Key Telecommunications Standards for Audio, Video, and EMC: Enhancing Modern Networks

In the fast-evolving world of telecommunications and audio-video engineering, precise standards are the backbone of reliability, security, and technological growth. As businesses worldwide increasingly rely on seamless communications, implementing robust industry standards is no longer optional but essential. This article provides an accessible, in-depth overview of four critical international standards shaping modern telecom networks—ensuring organizations can optimize new technology adoption, productivity, security, and scalability.

Overview / Introduction

Telecommunications and audio-video engineering underpin almost every aspect of today’s connected world, from mobile networks and broadcasting to smart city infrastructures and industrial automation. With services becoming more data-intensive and users expecting flawless connectivity, technical standards play a vital role in making complex systems interoperable, secure, and future-proof.

Why do standards matter so much in telecommunications? They ensure every component—from coaxial cables and antennas to massive power systems—works as intended, limiting interference, boosting performance, and safeguarding investments as technologies evolve. This article explores four authoritative standards, addressing both passive RF (radio frequency) intermodulation in key components and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in power supply integration:

• EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cables
• EN IEC 62037-2:2021/A1:2026: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cable assemblies
• EN IEC 62037-6:2022/A1:2026: Measurement of passive intermodulation in antennas
• SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026: Assessment of EMC emission limits for unbalanced installations in power systems

By mastering these standards, professionals enable robust, scalable, and interference-resilient audio and video communication networks—critical ingredients for business success in a world driven by streaming media, IoT devices, and advanced data services.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026 – Ensuring Clean Signals in Coaxial Cables

Passive RF and Microwave Devices, Intermodulation Level Measurement – Part 4: Measurement of Passive Intermodulation in Coaxial Cables

What it covers:

This standard provides a complete methodology for measuring passive intermodulation (PIM) in coaxial cables. PIM occurs when two or more signals interact within non-linear components or connections, creating unwanted interference that can disrupt wireless communications. The standard outlines carefully controlled test environments, measurement procedures, and acceptable limits for PIM, helping manufacturers and network operators guarantee high cable integrity.

By enforcing consistent testing, the standard improves network reliability by reducing signal distortion—a vital concern for mobile base stations, broadcasting facilities, and any application where clean RF transmission is a must.

Who needs to comply:

• Cable manufacturers
• Wireless infrastructure integrators
• Telecommunication service providers
• Audio/video broadcasting engineers

Key requirements and specifications:

• Definition of test setups and calibration procedures
• Environmental stability during testing
• Measurement frequency bands
• Acceptable PIM thresholds for different application classes
• Documentation and traceability for compliance verification

Practical implications: Organizations adhering to EN 62037-4 can be confident that their coaxial cables will not become a bottleneck for network performance, particularly in high-density or mission-critical deployments. Compliance supports faster troubleshooting, better system uptime, and improved signal clarity.

Key highlights:

• Standardizes PIM measurement in coaxial cables
• Minimizes signal degradation in RF communication systems
• Supports scaling and upgrading of network infrastructure

Access the full standard:View EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 62037-2:2021/A1:2026 – Quantifying Intermodulation in Coaxial Cable Assemblies

Passive RF and Microwave Devices, Intermodulation Level Measurement – Part 2: Measurement of Passive Intermodulation in Coaxial Cable Assemblies

What it covers:

While EN 62037-4 focuses on bare cables, this standard extends PIM measurement protocols to coaxial cable assemblies—which include connectors, adapters, and other joint components. These assemblies are often the weak points where signal purity can be compromised. By establishing thorough testing criteria for the entire assembly, the standard ensures the real-world reliability of interconnected systems.

Who needs to comply:

• Cable assembly manufacturers
• System integrators for telecom and broadcasting
• Procurement and quality assurance teams
• Mobile network operators

Key requirements and specifications:

• Preparation and calibration for newly assembled coaxial systems
• Measurement of PIM at various points including connectors/adapters
• Documentation and traceability for batch verification
• Clear pass/fail criteria for assemblies

Practical implications: Implementing this standard helps manufacturers and operators prevent signal integrity issues resulting from cable assembly flaws. This is especially critical for high-power RF applications (such as cellular base stations, satellite uplinks) where even small intermodulation can cascade into network-wide problems.

Key highlights:

• Focuses on real-world cable assemblies, not just raw cable
• Ensures connectors and joints meet PIM standards
• Enhances network performance and reduces field failures

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 62037-2:2021/A1:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 62037-6:2022/A1:2026 – Measuring Intermodulation in Antennas

Passive RF and Microwave Devices, Intermodulation Level Measurement – Part 6: Measurement of Passive Intermodulation in Antennas

What it covers:

This standard details protocols for assessing passive intermodulation (PIM) generated by radio frequency antennas. Antenna PIM is a particular concern as these aerial components can both transmit and receive distortion, undermining the entire network’s integrity, especially in high-capacity and carrier-aggregated systems. The standard prescribes measurement techniques under varying operational conditions, ensuring real-world antenna reliability.

