December 2025 Brings New Standards for Telecommunications and Audio/Video Engineering

December 2025 marks a significant wave of new standards releases in the telecommunications and audio/video engineering sector. This first part of a comprehensive 7-part series spotlights five crucial standards that directly impact product development, quality, compliance, and performance across the industry. Whether your focus is RF cable assemblies, power quality, EMC, or RF testing, these updates deliver vital clarity and future-ready requirements for global operations.

Staying current with these standards helps you ensure interoperability, meet regulatory obligations, and boost reliability in a rapidly evolving field.

Overview

The telecommunications and audio/video engineering field is foundational to modern connectivity, supporting everything from high-frequency mobile communication to robust data transmission and broadcast. Ensuring reliable performance and compliance in this industry requires adhering to precise international standards governing components, assemblies, and system-level interactions.

Why do standards matter here? Because they:

• Guarantee product compatibility and safety
• Support global supply chains through harmonized requirements
• Enable seamless, high-performance networks
• Reduce failure and downtime through proven best practices

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The scope and core requirements of each new standard
• Which parts of your business may be affected
• Key changes from previous versions
• Implementation tips and compliance strategies

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Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 60966-4-4:2025 – Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cables for RF Assemblies up to 6 GHz

Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies - Part 4-4: Semi-rigid coaxial cable - Detail specification - Frequency range up to 6 000 MHz, type 50-5 multi-channel cables

This freshly published IEC standard details requirements for multi-channel, semi-rigid cable assemblies made with 50-5 series coaxial cables (with foamed polyethylene dielectric) and a wide range of RF connector types. Designed specifically for mobile communication applications, these assemblies connect main feeders to antennas, equipment, or remote radio heads in installations operating up to 6 GHz.

What it covers & scope

• Subfamily detail requirements for 50-5 type semi-rigid cables
• Covers diverse connector compatibility: Types 7-16, 4.1-9.5, N, S7-16, 4.3-10, L32, 2.2-5, NEX10, MQ4, and MQ5
• Provides stringent performance and severity criteria for assemblies used in demanding RF environments
• Applies to installations where minimal loss and high shielding are critical

Key requirements & specs

• Frequency range: up to 6 000 MHz
• Characteristic impedance: 50 Ω
• Maximum cable diameter: <8.2 mm
• Minimum static/dynamic bending radius: 25/30 mm
• Identification and marking rules for traceability
• Environmental testing aligns with IEC 60068-2-11 (Salt mist), IEC 60529 (IP protection)
• Assembly marking on cable sheath

Who needs to comply?

• Mobile communications infrastructure providers
• Antenna and system integrators
• RF cable manufacturers and assembly houses

Practical implications

Adopting this standard ensures cable assemblies deliver high reliability and performance in challenging RF scenarios. It facilitates easy integration of multi-channel systems, streamlining deployment and maintenance. Manufacturers must implement rigorous identification, test, and marking regimes.

Noteworthy changes

As a new detail specification, it brings harmonization across assembly severities, connector compatibility, and traceability, building on earlier generic and sectional standards in the IEC 60966 series.

Key highlights:

• Supports multi-channel deployments with broad connector compatibility
• Strict performance specs for 6 GHz mobile applications
• Enhanced marking and traceability

Access the full standard:View IEC 60966-4-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60153-2:2025 – Hollow Metallic Waveguides, Rectangular

Hollow metallic waveguides - Part 2: Relevant specifications for ordinary rectangular waveguides

This significantly revised standard defines technical requirements for rectangular waveguides—straight hollow metallic tubes used in RF and microwave applications. The focus is on ensuring worldwide compatibility, interchangeability, and consistent performance for rectangular waveguides with a characteristic b-to-a ratio of 0.5.

What it covers & scope

• Dimensional details, tolerance, and cross-sectional geometry for ordinary rectangular waveguides
• Electrical properties: cut-off frequency, attenuation coefficients
• Mechanical requirements: materials, wall thickness, straightness, surface finish
• Comprehensive test methods and compatibility guarantees

Key requirements & specs

• Specifications for inside/outside dimensions, wall thickness, eccentricity
• Uniform electrical tests, including attenuation and performance comparisons for different materials
• Tolerances standardized for outside dimensions (now Table 4)
• Cross-reference table for type designations (Annex A)

Who needs to comply?

• RF/microwave component suppliers
• System and antenna integrators
• Test labs and waveguide manufacturers

Practical implications

Enables seamless integration of waveguides from different vendors and regions, reduces risks related to interference, and simplifies custom installations. Material choices are flexible but must be agreed upon between customer and supplier for each application.

Noteworthy changes from previous edition

• New cross-sectional views and informative content on theory
• Corrected waveguide designations and dimensions
• Revised attenuation values for idealized copper, dropped those for gold, aluminum, stainless steel
• Improved test methods for attenuation and electrical properties

Key highlights:

• Global harmonization for rectangle waveguide specs
• More robust and detailed attenuation/electrical measurement methodologies
• Flexible material choice with collaborative agreements

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60153-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 61000-4-30:2025 – EMC: Power Quality Measurement Methods

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-30: Testing and measurement techniques - Power quality measurement methods

As electromagnetic environments become more complex, this standard codifies testing and measurement methodologies for power quality (PQ) in AC supply systems at 50/60 Hz. It sets out how to measure, aggregate, and interpret data on supply voltage, frequency, dips/swells/interruption, harmonics, flicker, and more—ensuring results are reliable and repeatable across global test sites.

