IEC 61753-071-02:2024
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance standard – Part 071-02: Non-connectorized single-mode fibre optic 1 × 2 and 2 × 2 spatial switches for category C – Controlled environments

Standard No.

IEC 61753-071-02:2024

Release Date

2024

Published By

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)  IX  /  IEC

Latest

IEC 61753-071-02:2024

Introduction

Standard Overview and Scope

IEC 61753-071-02:2024 is part of a series of performance standards for fiber optic interconnect devices and passive components, specifically addressing the minimum initial test and measurement requirements for connectorless single-mode fiber 1×2 and 2×2 space switches in controlled environments (Category C). This standard defines the performance specifications that space switches must meet in controlled environments (such as data centers, telecommunications rooms, laboratories, etc.) to ensure their stability and reliability. The standard applies to fiber optic pigtail space switches, covering 1×2 (one input, two outputs) and 2×2 (two inputs, two outputs, including crossover and non-crossover types) configurations.

Controlled environments (Category C), as defined in IEC 61753-1:2018, typically refer to indoor environments where environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.

The standard requires the space switch to maintain stable performance within a temperature range of -10°C to +60°C and at relative humidity up to 93%. The standard lists 21 tests covering optical performance, environmental adaptability, mechanical durability, etc. The following is a comparison of the main performance indicators:

Test Items	Requirements	Test Methods	Key Conditions
Insertion Loss	≤1.0 dB	IEC 61300-3-7	Unpolarized light, fiber length ≥2m
Crosstalk	≤-50 dB	IEC 61300-3-50	Unpolarized light, measurement uncertainty ≤1 dB
Return Loss	≥50 dB	IEC 61300-3-7	Unpolarized light, measurement uncertainty ≤2 dB
Switching Time	≤20 ms	IEC 61300-3-21	All port configurations, measurement uncertainty ≤1 ms
Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL)	≤0.1 dB	IEC 61300-3-2	All port configurations, measurement uncertainty ≤0.02 dB
Insertion Loss Repeatability	≤0.1 dB	Method to be determined	Minimum 10 switching cycles
High Optical Power	Variation ≤±0.3 dB	IEC 61300-2-14	300 mW, 60°C, 93% RH, 30 min
Cold/Hot/Damp Heat	Loss Variation ≤ ±0.3 dB	IEC 61300-2-17/18/19	-10°C or +60°C or 40°C/93%RH, 96 h
Temperature Cycling	Loss Variation ≤ ±0.3 dB	IEC 61300-2-22	-10°C to +60°C, 5 cycles, 1°C/min
Vibration	Loss Variation ≤ ±0.3 dB	IEC 61300-2-1	10-55 Hz, 0.75 mm, 15 sweeps/axis

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Detailed Explanation of Test Conditions and Requirements

The standard stipulates that all tests should be conducted under standard atmospheric conditions, using unpolarized light sources, with an optical fiber length of at least 2 meters. The port configuration of the spatial switch must be fully covered. For 2×2 crossover types, the switching time is the maximum of the two port values. The sample size varies depending on the test type: 12 samples are required for optical performance tests (e.g., insertion loss, crosstalk); 6 samples are required for environmental tests (e.g., cold, hot, and humid heat); and 3 samples are required for operational vibration tests.

High optical power tests require exposure to 300 mW, 60°C, and 93% humidity for 30 minutes, during which changes in insertion loss, crosstalk, and return loss are monitored. Cold, hot, and humid heat tests are all conducted for 96 hours, covering a temperature range from -10°C to +60°C.

Temperature cycling tests are performed at a rate of 1°C/min, cycling between -10°C and +60°C five times, with each extreme temperature held for 60 minutes. Mechanical tests include fiber/cable tensile, torsion, static lateral load, and impact tests. For example, the fiber/cable tensile test requires applying a force of 10 N (reinforced cable) or 5 N (secondary coating) for 60 seconds; the torsion test applies an angle of ±180°, repeated 10 times. Technical Evolution and Revision Notes This standard is the first revision of IEC 61753-071-2:2014 (2024 merged version). Major technical changes include: New repeatability and switching durability requirements: Repeatability tests (minimum 10 switching cycles) for insertion loss, return loss, and crosstalk have been added, as well as a switching durability test (method to be determined). This reflects higher requirements for the long-term stability of spatial switches. **Removal of Directivity Requirement:** The directivity test has been removed because crosstalk is a more critical performance parameter for space switches. **Removal of Operational Impulse Test:** The operational impulse test has been eliminated, simplifying the evaluation process. **Change of Switching Time Requirement:** The previously lenient standard has been tightened to ≤20 ms to accommodate the fast switching requirements of modern optical networks. **Changes to High Optical Power Test Conditions:** The power has been increased from a lower value to 300 mW, and temperature and humidity conditions (60°C/93%RH) have been added to simulate more demanding real-world application scenarios. **Harmonization with IEC 61753-1:2018:** The test conditions are now aligned with the overall standard, improving the uniformity of the series of standards. These changes indicate that the standard is increasingly demanding higher performance requirements for space switches, particularly regarding repeatability and durability, reflecting the need for reliability and long-term stability in optical communication systems.

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Implementation Recommendations

For manufacturers and users, the following should be noted when implementing this standard:

• During the design and production phases, ensure that the space switch has an insertion loss ≤1.0 dB, crosstalk ≤-50 dB, return loss ≥50 dB, and optimize repeatability.
• Environmental testing (cold, hot, damp heat, temperature cycling) is critical for verifying product reliability; comprehensive type testing is recommended before mass production.
• Mechanical testing (tensile, torsion, vibration, shock) is essential for assessing the product's resilience during transportation and installation.
• High-power testing should be given special attention, as 300 mW of power can lead to thermal effects and material degradation.
  Since the switching time is ≤20 ms, the response speed of the drive circuit and optomechanical components should be considered during the design. It is recommended to establish a comprehensive test report system, recording detailed data for each test for customer review. For pending methods (such as insertion loss repeatability test methods), manufacturers should follow industry best practices or determine them in consultation with customers. Summary: IEC 61753-071-02:2024 provides a comprehensive performance benchmark for connectorless single-mode space switches in controlled environments. Its stringent requirements and detailed test methods ensure high reliability and interchangeability of the product in optical networks. As optical communication develops towards higher speeds and larger capacities, this standard will continue to drive the advancement of space switch technology.

IEC 61753-071-02:2024 Referenced Document

• IEC 60068-2-27:2008 Environmental testing - Part 2-27: Tests - Test Ea and guidance: Shock
• IEC 60876-1 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Fibre optic spatial switches - Part 1: Generic specification
• IEC 61300-2-1 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-1: Tests - Vibration (sinusoidal)
• IEC 61300-2-4 Amendment 1 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-4: Tests - Fibre or cable retention
• IEC 61300-2-5 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-5: Tests - Torsion CONSOLIDATED EDITION*， 2025-07-01 Update
• IEC 61300-2-9 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-9: Tests - Shock
• IEC 61300-3-2 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-2: Examination and measurements - Polarization dependent loss in a single-mode fibre optic device
• IEC 61300-3-6 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-6: Examinations and measurements - Return loss
• IEC 61300-3-7 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-7: Examinations and measurements - Wavelength dependence of attenuation and return loss of single mode components*， 2025-12-01 Update

IEC 61753-071-02:2024 history

• 2024 IEC 61753-071-02:2024 Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance standard – Part 071-02: Non-connectorized single-mode fibre optic 1 × 2 and 2 × 2 spatial switches for category C – Controlled environments
• 0000 IEC 61753-071-02:2020/AMD1:2024 CSV
• 0000 IEC 61753-071-02:2020 CSV

Standard and Specification