SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026
(Main)Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-30: Examinations and measurements - Endface geometry of rectangular ferrule (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
General Information
- Abstract
This part of IEC 61300 describes a method for measuring the endface geometry of rectangular multifibre ferrules having an IEC defined optical interface. The primary attributes are fibre position relative to the endface, endface angle relative to the guide holes, fibre tip radii and core dip for multimode fibres.
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 31-Mar-2025
- Publication Date
- 24-Sep-2026
- Technical Committee
- MOC - Mobile Communications
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 16-Sep-2026
- Due Date
- 21-Nov-2026
- Completion Date
- 25-Sep-2026
Overview
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 establishes test and measurement procedures for assessing the endface geometry of rectangular multifibre ferrules used in fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. Developed by SIST in line with IEC guidelines, this standard provides internationally recognized procedures to ensure consistency, reliability, and performance in fibre optic connector quality assessment.
Rectangular ferrules, used in multi-fibre connectors, require precise endface geometry to guarantee proper physical contact and optimal optical performance. This standard outlines the methodology for measuring key parameters such as fibre position, endface angles, fibre tip radii, and core dip, supporting high-speed data transmission applications and minimizing loss in optical networks.
Key Topics
- Endface Geometry Measurement: Defines procedures to examine critical surface characteristics of the ferrule, including angles, curvature, and fibre positioning, using three-dimensional interferometric analysis.
- Measurement Regions: Specifies regions of interest (ROI), extracting regions, averaging regions, and core dip regions on the ferrule endface for focused data collection and analysis.
- Apparatus Requirements: Details the equipment necessary, including interferometric video microscopes, ferrule holders, positioning stages, and surface data processing units, with performance criteria for measurement accuracy.
- Test Procedure Steps: Covers preparation, surface mapping, data set creation, fitting mathematical models (bi-parabolic curves and spheres), measurement of angles and heights, and calculation of geometry limit (GL) and other parameters.
- Reporting Requirements: Lists all attributes to be recorded in the final test report, such as x-angle (SX), y-angle (SY), minus coplanarity (CF), fibre tip radii (RF), core dip (CD), and geometry limit (GL), as well as equipment setup and deviations from procedure.
Applications
- Quality Control for Fibre Optic Connectors: Ensures multi-fibre connectors (such as those with MT, MiniMT, or MPO ferrules) meet stringent geometric criteria for reliable network performance.
- Research and Development: Provides a standardized benchmark for evaluating improvements in ferrule polishing, connector design, or cleaning processes.
- Production Line Testing: Supports mass production of optical connectors by offering a repeatable, quantifiable framework for endface assessment, thereby reducing return rates and increasing compatibility across manufacturers.
- Certification and Compliance: Assists organizations in achieving compliance with international standards, fostering market access and interoperability for fibre optic hardware.
- