IEC 62077:2022

IEC 62077 ®
Edition 4.0 2022-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic
circulators – Generic specification

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IEC 62077 ®
Edition 4.0 2022-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic
circulators – Generic specification
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-5470-7

– 2 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
3.1 Basic terms .
3.1 Component terms. 8
3.2 Performance terms . 9
4 Requirements . 12
4.1 Classification . 12
4.1.1 General . 12
4.1.2 Type Technology, port numbers and functions . 13
4.1.3 Wavelength bands . 13
4.1.4 Interface style . 13
4.1.4 Variant .
4.1.5 Normative reference extensions.
4.2 Documentation . 15
4.2.1 Symbols . 15
4.2.2 Specification system .
4.2.2 Drawings . 17
4.2.3 Tests and measurements . 17
4.2.4 Test report . 18
4.2.5 Instructions for use . 18
4.3 Standardization system . 18
4.3.1 Interface standards . 18
4.3.2 Performance standards . 19
4.3.3 Reliability standards . 19
4.3.4 Interlinking .
4.4 Design and construction . 21
4.4.1 Materials . 21
4.4.2 Workmanship . 21
4.5 Quality . 21
4.6 Performance requirements . 21
4.7 Identification and marking . 21
4.7.1 General . 21
4.6.2 Variant identification number .
4.7.2 Component marking . 22
4.7.3 Package marking . 22
4.8 Packaging . 22
4.9 Storage conditions . 22
4.10 Safety . 22
Annex A (informative) Example of technology of bulk circulator based on magneto-
optic effect . 24
Annex B (informative) Example of application of a circulator . 25
Annex C (informative) Examples of interface style . 26
Bibliography . 27

Figure 1 – Completely circulated type configuration . 8
Figure 2 – Incompletely circulated type configuration . 9
Figure 3 – Insertion loss . 10
Figure 4 – Isolation . 11
Figure 5 – Optical circulator style configurations .
Figure 6 – Standards currently under preparation .
Figure 7 – Example of a variant identification number .
Figure A.1 – Example of a circulator . 24
Figure B.1 – Example of application of a circulator . 25
Figure C.1 – Examples of interface style for fibre optic circulators . 26

Table 1 – Example of a typical fibre optic circulator set classification . 13
Table 2 – The IEC specification structure .
Table 3 – Standards interlink matrix .

– 4 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
FIBRE OPTIC CIRCULATORS – GENERIC SPECIFICATION

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 62077:2015. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change has
been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

IEC 62077 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and
passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2015. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) harmonization of terms and definitions with IEC TS 62627-09;
b) change of Clause 4 regarding requirements.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86B/4624/FDIS 86B/4645/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
FIBRE OPTIC CIRCULATORS – GENERIC SPECIFICATION

1 Scope
This document applies to circulators used in the field of fibre optics bearing all of the following
features:
– they are non-reciprocal optical devices, in which each port is either an optical fibre or fibre
optic connector;
– they are passive devices in accordance with the categorization and definition provided in
IEC TS 62538;
– they have three or more ports for directionally transmitting optical power.
An example of optical circulator technology and application is described in Annex A and
Annex B, respectively.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60027 (all parts), Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology
IEC 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 731: Optical fibre
communication, available at http://www.electropedia.org
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams, available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617
IEC 60695-11-5, Fire hazard testing – Part 11-5: Test flames – Needle-flame test method –
Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
IEC 60825 (all parts), Safety of laser products
IEC 61300 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic tests
and measurement procedures
IEC TR 61930, Fibre optic graphical symbology
IEC TS 62627-09, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Vocabulary
for passive optical devices
ISO 129-1, Technical drawings product documentation (TPD) – Indication Presentation of
dimensions and tolerances – Part 1: General principles
ISO 286-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) – ISO code system for tolerances on
linear sizes – Part 1: Basis of tolerances, deviations and fits

