interpolating from measurements
at a small wavelength offset around each channel. To minimize the effect of source
spontaneous emission, the effect of source noise is subtracted from the measured noise.
The accuracy of the ISS technique degrades at high input power level due to the spontaneous
emission from the laser source(s). Annex A provides guidance on the limits of this technique
for high input power.
An additional source of inaccuracy is due to interpolation error. Annex A provides guidance on
the magnitude of interpolation error for a typical amplifier ASE versus wavelength
characteristic.
NOTE 1 All numerical values followed by (‡) are suggested values for which the measurement is assured. Other
values may be acceptable but should be verified.
NOTE 2 General aspects of noise figure test methods are reported in IEC 61290-3.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 61291-1:2006, Optical amplifiers – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 61291-4: Optical amplifiers – Part 4: Multichannel applications – Performance
specification template
61290-10-4 © IEC:2007 – 7 –
3 Abbreviated terms
Each abbreviation introduced in this standard is explained in the text at least the first time it
appears. However, for an easier understanding of the whole text, the following is a list of all
abbreviations used in this standard:
ASE Amplified spontaneous emission
DI Direct interpolation (technique)
FWHM Full-width half-maximum
ISS Interpolated source subtraction
NF Noise figure
RBW Resolution bandwidth
OA Optical amplifier
OFA Optical fibre amplifier
OSA Optical spectrum analyzer
POWA Planar optical waveguide amplifier
PCF Power correction factor
SOA Semiconductor optical amplifier
SSE Source spontaneous emission
4 Apparatus
4.1 Multichannel source
This optical source consists of n laser sources where n is the number of channels for the test
configuration. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the output spectrum of the laser
sources shall be narrower than 0,1 nm (‡) so as not to cause any interference to adjacent
channels. The suppression ratio of the side modes of the single-line laser shall be higher than
35 dB (‡). The output power fluctuation shall be less than 0,05 dB (‡), which is more easily
attainable with an optical isolator placed at the output port of each source. The wavelength
accuracy shall be better than ±0,1 nm (‡) with stability better than ±0,01 nm (‡). The
spontaneous emission level must be less than -43 dB/nm with respect to the total input power
for 0 dBm total input power and less than -48 dB/nm with respect to the total input power for
5 dBm total input power (‡). See Annex A for a discussion of the impact of the spontaneous
emission level on the accuracy of noise figure measurements.

λ
Calibration path
λ
dB
Variable Polarization
OA Optical
optical controller
under test spectrum
λ
n attenuator
analyzer
Multichannel source
IEC  746/07
Figure 1 – Apparatus for gain and noise figure measurement
Optical combiner
– 8 – 61290-10-4 © IEC:2007
4.2 Polarization controller
This device shall be able to convert any state of polarization of a signal to any other state of
polarization. The polarization controller may consist of an all-fibre polarization controller or a
quarter-wave plate rotatable by a minimum of 90° followed by a half-wave plate rotatable by a
minimum of 180°. The reflectance of this device shall be smaller than –50 dB (‡) at each port.
The insertion loss variation of this device shall be less than 0,2 dB (‡). The use of a
polarization controller is considered optional, but may be necessary to achieve the desired
accuracy for OA devices exhibiting significant polarization dependent gain.
4.3 Variable optical attenuator
The attenuation range and stability shall be over 40 dB (‡) and better than 0,1 dB (‡),
respectively. The reflectance from this device shall be smaller than –50 dB (‡) at each port.
Th
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