Key Telecommunications Standards for RF, EMC, and Audio/Video Engineering

As telecommunications, audio, and video engineering technologies evolve at an unprecedented pace, the importance of rigorous international standards has never been greater. Today’s businesses and network providers are deploying new infrastructures, integrating advanced RF components, and facing increasingly complex electromagnetic environments. Understanding and implementing the right standards is crucial—not just for compliance and security, but also for maximizing productivity, minimizing downtime, and enabling seamless system scaling. This guide introduces four essential international standards shaping modern telecommunications, with clear explanations and practical advice for organizations planning or managing advanced telecom, audio, and video networks.

Overview / Introduction

The telecommunications sector is foundational to modern business, commerce, public safety, and entertainment. As data, voice, and video traffic surges across networks, reliability and performance demands grow more stringent. Standards in telecommunications, especially in audio and video engineering, play a central role in achieving interoperability, managing spectrum, controlling interference, and ensuring the secure operation of networks.

Implementing relevant telecommunications standards is no longer optional. For organizations introducing new technologies—whether it’s high-frequency radio systems, advanced wireless infrastructure, smart grids, or broadcast networks—failure to comply can result in interoperability issues, regulatory penalties, performance bottlenecks, and even major outages. By adhering to current best practices, businesses can:

• Enhance system security against RF interference and electromagnetic disturbances.
• Scale infrastructure efficiently and with confidence.
• Assure compatibility across multi-vendor equipment.
• Optimize operational productivity and service quality.

In this article, we examine four authoritative standards—covering passive RF and microwave intermodulation and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)—which are essential to the successful deployment and management of contemporary telecommunications and audio/video solutions.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026 – Intermodulation Measurement in Coaxial Cables

Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 4: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cables

EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026 is pivotal for organizations dealing with coaxial cables in RF and microwave applications. This standard defines the protocols and methodologies for measuring passive intermodulation (PIM) in coaxial cables—a critical consideration in cellular base stations, broadcasting, and high-frequency data transmission.

PIM issues in coaxial cables occur when two or more high-power signals mix, leading to unwanted interference products. These products can degrade signal quality, reduce throughput, and cause performance issues in wireless networks. The standard specifies:

• Procedures for PIM measurement in coaxial cables.
• Test setups, calibration techniques, and acceptable limits for intermodulation.
• Requirements for test equipment, repeatability, and environmental controls.

Who should comply:

• Mobile network operators
• Broadcast providers
• Cable manufacturers
• System integrators for wireless and data networks

Practical implications: Adhering to this standard ensures that coaxial cables do not become a hidden source of signal degradation. Implementing the specified measurement protocols helps organizations pre-empt issues that can lead to costly network troubleshooting and downtime.

Key highlights:

• Standardized method for PIM measurement in coaxial cables.
• Reduces risk of interference in critical RF channels.
• Supports compliance with global telecom quality benchmarks.

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

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

Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 2: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cable assemblies

As networks become denser and rely on modular interconnections, the performance of coaxial cable assemblies—including connectors and jumpers—directly impacts overall system reliability. EN IEC 62037-2:2021/A1:2026 standardizes the measurement of passive intermodulation in assembled cable components used in RF applications.

Scope and core requirements include:

• Detailed test methods for characterizing the intermodulation performance of complete cable assemblies (as opposed to bare cables).
• Guidance for selecting test configurations representative of actual field use.
• Criteria for environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity, to eliminate false positives.
• Identification of sources of PIM in connectors, terminations, and mechanical joints.

Industries/organizations needing compliance:

• Telecom hardware manufacturers
• RF installation contractors
• Test & measurement labs

Practical benefits: Conformance to this standard helps mitigate performance loss that can occur due to imperfect assembly or installation practices. Properly measured and certified cable assemblies ensure smoother network rollout, ease future troubleshooting, and support high-bandwidth, low-noise applications.

Key highlights:

• Consistent, reproducible PIM assessment in assembled cables.
• Identifies hidden issues arising from assembly or field installation errors.
• Essential for ensuring high network capacity and signal clarity.

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

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

Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 6: Measurement of passive intermodulation in antennas

Wireless networks, including cellular and broadcast systems, rely on high-performance antennas to transmit and receive signals with precision. EN IEC 62037-6:2022/A1:2026 establishes a robust methodology for measuring PIM in antennas, helping to guarantee clean signal transmission and reception.

This standard covers:

• Comprehensive test protocols for PIM measurement in antennas used for cellular, broadcast, and microwave links.
• Guidelines for calibration and setup to ensure accurate, comparable results across different antenna designs and deployments.
• Control of test environment factors to accommodate various installation types (indoor, outdoor, rooftop).

Target audience:

• Antenna manufacturers
• Wireless infrastructure developers
• Field installation and maintenance teams

Implementation outcomes: Adherence ensures that antennas do not become unexpected contributors to signal degradation. Certified antenna performance translates directly into better network coverage, reduced dropped calls, and higher data service quality.

Key highlights:

• Uniform, globally recognized procedures for PIM testing in antennas.
• Critical for robust 5G, LTE, and broadcasting infrastructure.
• Helps avoid costly post-installation corrections and interference disputes.

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

SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026 – EMC Emission Limits for Unbalanced Installations on MV, HV, and EHV 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

SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026 fills a crucial gap in EMC management for medium, high, and extra-high voltage (MV, HV, EHV) power systems. This technical report provides methodologies for assessing emission limits relating to unbalanced installations—for example, manufacturing plants or generators that create voltage unbalance on three-phase systems.

Key requirements and content:

• Defines voltage unbalance types (negative-sequence, zero-sequence currents) and their impact on power quality.
• Establishes compatibility and planning levels for negative-sequence voltage unbalance in MV, HV, and EHV systems.
• Stages of assessment, from simplified evaluations to detailed system-specific analysis.
• Assigns responsibility for emission limit compliance to both the installation operator and power system owner.
• Offers procedures and practical guidance without replacing equipment-level EMC standards.

Who should apply this:

• Power utilities and grid operators
• Industrial facilities with large, unbalanced (three-phase) loads or generators
• System designers integrating significant non-symmetrical equipment

Practical implications: Using this technical report ensures proper allocation of a network’s disturbance-absorbing capacity, supports regulatory compliance, and helps maintain power quality for all connected users. Critical for integrating electric arc furnaces, large variable-speed drives, or industrial plant loads.

Key highlights:

• Guidance on setting, assessing, and allocating emission limits for unbalanced installations.
• Maintains network reliability and voltage stability at all voltage levels.
• Aligns with practical engineering judgement—recommendations are adaptable case by case.

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

Industry Impact & Compliance

As telecommunication networks underpin business operations, adhering to audio and video standards in telecommunications is essential. Lack of compliance can cause network interference, increased downtime, cyber vulnerabilities, and regulatory complications. In contrast, thorough implementation of these standards yields:

• Higher productivity through minimized troubleshooting and corrective maintenance
• Supercharged security and reliability, vital for scaling next-generation solutions
• Regulatory peace of mind—adherence to prominent international standards avoids legal and financial repercussions
• Global compatibility—allied with vendors and partners worldwide

Common non-compliance risks include service delays, poor network performance, compatibility issues with equipment from multiple suppliers, and non-approval by national regulators.

Implementation Guidance

Successfully deploying these telecommunications and EMC standards involves:

1. Assessment and Gap Analysis

   • Review existing infrastructure for compliance with the latest standards.
   • Identify PIM or EMC issues using recommended measurement protocols.

2. Procurement and Vendor Selection

   • Source RF components, cables, antennas, and assemblies certified to relevant EN/IEC standards.
   • Specify EMC requirements clearly in supplier contracts.

3. Training and Awareness

   • Educate engineering, installation, and maintenance teams on standard procedures and criteria.
   • Provide hands-on training for specialized PIM/EMC test equipment.

4. Documentation and Traceability

   • Maintain organized records of all testing, certifications, and compliance actions.
   • Document environmental and system variables to support repeatable, auditable results.

5. Continuous Improvement

   • Periodically reassess installations in light of evolving standards and technologies.
   • Invest in proactive updates and audits to keep infrastructure future-proof.

Resources for Organizations:

• iTeh Standards Telecommunications Category
• Accredited test laboratories
• Vendor white papers and manufacturer technical guides

Conclusion / Next Steps

Telecommunications, audio, and video engineering are more central than ever to modern enterprise success. With rapid adoption of new technologies, embracing up-to-date international standards like EN 62037-4:2012/A1:2026, EN IEC 62037-2:2021/A1:2026, EN IEC 62037-6:2022/A1:2026, and SIST-TP IEC TR 61000-3-13:2026 is not just recommended—it’s indispensable.

Key takeaways:

• Implementing these standards enables robust, secure, and scalable communications infrastructure.
• They deliver consistent network performance, regulatory assurance, and support smooth integration of future technologies.

Recommendations:

• Perform a compliance audit against these and related standards for your current and planned installations.
• Engage with expert consultants and stay informed about updates or new requirements.
• Take advantage of the resources and official documents available through iTeh Standards.

Ensure your organization is future-ready, productive, and secure by making these standards a core part of your telecom and network engineering strategy.