Looking Back: Telecommunications Standards Published in October 2025 (Part 2)

October 2025 brought a diverse set of standards publications within the Telecommunications, Audio, and Video Engineering sector. In this second part of a four-installment retrospective, we delve into five standards that collectively chart critical advances in radio-frequency connectivity, fibre optic testing, and electromagnetic disturbance modeling. For industry professionals, this nuanced analysis helps in navigating the evolving landscape, catching up on technical updates, and planning compliance strategies in sync with global best practices.

A total of five standards are highlighted in this article, each reinforcing trends in high-frequency communication, interoperability, and network reliability. Whether you are a quality manager, compliance officer, engineer, researcher, or procurement specialist, this overview gathers what you need to know—allowing you to track industry shifts and benchmark organizational readiness.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

Reviewing October 2025’s published standards reveals an industry continuing its rapid transformation, especially in hardware-level performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and optical test innovation. The period saw:

• Updates reflecting heightened demand for precision in RF connectors at frequencies approaching 145 GHz
• Renewed focus on standardizing test and measurement—both for radio frequency emissions and for fibre optic component reliability
• Increased harmonization between IEC, IEEE, and CLC standards, supporting cross-continental compatibility and procurement

This cluster of standards falls into the core of telecommunications infrastructure—addressing the need for robust, low-loss, high-frequency connections, and measurement accuracy critical in 5G, advanced wireless, and high-volume data networks.

Compared to previous cycles, October 2025 displayed a stronger convergence on interoperability and test repeatability. The revision and alignment activities signal a maturing regulatory environment, where performance at mmWave frequencies, reliable compliance verification, and practical connector interchangeability have become non-negotiable baseline requirements for industry leaders.

Standards Published This Month

IEC 61169-64:2025 - Radio-frequency connectors with 0.8 mm Outer Conductor (Type 0.8)

Radio-frequency connectors - Part 64: Sectional specification - RF coaxial connectors with 0,8 mm inner diameter of outer conductor - Characteristic impedance 50 Ω (type 0,8)

This updated sectional specification defines the physical and performance requirements for type 0.8 RF coaxial connectors—components that are integral to modern telecommunications and test environments up to 145 GHz. The revision aligns IEC’s requirements with IEEE’s latest (IEEE 287.1-2021; IEEE 287.3-2021), ensuring high-precision, low-loss connections, especially for demanding mmWave and microwave applications.

Scope and Application:

• Establishes mating face dimensions, tolerance datum, and detailed gauging procedures for grade 1 high-performance and grade 0 standard test connectors
• Specifies screw coupling type, 50 Ω impedance, and supports rigorous test and inspection practices (assessment levels M and H)

Key Technical Changes:

• Upgrade of the former lower-class connector to a high-performance grade 1
• Alignment of ratings and interface specs with the highest precision industry standards
• Revised figures and tolerances for enhanced design accuracy
• Direct reference to IEC 61169-1 for quality and marking, simplifying specification writing
• Optional design features, including a novel coupling nut for greater flexibility

Who Should Comply:

• RF design engineers, telecommunications device manufacturers, and testing labs
• Organizations specifying components for high-frequency transmission systems

Key highlights:

• Mating interface and dimensional standards up to 145 GHz
• Dual-quality grades and detailed test/gauging requirements
• Coordinated approach with IEEE, supporting global interoperability

Access the full standard:View IEC 61169-64:2025 on iTeh Standards

(Duplicate) IEC 61169-64:2025 - Radio-frequency connectors with 0.8 mm Outer Conductor (Type 0.8)

Since this is the same as above, all information, scope, requirements, and highlights are identical. See previous entry.

Access the full standard:View IEC 61169-64:2025 on iTeh Standards

CISPR TR 16-4-4:2025 - CISPR Model for Calculation of Limits for Protection of Radio Services

Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods – Part 4-4: The CISPR model for the calculation of limits for the protection of radio services

This Technical Report presents an upgraded probabilistic model—the heart of CISPR’s approach to setting emission limits protecting radio services. Drawing on the IEC Radio Services Database and advanced statistical methodologies, it provides a traceable basis for setting frequency-dependent disturbance limits for a wide class of electronic equipment.

Scope and Content:

• Systematically models the coupling mechanisms and probabilistic factors influencing radio interference events
• Supports the derivation and harmonized publication of emission requirements in accordance with IEC and CISPR practices
• Excludes non-technical and non-modelable influences

Major Revisions in this Edition:

• Complete overhaul of the limit calculation model—improving fidelity and transparency
• Statistics of complaints removed (now in CISPR TR 16-4-6)
• Separation of rationales and application cases into new documents

Industry Application:

• EMC compliance engineers and regulatory authorities establishing emission requirements
• System designers and integrators of radio and telecom equipment

Key highlights:

• Modernized probabilistic interference modeling for RF spectrum management
• Underpins limit derivation for global EMC compliance
• Enhanced documentation and separation from qualitative complaint data

Access the full standard:View CISPR TR 16-4-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 61169-23:2025 - Pin and Socket Connectors for 3.5 mm Rigid Precision Coaxial Lines

Radio-frequency connectors – Part 23: Pin and socket connector for use with 3,5 mm rigid precision coaxial lines with inner diameter of outer conductor of 3,5 mm (0,1378 in)

A foundational standard for RF backbone infrastructure, EN IEC 61169-23:2025 formalizes detailed interface and performance requirements for pin and socket connectors on 3.5 mm rigid precision coaxial lines—systems vital to microwave communications, central offices, and advanced instrumentation.