What it covers & scope

• In-situ measurement techniques for PQ parameters
• Defines two classes: Class A (advanced, for statutory monitoring), Class S (survey, for less critical assessments)
• Covers a wide parameter set: power frequency, supply magnitude, flicker, dips/swells, voltage interruptions, transient voltages, supply voltage unbalance, harmonics, interharmonics, rapid voltage changes (RVC), current (including harmonic and interharmonic), and voltage for MCS

Key requirements & specs

• Uniform measurement accuracy and time aggregation methods
• Criteria for 10-min and 2-hr data aggregation
• Updated methods for rapid voltage changes and voltage events
• Addresses conducted phenomena in the 2 kHz to 150 kHz range via new annexes
• Maximum permissible error requirements for all key measurements

Who needs to comply?

• Utilities and power engineering firms
• EMC labs and consultants for telecommunication installations
• Manufacturers of PQ measurement instrumentation

Practical implications

Synchronized and accurate PQ measurements are critical for compliance, system troubleshooting, network reliability, and both contractual and regulatory reporting. Proper adoption also reduces risk of undetected disturbances or equipment damage.

Noteworthy changes from previous edition

• Integration of prior amendments/corrigenda
• Corrections and extensions to RVC and voltage event detection methods
• Major annex reorganisation and addition of new measurement techniques for emission bands

Key highlights:

• Consistent PQ monitoring methodologies worldwide
• Expanded and clarified test methods for RVC and emissions
• Guidance for applications, economic aspects, and site survey prioritization

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61000-4-30:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC TR 61169-1-8:2025 – RF Connector VSWR Measurement by Double Connector Method

Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1-8: Electrical test methods - Voltage standing wave ratio for a single connector by double connector method

This technical report introduces a practical test method for determining the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of single RF and microstrip connectors. The double connector method described allows accurate estimation of a single connector’s VSWR using data from a paired (identical) connector setup—especially useful when time domain measurement capabilities are absent.

What it covers & scope

• Applicability to single RF cable connectors, microstrip RF connectors, and adapters
• Theory behind the double-connector method and formulas for VSWR calculation, including correction coefficients
• Details test setup: device under test (DUT) preparation, connector selection, and cable requirements
• Test procedures for different connector types, reporting on measurement frequencies, and correction factors

Key requirements & specs

• Emphasis on uniformity in test samples (same batch/lot)
• Specifies cable type and minimum attenuation for accuracy
• Guidance on calculation and use of empirical correction coefficients
• Reporting structure for VSWR values and validation

Who needs to comply?

• Connector/component manufacturers
• RF testing labs
• Quality assurance/validation teams in telecommunications and AV device development

Practical implications

Reliable VSWR data is crucial for system matching, loss minimization, and compliance with overall RF performance regulations. Labs can use this method to validate connectors even when vector network analyzer features are limited.

Noteworthy features

This is a new technical report, offering a repeatable, theoretically sound measurement protocol and practical guidance for everyday connector QA.

Key highlights:

• Enables practical, accurate VSWR measurement without advanced analyzers
• Empirical correction factor for real-world batch variance
• Supports single connectors and adapters, improving lab throughput

Access the full standard:View IEC TR 61169-1-8:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The December 2025 standards will affect multiple facets of telecommunications and audio/video engineering:

• Businesses must ensure product designs, procurement, and installations are aligned with the latest RF, EMC, and connector requirements.
• Compliance deadlines: As these are international standards, adoption timelines may vary by jurisdiction, but alignment with these documents is likely to be expected for new projects and future contracts.
• Risk of non-compliance:
  • Product rejections or recalls
  • Incompatibility with partner infrastructure
  • Increased liability for system failures or non-conformance claims
• Benefits of adoption:
  • Improved product quality, interoperability, and customer retention
  • Reduction in field failures and easier cross-vendor integration
  • Enhanced documentation for regulatory or customer audits

Technical Insights

Common requirements:

• Stringent mechanical, electrical, and material specs for RF components
• Robust, harmonized marking and traceability rules
• Precise and repeatable test and measurement methodologies

Implementation best practices:

1. Gap Analysis: Review current designs and QA against new clauses.
2. Supplier Engagement: Ensure supply chain partners comply with revised specs and marking requirements.
3. In-house Qualification: Update test labs and equipment—especially for PQ, attenuation, and VSWR testing.
4. Documentation: Align all datasheets, statements of conformity, and installation guides with new references.

Testing and Certification:

• Invest in Class A metering and advanced test sets for PQ and RF alignment
• Utilize the double-connector method in absence of TDR-capable VNAs
• Leverage detailed test methods provided in the standards for attestation

Conclusion & Next Steps

This first part of the December 2025 update highlights five pivotal standards influencing modern telecommunications and AV engineering practice. Organizations are advised to:

• Conduct internal reviews to benchmark compliance readiness
• Update procurement specs and partner contracts to require adherence to these standards
• Train engineering and QA teams on revised requirements and test procedures

The iTeh Standards platform is your reliable source for the full text of each standard and ongoing guidance across this fast-developing field.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue the in-depth analysis of new and revised international standards driving the telecommunications and AV engineering sector forward.

Explore, download, and stay ahead—Visit iTeh Standards for the latest industry requirements.