EN 2591-610:2001

Overview

EN 2591-610:2001 is a European aerospace standard that defines test methods for assessing the effectiveness of cable attachment in optical connection elements subject to cable pulling forces. This standard is part of the aerospace series focused on elements of electrical and optical connection, specifically addressing optical elements such as fibre optic couplers and permanent connections. Developed under the auspices of CEN and the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA), the standard ensures reliable performance in aerospace optical interconnect systems where mechanical integrity is critical.

The document must be used alongside EN 2591-100, which provides general test methods for electrical and optical connections. It covers the preparation of specimens, apparatus requirements, and detailed test procedures for quantifying cable attachment robustness via cable pulling tests. The objective is to validate that cable attachments maintain optical performance and mechanical strength during use.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  Establishes a method for evaluating cable attachment strength under pulling conditions specifically for aerospace-grade optical connection elements.

• Test Apparatus
  Equipment includes a movable beam system capable of applying controlled pulling forces at a specified rate while measuring breaking load. It allows continuous monitoring of optical attenuation throughout the test.

• Specimen Preparation
  Optical connection elements must be fitted with all normal accessories and stabilized under standard test conditions for 24 hours according to EN 2591-100.

• Test Procedures

  • Method A: Used for removable optical contacts; involves insertion loss measurement before and after applying cable pulling.
  • Method B: Used for optical connection elements, permanent connections, and fibre optic couplers; involves continuous attenuation monitoring during cable pulling.

• Test Conditions
  Pulling force is applied at a controlled speed of 10 mm/min and maintained for 1 minute at the maximum specified load.

• Performance Criteria
  Optical insertion loss and attenuation variation must meet the limits defined in EN 2591-601 and EN 2591-602 after testing to confirm cable attachment effectiveness.

Applications

EN 2591-610:2001 is essential for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers involved in the design, testing, and certification of optical interconnection systems, including:

• Fibre optic cable assemblies in aircraft electronic systems
• Optical couplers and permanent optical fiber connections in aerospace environments
• Quality assurance testing for cable attachment robustness against mechanical stresses during aircraft operations
• Verification of optical performance stability after mechanical loading and cable handling

Compliance with this standard helps ensure that optical connections maintain signal integrity and reliability under typical and extreme mechanical loads encountered in aerospace applications, contributing to enhanced safety and operational performance.

Related Standards

• EN 2591-100: Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods - Part 100: General principles for testing electrical and optical connection elements.
• EN 2591-601: Test methods focused on measuring optical insertion loss.
• EN 2591-602: Test methods addressing optical attenuation variation and discontinuity.

Together, these standards provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and validating the mechanical and optical performance of aerospace-grade optical connection components, establishing critical benchmarks for the aerospace industry.

By adhering to EN 2591-610:2001, aerospace system integrators and component manufacturers ensure the mechanical durability and optical reliability of cable attachments in fiber optic systems, safeguarding performance in mission-critical aerospace applications.