SIST EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements - Attenuation (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)

IEC 61300-3-4:2023 is available as IEC 61300-3-4:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.

IEC 61300-3-4: 2022 describes the various methods available to measure the attenuation of optical components. It is not, however, applicable to random mate attenuation measurements as described in IEC 61300-3-34 and IEC 61300-3-45 nor for attenuation measurements of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) devices as described in IEC 61300-3-29. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) addition of Clause 3 containing terms, definitions and abbreviated terms;
b) addition of a new LSPM measurement method, insertion method (D);
c) addition of Annex A describing attenuation measurement of multicore fibre;
d) changed reference test method to insertion C and alternative test method to substitution or insertion D for power meter and type 4 DUT.

Lichtwellenleiter - Verbindungselemente und passive Bauteile - Grundlegende Prüf- und Messverfahren - Teil 3-4: Untersuchungen und Messungen - Dämpfung (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques - Méthodes fondamentales d'essais et de mesures - Partie 3-4: Examens et mesures - Affaiblissement (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)

IEC 61300-3-4:2023 est disponible sous forme de IEC 61300-3-4:2023 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.

L'IEC 61300-3-4:2023 décrit les différentes méthodes disponibles qui permettent de mesurer l’affaiblissement des composants optiques. Toutefois, elle n’est applicable ni aux mesurages de l’affaiblissement dû à l’accouplement aléatoire décrits dans l’IEC 61300-3-34 et l’IEC 61300-3-45 ni aux mesurages de l’affaiblissement des dispositifs de multiplexage par répartition en longueur d’onde à forte densité (DWDM - dense wavelengths division multiplexer) décrits dans l’IEC 61300-3-29. Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2012. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) ajout de l’Article 3 relatif aux termes, définitions et abréviations;
b) ajout d'une nouvelle méthode de mesure LSPM, la méthode par insertion (D);
c) ajout de l’Annexe A qui décrit le mesurage de l'affaiblissement de la fibre multicœur;
d) modification de la méthode d'essai de référence par insertion C et de la méthode d'essai alternative par substitution ou par insertion D pour l’appareil de mesure de la puissance et le DUT de type 4.

Optični spojni elementi in pasivne komponente - Osnovni preskusni in merilni postopki - 3-4. del: Preiskave in meritve - Slabljenje (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)

Standard IEC 61300-3-4:2023 je na voljo kot SIST IEC 61300-3-4:2023, ki vsebuje mednarodni standard in njegovo različico z revizijami, ki prikazujejo vse spremembe tehnične vsebine v primerjavi s prejšnjo izdajo. Standard IEC 61300-3-4: 2022 opisuje različne metode, ki so na voljo za merjenje slabljenja optičnih komponent. Vendar se ne uporablja niti za meritve slabljenja naključnih spojitev, kot je opisano v standardih IEC 61300-3-34 in IEC 61300-3-45, niti za meritve slabljenja naprav za zgoščeno valovnodolžinsko multipleksiranje (DWDM), kot je opisano v standardu IEC 61300-3-29. Četrta izdaja razveljavlja in nadomešča tretjo izdajo, objavljeno leta 2012. Ta izdaja je tehnično popravljena izdaja. Ta izdaja v primerjavi s prejšnjo vključuje naslednje pomembne tehnične spremembe:
a) dodana točka 3, ki vsebuje izraze, definicije, simbole in okrajšave izrazov;
b) dodana nova merilna metoda z virom svetlobe in merilnikom moči (LSPM), metoda vstavljanja (D);
c) dodan dodatek A, ki opisuje merjenje slabljenja večžilnega vlakna;
d) spremenjena referenčna preskusna metoda za vstavljanje C in alternativna preskusna metoda za zamenjavo ali vstavljanje D za merilnik moči in tip 4 DUT.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Aug-2023
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: MOC - Mobile Communications
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 21-Jun-2023
• Due Date: 26-Aug-2023
• Completion Date: 18-Aug-2023
• Ref Project: EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements - Attenuation

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 61300-3-4:2013 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements - Attenuation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Corrected By: SIST EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023/AC:2023 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements - Attenuation (IEC 61300-3-4:2023/COR1:2023)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023

Overview

EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023 specifies standardized methods to measure attenuation (optical loss) of fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. It is Part 3‑4 of the IEC 61300 series and provides procedures for laboratory and production testing using light source‑power meter (LSPM) and optical time‑domain reflectometer (OTDR) techniques. This fourth edition (2023) is a technical revision that adds new terms, a new insertion method (D), and guidance for multicore fibre attenuation (Annex A). Note: it is not applicable to random‑mate attenuation (see IEC 61300‑3‑34 / 3‑45) or DWDM device attenuation (IEC 61300‑3‑29).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Measurement methods: detailed procedures for LSPM and OTDR-based attenuation testing, including:
  • Cutback, substitution and multiple insertion methods (A, B, C, D).
  • New reference test method: Insertion method C; alternatives include substitution or insertion D for power‑meter setups and Type 4 DUTs.
• Apparatus & preparation: requirements for launch conditions, light sources (LS), optical power meters (PM), temporary joints, reference plugs/adaptors, termination, and preconditioning.
• DUT configuration types: classification of device-under-test (various connector/component types) to select appropriate test method.
• OTDR considerations: bidirectional measurement, event evaluation for reflective and non‑reflective events, launch/receive sections and evaluation procedures.
• Multicore fibre (MCF): Annex A covers additional apparatus (optical switch, fan‑in/fan‑out devices) and test setups for MCF attenuation measurement.
• Reporting: information to specify and record (test method used, source/power meter parameters, launch conditions, bidirectional averaging, etc.).