Who needs to comply:

• Antenna manufacturers
• Wireless network deployment teams
• QA engineers for broadcast and telecom infrastructure
• R&D teams designing multi-operator antennas

Key requirements and specifications:

• Field and laboratory PIM measurement methods
• Environmental and mounting condition considerations
• Acceptance criteria based on network application
• Robust documentation for system integration

Practical implications: Adhering to EN IEC 62037-6 means antennas used in telecom towers, broadcasting, or high-frequency data networks are verified for minimal PIM issues, resulting in clearer signals, higher channel density, and superior service levels, especially in 5G and beyond.

Key highlights:

• Sets methodologies for accurate PIM testing in antennas
• Addresses the main source of in-field PIM issues
• Critical for roll-outs of dense, multi-operator telecom sites

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 62037-6:2022/A1:2026 on iTeh Standards

SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026 – Managing EMC for Unbalanced Installations in Power Systems

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-13: Limits – Assessment of Emission Limits for the Connection of Unbalanced Installations to MV, HV and EHV Power Systems

What it covers:

This technical report guides power utilities, network engineers, and industrial clients on assessing and setting emission limits for installing unbalanced three-phase loads or generators on public Medium Voltage (MV), High Voltage (HV), and Extra High Voltage (EHV) systems. These unbalanced installations can create voltage unbalance, publishing standards for negative-sequence current and voltage evaluations to maintain EMC across interconnected systems. The standard supports system operators in specifying requirements that avoid network disruption and ensure compatibility.

Who needs to comply:

• Power utilities and grid operators
• Industrial facilities connecting large unbalanced loads (e.g., arc furnaces, rail traction)
• Engineering firms involved in power system integration
• Renewable energy project developers installing grid-tied generation

Key requirements and specifications:

• Principles for assessing negative-sequence voltage and current
• Planning levels and emission limits across voltage tiers
• Methodologies for simplified and detailed disturbance evaluation
• Clear operational responsibilities between customer and network operator
• Flexibility for system-specific engineering solutions

Practical implications: Adopting this standard minimizes risk of equipment overheating, power quality degradation, and widespread electromagnetic interference. Such compliance is vital for integrating renewable energy, optimizing industrial processes, and ensuring future proof, scalable power supply infrastructure in smart cities and digital industrial estates.

Key highlights:

• Establishes emission limits for unbalanced installations
• Protects overall network EMC and service quality
• Facilitates integration of advanced industrial and grid technologies

Access the full standard:View SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Modern telecommunications and audio/video networks cannot afford unpredictable performance, interference, or failure—especially as user expectations and regulatory scrutiny intensify. Adopting these standards ensures that:

• Network infrastructure is robust against signal degradation and PIM interference
• Power systems connecting to essential telecom and broadcast facilities remain secure and reliable
• Systematic, globally recognized testing protocols streamline product certification and quality assurance
• Compliance opens doors to international markets and supports faster scaling
• Risks of downtime, regulatory penalties, and reputational damages due to power quality or signal problems are minimized

Businesses that integrate these telecommunications standards not only ensure legal and technical compliance but also build a foundation for innovation and digital transformation. Reliable networks mean enhanced productivity, superior customer experience, optimized resource utilization, and competitive advantage.

Implementation Guidance

Successfully adopting these standards involves a blend of technical knowledge, coordinated processes, and periodic verification. Key best practices for organizations include:

1. Gap Assessment:

   • Audit current systems (cables, assemblies, antennas, equipment connections) for compliance gaps using checklists derived from each standard

2. Employee Training:

   • Invest in continual training programs for technical teams to understand test procedures, documentation requirements, and the impacts of non-compliance

3. Testing Infrastructure:

   • Implement or upgrade to standardized PIM measurement equipment and EMC assessment tools, following the exact setup procedures listed in each standard

4. Vendor Management:

   • Require suppliers and partners to provide compliance documentation and conduct independent audits

5. Documentation and Traceability:

   • Maintain thorough records for every installation, measurement, and corrective action—this is vital for audits and root cause analysis

6. Continuous Improvement:

   • Monitor updates to standards, as telecom and EMC guidelines evolve with new frequencies, network architectures, and regulatory requirements

Resource Links on iTeh Standards:

• For convenient access, refer to the detailed iTeh standards catalog for telecommunication, audio, and video engineering compliance resources.

Conclusion / Next Steps

Adherence to up-to-date telecommunications, RF, and EMC standards is essential for organizations seeking resilient, scalable, and high-performance audio and video infrastructures. The four standards reviewed in this guide provide best-in-class protocols for controlling PIM in cables, assemblies, and antennas, and for maintaining power network compatibility in increasingly complex, interconnected environments.

Key takeaways:

• Implementing these standards ensures reliable, interference-free networks that support advanced services and future technology upgrades
• Compliance fosters productivity, security, and business scaling, while mitigating risks and enhancing customer confidence
• Regular training, robust testing, supply chain diligence, and proactive adaptation to standard revisions are vital for sustained compliance and excellence

Recommendations:

• Explore the full standards directly on iTeh Standards for comprehensive resources and implementation guides
• Engage with technical experts and standardization organizations to stay ahead of regulatory and market developments
• Start or enhance your standards-based compliance program today to future-proof your organization for the evolving telecommunications landscape

Ready to ensure your telecom systems meet the highest standards for performance, reliability, and compliance?

Discover and implement these essential international standards at iTeh Standards.