ISO 1101, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) – Geometrical tolerancing – Tolerances of
form, orientation, location and run-out
ISO 8601, Data elements and interchange formats – Information interchange – Representation
of dates and times
ISO 8601-1, Date and time – Representations for information interchange – Part 1: Basic rules
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-731,
IEC TS 62627-09 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1 Basic terms
3.1.1
port
optical fibre or optical fibre connector attached to a passive component for the entry and/or exit
of the optical power
3.1.2
transfer matrix
n × n matrix of coefficients where n is the number of ports, and the coefficients represent the
fractional optical power transferred between designated ports
Note 1 to entry: In general, the transfer matrix T is:
t t . t
 
11 12 1n
 
t
T = (1)
 
t
ij
 
t t t
 
 n1 n2 nn 
where
t is the ratio of the optical power P transferred out of port j with respect to input power P into port i, that is:
ij ij i
P
ij
t = (2)
ij
P
i
3.1.3
transfer coefficient
element t of the transfer matrix
ij
3.1.4
logarithmic transfer matrix
n × n matrix of logarithmic transfer coefficients of a where n is the number of ports
ij
Note 1 to entry: In general, the logarithmic transfer matrix A is:

– 8 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
a a . a
 
11 12 1n
 
a
 
(3)
A =
 
a
ij
 
a a a
 n1 n2 nn 
where a is the optical power reduction, in decibels, out of port j with unit power into port i, that is:
ij
a = −10log t (4)
ij 10 ij
where t is the transfer matrix coefficient.
ij
3.1.5
conducting port pair
two ports i and j between which t is nominally greater than zero
ij
3.1.6
isolated port pair
two ports i and j between which t is nominally zero, and a is nominally infinite
ij ij
3.1 Component terms
3.1.1
fibre optic circulator
passive component possessing three or more ports which input and output are cyclic
Note 1 to entry: In the case of 3 ports circulator with port 1, port 2 and port 3, supposing optical power is transmitted
from port 1 to port 2, optical power from port 2 is transmitted to port 3.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62627-09:2016, 3.3.5, modified – The words "passive optical device
(component)" have been replaced with "passive component".]
3.1.2
completely circulated type
type of circulator where all ports can function as both input and output
Note 1 to entry: In the case of a 3 port circulator with port 1, port 2 and port 3, where optical power is transmitted
from port 1 to port 2, optical power from port 2 is also transmitted to port 3 and optical power from port 3 is also
transmitted to port 1 (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Completely circulated type configuration
3.1.3
incompletely circulated type
type of circulator where a port is either an input or an output
Note 1 to entry: In the case of 3 ports circulator with port 1, port 2 and port 3, supposing optical power is transmitted
from port 1 to port 2, optical power from port 2 is transmitted to port 3 and optical power from port 3 is not transmitted
to port 1 (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 – Incompletely circulated type configuration
3.2 Performance parameters terms
3.2.1
insertion loss
element a of the logarithmic transfer matrix of an input port i and output port j to which optical
ij
power is transmitted
Note 1 to entry: The insertion loss is the reduction in optical power between an input and output port of a passive
component (see Figure 3), expressed in decibels and defined as follows:
P
 
j
 
a = −10log (5)
ij 10
 
P
in
 
where
P is the optical power launched into the input port;
in
P is the optical power received from the output port
j
Supposing optical power is
Circulator
transmitted from port i to port j

input port i
output port j
IEC
Figure 3 – Insertion loss
attenuation
reduction of optical power in an operating wavelength range, when transmitted from an input
port to an output port for a fibre optic circulator
Note 1 to entry: The insertion loss (attenuation) is expressed in decibels and defined as:
 P 
j
a = −10log
 
ij 10
 
P
i
 
where
P is the optical power launched into the input port;
i
P is the optical power received from the output port.
j
Note 2 to entry: Figure 3 shows the insertion loss (attenuation) for fibre optic circulators.

– 10 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022

Figure 3 – Insertion loss
Note 3 to entry: The insertion loss (attenuation) is wavelength, polarization, temperature and port pair dependent.
Generally, the insertion loss is the maximum value over operating wavelength range, all polarization state and all
conducting port pairs.
3.2.2
isolation
element a of the logarithmic transfer matrix of an output port j and input port i to which optical
ji
power is transmitted in the direction opposite to the insertion loss
Note 1 to entry: The isolation is the reduction in optical power between an input and output port of a passive
component, expressed in decibels and defined as follows:
 
P
i
 
a = −10log (6)
ji 10
 
P
j
 
where
P is the optical power received from the input port;
i
P is the optical power launched into the output port
j
Supposing optical power is
Circulator
transmitted from port i to port j

input port i
output port j
IEC
Figure 4 – Isolation
reduction of optical power in an operating wavelength range, when transmitted from an output
port to an input port for a fibre optic circulator
Note 1 to entry: The isolation is expressed in decibels and defined as follows:
 
P
i
a = −10log  
ji 10
 
P
j
 
where
P is the optical power received from the input port;
i
P is the optical power launched into the output port.
j
Note 2 to entry: Figure 4 shows the isolation for fibre optic circulators.

Figure 4 – Isolation
Note 3 to entry: The isolation is wavelength, polarization, temperature and port pair dependent. Generally, the
isolation is the minimum value over operating wavelength range, all polarization state and all isolated port pairs.
3.3.3
directivity
element a of the logarithmic transfer matrix port i and port k, which are not port pair for insertion
ik
loss (IL), return loss (RL) or isolation (Iso)
Note 1 to entry: For example, the transmission matrix for a 4-port incompletely circulated type optical circulator,
the symbol Dir indicates directivity as in Equation (7).
 a a a a  RL IL Dir Dir
 
11 12 13 14
   
a a a a Iso RL IL Dir
21 22 23 24
   
(7)
=
 
a a a a  
Dir Iso RL IL
31 32 33 34
   
a a a a Dir Dir Iso RL
 41 42 43 44   
where
Dir is the directivity;
IL is the insertion loss;
Iso
is the isolation;
RL is the return loss.
3.3.4
operating wavelength
nominal wavelength, λ, at which a passive component is designed to operate with the specified
performance
3.3.5
operating wavelength range
specified range of wavelengths from λ to λ close to a nominal operating wavelength
i min i max
λ , within which a passive component is designed to operate with the specified performance
i
3.3.6
return loss
element a in Equation (8) of the logarithmic transfer matrix
ii
Note 1 to entry: It is the fraction of the input power that is returned from the input port of a passive component and
defined as:
 P 
refl
 
a = −10log (8)
ii 10
 
P
i
 
where
– 12 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
P is the optical power launched into the i port;
i
P is the optical power received back from i port
refl
4 Requirements
4.1 Classification
4.1.1 General
Fibre optic circulators shall be are classified as follows either totally or in part in the following
categories:
– type;
– style;
– variant;
– normative reference extensions.
– technology;
– port numbers;
– circulated type;
– wavelength band;
– interface style.
An example of a typical fibre optic circulator classification is given in Table 1.

Table 1 – Example of a typical fibre optic circulator set classification
Type: – Three port circulator
– Completely circulated type
– Operating wavelength range: O-band
Style: – Configuration: B
– Connector type: SC
– Fibre type: IEC Category B 1.2
Variants: – Means of mounting
Items Classifications
Technology Magneto-optic Faraday effect;
Port numbers 3
Circulated type Completely circulated type
Wavelength band C band
Interface style Configuration B
Fibre type: IEC 60793-2-50, B-657.B
IEC 61754-4 (SC connector)
4.1.2 Type Technology, port numbers and functions
Circulators are mainly divided into types according to their configuration.
– Operational principles technologies:
• magneto-optic Faraday effect;
• magneto-optic Cotton-Mouton effect and Kerr effect.
– Port numbers;
– Circulated type:
• completely circulated type;
• incompletely circulated type.
4.1.3 Wavelength bands
– O-band;
– C-band;
– L-band;
– other wavelength circulators.
4.1.4 Interface style
Optical circulators may be classified into styles based upon fibre type(s), connector type(s),
cable type(s), housing shape and dimensions, and configuration.
The configuration of the circulator ports is classified as follows (See Figure 5):

– 14 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
Circulator
Pigtail Pigtail
Pigtail
IEC
a) Configuration A – Device containing integral fibre optic pigtails without a connector
Circulator
Connector Connector
Connector
IEC
b) Configuration B – Device containing integral fibre optic pigtails, with a connector on each pigtail
Circulator
Connector Connector
Connector
IEC
c) Configuration C – Device containing connectors as an integral part of the device housing
Circulator
Connector
Pigtail
Connector
IEC
d) Configuration D Example – Device containing some combination
of the interfacing features of the preceding configurations
Figure 5 – Optical circulator style configurations
The fibre optic circulator style shall be defined on the basis of the following elements:
– input and output port configuration;
– connector set type(s), if any.
NOTE Examples of interface style are provided in Annex C.
4.1.4 Variant
The circulator variant identifies those common features which encompass structurally similar
components. Examples of features which define a variant include, but are not limited to, the
following:
– position and orientation of ports on housing;
– means of mounting.
4.1.5 Normative reference extensions
Normative reference extensions are used to identify integrated independent standards
specifications or other reference documents as relevant specifications.

Unless otherwise specified, additional requirements of extensions are mandatory. Usage is
primarily intended to merge associated components to form hybrid devices, or integrated
functional application requirements that are dependent on technical expertise other than fibre
optics.
Some optical fibre circulator configurations require special qualification provisions which shall
not be imposed universally. This accommodates individual component design configurations,
specialized field tooling or specific application processes. In this case, the requirements are
necessary to assure repeatable performance or adequate safety, and provide additional
guidance for complete product specification. These extensions are mandatory whenever used
to prepare, assemble or install an optical fibre circulator, either for field application usage or
preparation of qualification test specimens. The relevant specification shall clarify all
stipulations. However, design and style dependent extensions shall not be imposed universally.
In the event of conflicting requirements, precedence shall be given, in descending order, as
follows: generic over mandatory extension, over relevant, over detail, over application specific
extension.
Examples of requirements to normative extensions:
– some commercial or residential building applications may require direct reference to specific
safety codes and regulations or incorporate other specific material flammability or toxicity
requirements for specialized locations;
– specialized field tooling may require an extension to implement specific ocular safety,
electrical shock, burn hazard avoidance requirements, or require isolation procedures to
prevent potential ignition of combustible gases.
4.2 Documentation
4.2.1 Symbols
Graphical and letter symbols shall, whenever possible, be taken from the IEC 60027 series,
IEC 60617 and IEC TR 61930.
4.2.2 Specification system
4.2.2.1 General
This generic specification is part of a three-level IEC specification system. Subsidiary
specifications shall consist of relevant specifications. This system is shown in Table 2. There
are no sectional specifications for circulators.

– 16 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
Table 2 – The IEC specification structure
Specification level Examples of information to be included Applicable to
– Assessment system rules
– Inspection rules
– Optical measurement methods
– Environmental test methods
– Sampling plans
– Identification rule
Two or more component families or
Basic
sub-families
– Marking standards
– Dimensional standards
– Terminology
– Symbol standards
– Preferred number series
– SI units
– Specific terminology
– Specific symbols
– Specific units
Generic – Preferred values Component family
– Marking
– Selection of tests
– Capability approval procedures
– Quality conformation test schedule
Groups of types and/or styles having a
Blank detail – Inspection requirements
common test schedule
– Information common to a number of types
– Individual values
– Specific information
Detail Individual component(s)
– Completed quality conformance test
schedules
4.2.2.2 Blank detail specifications
The blank detail specification lists all of the parameters and features applicable to a fibre optic
circulator, including the type, operating characteristics, housing configurations, test methods,
and performance requirements. The blank detail specification is applicable to any fibre optic
circulator design and quality assessment requirement. The blank detail specification contains
the preferred format for stating the required information in the detail specification.
Blank detail specifications are not, by themselves, a specification level. They are associated
with the generic specification.
Each blank detail specification shall be limited to one environmental category.
Each blank detail specification shall contain:
– the minimum mandatory test schedules and performance requirements,
– the preferred format for stating the required information in the detail specification,
– in case of hybrid components, including connectors, addition of appropriate entry fields to
show the reference normative document, document title and issue date.
4.2.2.3 Detail specifications
A specific circulator is described by a corresponding detail specification, which is prepared by
filling in the blanks of the blank detail specification. Within the constraints imposed by this

generic specification, the blank detail specification may be filled in by any national committee
of the IEC, thereby defining a particular circulator as an IEC standard.
Detail specifications shall specify the following, as applicable:
– type (see 4.1.2);
– style (see 4.1.3);
– variant(s) (see 4.1.4);
– part identification number for each variant (see 4.6.2);
– drawings, dimensions required (see 4.2.3);
– test schedules (see 4.2.5);
– performance requirements (see 4.5).
4.2.2 Drawings
4.2.2.1 General
The drawings and dimensions given in the relevant specifications shall not restrict detail
construction nor shall they be used as manufacturing drawings.
4.2.2.2 Projection system
Either first angle or third angle projection shall be used for the drawings in documents covered
by this document. All drawings within a document shall use the same projection system and the
drawings shall state which system is used.
4.2.2.3 Dimensional system
All dimensions shall be given in accordance with ISO 129-1, ISO 286-1 and ISO 1101. The
metric system shall be used in all specifications. Dimensions shall not contain more than five
significant digits. When units are converted, a note shall be added in each relevant specification.
The metric system shall be used in all specifications.
Dimensions shall not contain more than five significant digits.
Conversion between systems of units shall be done correctly. When units are converted, a note
shall be added in each relevant specification. Conversion between metric and imperial units
shall use a factor of 25,4 mm to 1 inch.
4.2.3 Tests and measurements
4.2.3.1 Tests and measurements procedures
The tests and measurements procedures for optical, mechanical, climatic and environmental
characteristics of fibre optic circulators to be used shall be defined and selected preferentially
from the IEC 61300 series. The size measurement method to be used shall be specified in the
relevant specification for dimensions which are specified within a total tolerance zone of
0,01 mm or less.
4.2.3.2 Reference components
Reference components for measurement purposes, if required, shall be specified in the relevant
specification.
4.2.4.3 Gauges
Gauges, if required, shall be specified in the relevant specification.

– 18 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
4.2.4 Test report
The test reports shall be prepared for each test conducted as required by a relevant
specification. The reports shall be included in the qualification test report and in the periodic
inspection report.
Test reports shall contain the following information as a minimum:
– title and date of test;
– specimen description including the type of fibre, connector or other coupling device. The
description shall also include the variant identification number (see 4.6.2);
– test equipment used and date of latest calibration;
– all applicable test details;
– all measurement values and observations.
– sufficiently detailed documentation to provide traceable information for failure analysis.
4.2.5 Instructions for use
Instructions for use, when required, shall be given by the manufacturer and shall include.
– assembly and connection instructions;
– cleaning method;
– safety aspects;
– additional information, as necessary.
4.3 Standardization system
4.3.1 Interface standards
Interface standards provide both manufacturer and user with all the information required to
make or use the product in conformity with the physical features of that standard interface.
Interface standards fully define the features essential for the mating and unmating of optical
fibre connectors and other components. They also serve to position the optical datum target,
where defined, relative to other reference datum.
Interface standards ensure that connectors and adapters that comply with the standard will fit
together. The standards may also contain tolerance grades for ferrules and alignment devices.
Tolerance grades are used to provide different levels of alignment precision.
The interface dimensions may also be used to design other components that will mate with the
connectors. For example, an active device mount can be designed using the adapter interface
dimensions. The use of these dimensions combined with those of a standard plug provides the
designer with assurance that the standard plugs will fit into the optical device mount. They also
provide the location of the plug's optical datum target.
Standard interface dimensions do not, by themselves, guarantee optical performance. They
guarantee connector mating at a specified fit. Optical performance is currently guaranteed via
the manufacturing specification. Products from the same or different manufacturing
specifications using the same standard interface will always fit together. Guaranteed
performance can be given by any single manufacturer only for product delivered to the same
manufacturing specification. However, it can be reasonably expected that some level of
performance will be obtained by mating a product from different manufacturing specifications,
although the level of performance cannot be expected to be any better than that of the lowest
specified performance.
Refer proper references when (in case) the connector is used, such as the IEC 61754 series.

4.3.2 Performance standards
Performance standards (IEC 61753 series) contain a series of tests and measurements (which
may or may not be grouped into a specified schedule depending on the requirements of that
standards) with clearly defined conditions, severities and pass/fail criteria. The tests are
intended to be run on a "one-off" basis to prove the ability of a given any product to satisfy the
"performance standards" requirement. Each performance standard has a different set of tests,
and/or severities (and/or groupings) representing the requirements of a market sector, user
group or system location.
A product that has been shown to meet all the requirements of a performance standard can be
declared as complying with a performance standard but should then be controlled by a quality
assurance/quality conformance programme.
It is possible to define a key point of the test and measurements standards when these are
applied (particularly with regard to insertion loss and return loss) in conjunction with the
interface standards of inter-product compatibility. This ensures conformance of each individual
product to this standard.
4.3.3 Reliability standards
Reliability standards are intended to ensure that a component can meet performance
specifications under stated conditions for a stated time period.
For each type of component, the following shall be identified (and appear in the standard):
• failure modes (observable general mechanical or optical effects of failure);
• failure mechanisms (general causes of failure, which may be common to several
components);
• failure effects (detailed causes of failure, specific to component).
These are all related to environmental and material aspects.
Initially, just after component manufacture, there is an “infant mortality phase” during which
many components would fail if they were deployed in the field. To avoid early field failure, all
components may be subjected to screen process in the factory, involving environmental
stresses that may be mechanical, thermal and humidity-related. This is to induce known failure
mechanisms in a controlled environmental situation to occur earlier than would normally be
seen in the unscreened population. For those components that survive (and are then sold),
there is a reduced failure rate since these mechanisms have been eliminated.
Screening is an optional part of the manufacturing process, rather than a test method. It will not
affect the “useful life” of a component, defined as the period during which it performs according
to specifications. Eventually other failure mechanisms appear, and the failure rate increases
beyond some defined threshold. At this point, the useful life ends and the “wear-out region”
begins, and the component must be replaced.
At the beginning of useful life, performance testing on a sampled population of components may
be applied by the supplier, by the manufacturer, or by a third party. This is to ensure that the
component meets performance specifications over the range of intended environments at this
initial time. Reliability testing, on the other hand, is applied to ensure that the component meets
performance specifications for at least a specified minimum useful lifetime or specified
maximum failure rate. These tests are usually carried out by utilising the performance testing,
but increasing duration and severity to accelerate the failure mechanisms.
A reliability theory relates component reliability testing to component parameters and to lifetime
or failure rate under testing. The theory then extrapolates these to lifetime or failure rate under
less stressful service conditions. The reliability specifications include values of the component
parameters needed to ensure the specified minimum lifetime or maximum failure rate in service.

– 20 – IEC 62077:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
4.3.4 Interlinking
Standards currently under preparation are given in Figure 6. A large number of the test and
measurement standards exist already and quality assurance qualification approval standards
have existed for many years. With regard to interface, performance and reliability standards,
once these three standards are all in place, the matrix given in Table 6 demonstrates some of
the other options available for product standardization.
Product A is fully IEC standardized, having a standard interface and meeting defined
performance standards and reliability standards.
Product B is a product with a proprietary interface but which meets a defined IEC performance
standard and reliability standard.
Product C is a product which complies with an IEC standard interface but does not meet the
requirements of either an IEC performance standard or reliability standard.
Product D is a product which complies with both an IEC standard i
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