oSIST prEN IEC 63267-3-1:2026

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Connector optical interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres - Part 3-1: Connector parameters of physically contacting 50 µm core diameter fibres - Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm diameter cylindrical full zirconia ferrules

Lichtwellenleiter – Verbindungselemente und passive Bauteile – Optische Schnittstellenverbinder für verbesserte Makrobiegungs-Multimodefasern – Part 3-1: Parameter von Steckverbindern mit physikalischem Kontakt für Fasern mit 50 µm Kerndurchmesser – Nicht abgeschrägte zylindrische Vollzirkoniumdioxid-Ferrulen mit 2,5 mm und 1,25 mm Durchmesser

Optični spojni elementi in pasivne komponente - Vmesniki optičnih konektorjev za izboljšana makrokrivinska mnogorodovna vlakna - 3-1. del: Parametri konektorjev s fizičnim stikom za vlakna s premerom jedra 50 μm - Nekotne cilindrične polne cirkonijeve tulke s premerom 2,5 mm in 1,25 mm

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 31-Mar-2026
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: MOC - Mobile Communications
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 20-Jan-2026
• Due Date: 09-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 26-Mar-2026
• Ref Project: prEN IEC 63267-3-1:2026 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Connector optical interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres - Part 3-1: Connector parameters of physically contacting 50 µm core diameter fibres - Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm diameter cylindrical full zirconia ferrules

Overview

oSIST prEN IEC 63267-3-1:2026 specifies the interface parameters for fibre optic connectors intended for use with enhanced macrobend multimode fibres featuring a 50 µm core diameter. This standard is part of the IEC 63267 series, focusing on connector optical interfaces essential for reliable and high-performance fibre optic interconnection. It covers connector plugs with cylindrical, full zirconia ferrules of 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm diameters in non-angled (PC) configurations-common in many telecommunications and data network applications. The document emphasizes dimensional and performance specifications that support reduced insertion loss and improved durability in a broad array of physical environments.

Key Topics

• Optical Interface Dimensions
  The standard defines the critical dimensional limits for connector optical interfaces using full zirconia ferrules. Parameters include the ferrule diameter, fibre core concentricity, fibre tilt angle, endface radius, and apex offset.

• Physical Contact (PC) Ferrule Requirements
  Key performance indicators for PC ferrules are described, ensuring consistent and reliable physical contact between connectors to minimize attenuation and reflections. Spherical radius and apex offset tolerances are specified based on performance grades.

• Material Specifications
  The designated ferrule material is a 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia, chosen for its stability, mechanical strength, and compatibility with fibre optic assembly processes.

• Performance Grades
  The standard introduces performance grades (A, B, C, D), mostly focusing on B and C for current application, to classify the optical alignment quality and expected attenuation.

• Reference and Test Methods
  It references international procedures for ferrule endface geometry measurement (IEC 61300-3-47), enabling manufacturers and testing labs to assess compliance.

Applications

IEC 63267-3-1 is essential in environments where high-performance, low-attenuation multimode fibre connections are required. Its adoption ensures interoperability and quality in the following scenarios:

• Data Centers and Enterprise Networks
  Used to specify connectors for backbone and structured cabling in high-density environments, ensuring reliable macrobend-resilient multimode links.

• Telecommunications
  Supports infrastructure where connectors are frequently mated and demated over their service life, demanding strict control over endface geometry and optical parameters.

• Industrial Automation
  Enables deployment in challenging environments, thanks to defined robustness and dimensional requirements for the zirconia ferrules.

• Field Testing and Maintenance
  Provides criteria for reference-grade connectors used in certification, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of multimode networks.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and best practices, the following standards are referenced or form the foundational context for prEN IEC 63267-3-1:

• IEC 61753-1: General requirements and performance standards for fibre optic devices.
• IEC 61300-3-47: Test and measurement methods for ferrule endface geometry via interferometry.
• IEC 63267-1, 63267-2-1: General optical interface guidance and physical contact connection parameters for 50 µm multimode fibres.
• IEC 61754 Series: Fibre optic connector interfaces for various connector families.
• IEC 60793-2-10: Optical fibre product specifications, including multimode fibre categories.

Summary

oSIST prEN IEC 63267-3-1:2026 establishes internationally recognized specifications for the optical interface of multimode fibre connectors, targeting enhanced macrobend performance with physically contacting 50 µm fibres and full zirconia ferrules. Adhering to this standard helps manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users achieve reliable, interoperable, and high-performance fibre optic networks across a wide range of applications. For optimal results, this document should be used alongside related standards covering connector interfaces, testing, and performance requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2026
Optični spojni elementi in pasivne komponente - Vmesniki optičnih konektorjev za
izboljšana makrobend mnogorodovna vlakna - 3-1. del: Parametri konektorjev s
fizičnim stikom za vlakna s premerom jedra 50 μm - Nekotne cilindrične polne
cirkonijeve tulke s premerom 2,5 mm in 1,25 mm
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Connector optical
interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres - Part 3-1: Connector parameters
of physically contacting 50 µm core diameter fibres - Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm
diameter cylindrical full zirconia ferrules
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 63267-3-1:2026
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.

86B/5168/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 63267-3-1 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2026-01-16 2026-04-10
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
86B/5072/CD, 86B/5105A/CC
IEC SC 86B : FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
Japan Mr Ryo Koyama
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):
ASPECTS CONCERNED:
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
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TITLE:
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Connector optical
interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres – Part 3-1: Connector parameters of
physically contacting 50 µm core diameter fibres – Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm
diameter cylindrical full zirconia ferrules
PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2033
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
this electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National Committee
positions. You may not copy or "mirror" the file or printed version of the document, or any part of it, for any other
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IEC CDV 63267-3-1 © IEC 2026
2 CONTENTS
4 FOREWORD . 3
5 1 Scope . 5
6 2 Normative references . 5
7 3 Terms and definitions . 5
8 4 Abbreviations . 6
9 5 Description . 6
10 6 Interface parameters . 6
11 Annex A (informative) Maximum allowed spherical fibre undercut . 10
12 Annex B (informative) Expected attenuation when mated to reference connector plugs . 12
13 Annex C (informative) Guidance related to simulation of optical interface attenuation . 13
14 Bibliography . 16
16 Figure 1 – Connector plug endface dimensions . 7
17 Figure 2 – Geometric requirements for fibre core location after termination . 7
18 Figure 3 – Ferrule dimensions . 9
19 Figure A.1 – Allowable undercut as a function of endface radius and apex offset – 4,9
20 N minimum contact force . 11
21 Figure A.2 – Allowable undercut as a function of endface radius and apex offset – 2,9
22 N minimum contact force . 11
23 Figure C.1 – Schematic illustration showing connection zero and connection one . 14
24 Figure C.2 – Resultant fibre core to ferrule eccentricity distribution for Grade B
m
25 attenuation . 15
26 Figure C.3 – Histogram indicating attenuation distribution of a Grade B optical
m
27 interface . 15
29 Table 1 – Optical interface parameter values for 2,5 mm diameter ferrule . 8
30 Table 2 – Optical interface parameter values for 1,25 mm diameter ferrule . 8
31 Table 3 – Optical interface parameter values for PC ferrules . 9
32 Table B.1 – Descriptive statistics when performance grades are mated against a
33 Grade Rm1 reference interface . 12
34 Table C.1 – Multimode optical fibre properties . 14
IEC CDV 63267-3-1 © IEC 2026
37 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
38 ____________
40 FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS
41 – CONNECTOR OPTICAL INTERFACES FOR ENHANCED MACROBEND
42 MULTIMODE FIBRES –
44 Part 3-1: Connector parameters of physically contacting 50 µm core
45 diameter fibres – Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm diameter cylindrical full
46 zirconia ferrules
48 FOREWORD
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85 IEC 63267-3-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices
86 and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre Optics. It is an International
87 Standard.
88 The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
IEC CDV 63267-3-1 © IEC 2026
Draft Report on voting
86B/xxxx/NP 86B/xxxx/RVD
90 Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
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92 The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
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96 described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
97 A list of all parts of the IEC 63267 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
98 interconnecting devices and passive components – Connector optical interfaces for single-
99 mode fibres, can be found on the IEC website.
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IEC CDV 63267-3-1 © IEC 2026
111 FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS
112 – CONNECTOR OPTICAL INTERFACES FOR ENHANCED MACROBEND
113 MULTIMODE FIBRES –
115 Part 3-1: Connector parameters of physically contacting 50 µm core
116 diameter fibres – Non-angled 2,5 mm and 1,25 mm diameter cylindrical full
117 zirconia ferrules
120 1 Scope
121 This part of IEC 63267 defines the dimensional limits of the optical interface that are necessary
122 for enhanced macrobend 50/125 µm, graded index fibre optic connectors with 2,5 mm or 1,25
123 mm diameter cylindrical zirconia (ZrO ) ferrules to meet the specific requirements for fibre-to-
124 fibre interconnection, as defined in IEC 63267-2-1.
125 Ferrules made from the material specified in this document are suitable for use in all the
126 operating service environments defined in IEC 61753-1.
127 Ferrule dimensions and features are contained in the IEC 61754 series of fibre optic connector
128 interface standards.
129 2 Normative references
130 The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
131 constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
132 For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
133 amendments) applies.
134 IEC 61300-3-47, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
135 measurement procedures – Part 3-47: Examinations and measurements – End face geometry
136 of PC/APC spherically polished ferrules using interferometry
137 IEC 63267-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Connector optical
138 interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres – Part 1: Optical interfaces for 50 µm core
139 diameter fibres – General and guidance
140 IEC 63267-2-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Connector optical
141 interfaces for enhanced macrobend multimode fibres – Part 2-1: Connection parameters of
142 physically contacting 50 µm core diameter fibres – Non-angled
143 3 Terms and definitions
144 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 63267-1 apply.
145 ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
146 addresses:
147 • IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
148 • ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
IEC CDV 63267-3-1 © IEC 2026
149 4 Abbreviations
150 C0 connection zero
151 C1 connection one
152 CD fibre core diameter
153 EF encircled flux
154 NA numerical aperture
155 PC physical contact
156 5 Description
157 The performance of a physical contact (PC) cylindrical ferrule optical interface is determined by
158 the alignment of the optical datum targets of two mating ferrules. There are three conditions
159 affecting the alignment of two optical datum targets: lateral offset, angular offset and
160 longitudinal offset.
161 Parameters influencing the lateral and angular offset of the optical fibre axes include the
162 following:
163 – ferrule outside diameter;
164 – ferrule bore concentricity relative to the ferrule outside diameter;
165 – ferrule bore angle relative to ferrule outside diameter axis;
166 – fibre cladding diameter relative to ferrule bore diameter;
167 – fibre core concentricity relative to the fibre cladding diameter;
168 – alignment sleeve inside diameter.
169 Parameters influencing the connector plug endface
...