Practical applications and users

Who uses EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023:

• Component manufacturers for qualification, production and acceptance testing of connectors, adaptors, fibre assemblies and passive components.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized loss measurements.
• Network designers, installers and contractors for acceptance testing and troubleshooting of assemblies and cable plants.
• R&D and QA engineers establishing test procedures and verifying component performance, including multicore fibre products.

Practical benefits:

• Consistent, repeatable attenuation measurement procedures across suppliers and labs.
• Clear guidance to choose between LSPM and OTDR methods based on DUT type.
• Support for modern components (MCF, updated insertion methods) and updated reporting to aid specification compliance.

Related standards

• IEC 61300‑1 (general test guidance)
• IEC 61300‑3‑35 (visual inspection of connectors)
• IEC 61300‑3‑29, IEC 61300‑3‑34, IEC 61300‑3‑45 (related attenuation/random‑mate/DWDM guidance)
• IEC 60793, IEC 61280 series, IEC 61755 and IEC 63267 series (fibre and connector specifications)

Keywords: EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023, attenuation measurement, fibre optic, LSPM, OTDR, insertion method, substitution method, cutback, multicore fibre, test procedures, passive components.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2023
Optični spojni elementi in pasivne komponente - Osnovni preskusni in merilni
postopki - 3-4. del: Preiskave in meritve - Slabljenje (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures - Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements - Attenuation
(IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
Lichtwellenleiter - Verbindungselemente und passive Bauteile - Grundlegende Prüf- und
Messverfahren - Teil 3-4: Untersuchungen und Messungen - Dämpfung (IEC 61300-3-
4:2023)
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques - Méthodes
fondamentales d'essais et de mesures - Partie 3-4: Examens et mesures -
Affaiblissement (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023
ICS:
33.180.20 Povezovalne naprave za Fibre optic interconnecting
optična vlakna devices
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61300-3-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2023
ICS 33.180.20 Supersedes EN 61300-3-4:2013
English Version
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components -
Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-4:
Examinations and measurements - Attenuation
(IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs Lichtwellenleiter - Verbindungselemente und passive
fibroniques - Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de Bauteile - Grundlegende Prüf- und Messverfahren - Teil 3-
mesures - Partie 3-4: Examens et mesures - 4: Untersuchungen und Messungen - Dämpfung
Affaiblissement (IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
(IEC 61300-3-4:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2023-06-13. 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre 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 CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023 E

European foreword
The text of document 86B/4656/FDIS, future edition 4 of IEC 61300-3-4, prepared by SC 86B "Fibre
optic interconnecting devices and passive components" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to
the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 61300-3-4:2023.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2024-03-13
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2024-06-13
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 61300-3-4:2013 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61300-3-4:2023 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 standard indicated:
IEC 61280-1-3 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61280-1-3
IEC 61300-3-2 NOTE Approved as EN 61300-3-2
IEC 61300-3-29 NOTE Approved as EN 61300-3-29
IEC 61300-3-34 NOTE Approved as EN 61300-3-34
IEC 61300-3-45 NOTE Approved as EN 61300-3-45
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the
relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60793-2-10 - Optical fibres - Part 2-10: Product EN IEC 60793-2-10 -
specifications - Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-50 - Optical fibres - Part 2-50: Product EN IEC 60793-2-50 -
specifications - Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60825-1 - Safety of laser products - Part 1: EN 60825-1 -
Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61300-1 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and EN IEC 61300-1 -
passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures - Part 1: General
and guidance
IEC 61300-3-35 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and EN IEC 61300-3-35 -
passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures - Part 3-35:
Examinations and measurements - Visual
inspection of fibre optic connectors and
fibre-stub transceivers
IEC 61755 series Fibre optic interconnecting devices and EN IEC 61755 series
passive components - Connector optical
interfaces for single-mode fibres
IEC 63267 series Fibre optic interconnecting devices and EN IEC 63267 series
passive components - Fibre optic
connector optical interfaces
IEC 61300-3-4 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and

measurement procedures –
Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements – Attenuation

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Procédures

fondamentales d’essais et de mesures –

Partie 3-4: Examens et mesures – Affaiblissement

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.20  ISBN 978-2-8322-5998-6

– 2 – IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 6
3.1 Terms and definitions . 6
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 7
4 General description . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 Precautions . 7
5 Apparatus . 8
5.1 Launch conditions and light source (LS) . 8
5.2 Optical power meter (PM) . 8
5.3 Temporary joint (TJ) . 9
5.4 Fibre . 9
5.5 Reference plug (RP) . 9
5.6 Reference adaptor (RA) . 9
5.7 Termination . 10
6 Procedure . 10
6.1 Preconditioning . 10
6.2 Visual inspection . 10
6.3 DUT configuration types and test methods . 10
6.4 Attenuation measurements with a LSPM . 11
6.4.1 General . 11
6.4.2 Cutback method . 12
6.4.3 Substitution method . 12
6.4.4 Insertion method (A) . 13
6.4.5 Insertion method (B) with direct coupling to power meter . 14
6.4.6 Insertion method (C) with additional test patchcord . 14
6.4.7 Insertion method (D) with additional test patchcord . 15
6.5 Attenuation measurements with an OTDR . 16
6.5.1 Measurement description . 16
6.5.2 Bidirectional measurement . 17
6.5.3 Measurement method . 17
6.5.4 Evaluation procedure . 18
7 Details to be specified and reported. 19
Annex A (informative)  Consideration of multicore fibre . 20
A.1 General . 20
A.2 Additional apparatus . 20
A.2.1 Optical switch (OSW) . 20
A.2.2 Fan-in/fan-out device (FIFO) . 20
A.3 Test setup and procedure – LSPM . 20
A.4 Test setup and procedure – OTDR . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure 1 – Cutback method – Type 1, type 2 and type 3 DUT . 12
Figure 2 – Substitution method – Type 4, type 7, and type 8 DUT . 13

IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
Figure 3 – Insertion method (A) – Type 2 DUT . 14
Figure 4 – Insertion method (B) – Type 5 and type 6 DUT . 14
Figure 5 – Insertion method (C) – Type 4, type 5, type 7 and type 8 DUT . 15
Figure 6 – Insertion method (D) – Type 4, type 5, type 7 and type 8 DUT . 15
Figure 7 – Method 1 – One launch section . 16
Figure 8 – Method 2 – Two launch sections . 16
Figure 9 – Non-reflective event evaluation . 18
Figure 10 – Reflective event evaluation . 18
Figure A.1 – FIFO device example . 20
Figure A.2 – Insertion method B – Type 5 MCF DUT . 21
Figure A.3 – Method 1 – One launch section MCF DUT . 21

Table 1 – Preferred source conditions . 8
Table 2 – Preferred power meter parameters . 9
Table 3 – DUT configuration types . 11

– 4 – IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements – Attenuation

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.
IEC 61300-3-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International
Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2012. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of Clause 3 containing terms, definitions and abbreviated terms;
b) addition of a new LSPM measurement method, insertion method (D);
c) addition of Annex A describing attenuation measurement of multicore fibre;
d) changed reference test method to insertion C and alternative test method to substitution or
insertion D for power meter and type 4 DUT.

IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86B/4656/FDIS 86B/4675/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
A list of all the parts in IEC 61300 series, published under the general title, Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements – Attenuation

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 describes the various methods available to measure the attenuation of
optical components. It is not, however, applicable to random mate attenuation measurements
as described in IEC 61300-3-34 and IEC 61300-3-45 nor for attenuation measurements of
dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) devices as described in IEC 61300-3-29.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61300-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements – Visual inspection of
fibre optic connectors and fibre-stub transceivers
IEC 61755 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Connector
optical interfaces for single-mode fibres
IEC 63267 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Connector
optical interfaces for enhanced macro bend loss multimode fibres
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61300-1 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp

IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
3.2 Abbreviated terms
ATM alternative test method
C passive optical component
CWDM coarse wavelength division multiplexing
D optical detector
DUT device under test
FIFO fan-in/fan-out device
LED light emitting diode
LS optical light source
LSPM optical light source and power meter
MCF multicore fibre
OSW optical switch
OTDR optical time domain reflectometer
PDL polarization dependent loss
PM optical power meter
RA reference adaptor
RP reference plug
RTM reference test method
SCF single core fibre
TJ temporary joint
4 General description
4.1 General
Attenuation is intended to give a value for the decrease of optical power, expressed in decibels,
resulting from the insertion of a DUT, within an optical link. The term "insertion loss" is
sometimes used in place of "attenuation".
The DUT may have more than two optical ports. However, since an attenuation measurement
is made across only two ports, the DUT in this document shall be described as having two ports.
The reference method for measuring attenuation is with an LSPM. OTDR measurements are
presented as an alternative method. Three variations in the measurement of attenuation with a
LSPM are presented.
4.2 Precautions
The power in the fibre and DUT shall not be at a level high enough to generate non-linear
scattering or DUT overloading effects.
The position of the fibres in the test should be fixed between the measurement without the DUT,
P , and with the DUT inserted, P , to avoid changes in attenuation due to bending loss.
0 1
In multimode measurements, a change in modal distribution in the measurement system due to
fibre disturbance can affect the attenuation measurement.
Components with PDL will show different attenuation depending on the input state of
polarization from the source. If the component PDL can exceed the acceptable uncertainty in
the attenuation measurement, then either an unpolarized or polarization scrambled source

– 8 – IEC 61300-3-4:2023 © IEC 2023
should be used to measure the polarization averaged attenuation, or the methods of IEC 61300-
3-2 should be used to measure PDL and attenuation together.
The laser saf
...