Key Features and Scope:

• Focuses on 50 Ω, 3.5 mm precision lines per IEC 60457-5
• Specifies dimensions and interface details for grade 1 (high-performance) and grade 0 (standard test) connectors
• Universal gauging/test requirements via IEC 61169-1, ensuring cross-series compatibility

What’s New or Noteworthy:

• Affirms compatibility for intermateability with established SMA (IEC 61169-15) and 2.92 mm (IEC 61169-35) connectors
• Enforces low-reflection performance up to 34 GHz—a critical demand for low-loss, high-speed applications
• Inclusion of gauge pins, comprehensive quality assessment, and a more transparent preparation of detail specifications

Targeted Users:

• Manufacturers and specifiers of RF coaxial components and test cables
• Network infrastructure engineers, laboratory procurement teams

Key highlights:

• High-performance pin/socket interfaces for 3.5 mm coaxial lines
• Up to 34 GHz, with assured compatibility across multiple industry connector types
• Emphasizes harmonized quality/test protocols and detail specification templates

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61169-23:2025 on iTeh Standards

prEN IEC 61300-3-3:2024 - Fibre Optic Interconnecting Devices and Passive Components: Active Monitoring Procedures

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures – Part 3-3: Examinations and measurements – Active monitoring of changes in attenuation and return loss

This standard, slated for implementation after adoption, addresses procedures for active monitoring—real-time surveillance of changes in attenuation and return loss in fibre optic components during environmental and mechanical testing.

Scope and Implementation:

• Specifies procedures for monitoring single or multiple samples and various wavelengths via branching and switching devices
• Covers rigorous test methods for single-mode and multimode fibre systems, including OTDR-based approaches
• Provides harmonized requirements for light sources, detectors, and data acquisition (revised for greater alignment with IEC 61300-3-4 and IEC 61300-3-6)

Applicable Stakeholders:

• Fibre optic component/test engineers and reliability labs
• Those responsible for qualification and lifecycle testing of optical network infrastructure

Distinctive Features and Revisions:

• Enhanced harmonization of light source, detector, and reference conditions
• Direct procedures for both rapid (transient) and slower (environmentally driven) attenuation changes
• New guidance for reporting and specifying test details

Key highlights:

• Uniform testing for environmental/mechanical reliability of fibre optic devices
• Methods for both single and bulk sample evaluation, including OTDR-based options
• Reworked guidance for modern networks and multi-wavelength systems

Access the full standard:View prEN IEC 61300-3-3:2024 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A review of these October 2025 standards points to several persistent and emerging industry-wide patterns:

• Emphasis on ultra-high-frequency compatibility: Standardized connectors are now being specified for operation up to 145 GHz (IEC 61169-64), well into the millimeter-wave bands critical for future wireless and radar systems.
• Test and instrumentation interoperability: Both RF and fibre optic connectors are increasingly designed for cross-compatibility (SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm), reducing inventory complexity and enabling flexible setups in laboratories and field installations.
• Greater rigor in test methodologies: Active monitoring (in fibre) and increasingly sophisticated EMC modelling (CISPR TR 16-4-4) are now mainstream, supporting both precision design validation and regulatory confidence.
• Alignment across SDOs: Strong evidence of harmonization between IEC, IEEE, and CLC ensures components and test methods can be used seamlessly in global supply chains and multi-standard environments.

In practical terms, the standards shared a focus on infrastructure reliability, test repeatability, and future-proofing for the continued evolution toward higher frequencies, higher speeds, and greater electromagnetic robustness.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For professionals tasked with compliance, procurement, design, or quality assurance, this month’s standards present several priorities:

• Immediate review of specification and purchasing documents—ensure that connector specifications reflect the most recent requirements for high-frequency, high-performance, and compatibility with IEEE/IEC standards
• Update of laboratory and production test protocols—adopt new gauging/test plans for connectors, and incorporate active monitoring during environment and mechanical qualification for fibre optic components
• Align EMC management frameworks—use the latest CISPR model to analyze and document the rationale for disturbance limit settings, keeping pace with emerging regulatory expectations
• Training and upskilling—provide updated guidance and training for engineering and inspection staff to ensure full understanding of revised connector dimensions, intermateability features, and active test procedures

Implementation Timeline:

• Most standards published in October 2025 will require immediate consideration for all new projects and phased adoption in ongoing lifecycle programs; regulatory and contractual requirements may dictate faster timelines for compliance in certain regions or industries.

Resources:

• Access the full texts and associated templates/guidance via iTeh Standards to guide implementation and audit preparedness

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

The second tranche of Telecommunications standards published in October 2025 spotlighted the industry’s momentum toward higher frequencies, improved interoperability, and best-in-class test and compliance methodology. Key takeaways include:

• New-generation RF connector specs (IEC 61169-64, EN IEC 61169-23) set the benchmark for both performance and cross-compatibility, especially above 30 GHz
• Sophisticated electromagnetic compatibility models (CISPR TR 16-4-4) underpin evolving regulatory regimes and spectrum management
• Advanced test procedures (prEN IEC 61300-3-3) ensure reliability and performance of critical fibre optic links in challenging environments

For professionals across design, procurement, compliance, and management: Staying current with these publications is central to maintaining technical leadership, regulatory certainty, and operational excellence.

Explore each of these standards in detail on iTeh Standards to inform your next steps in specification, testing, and strategic planning.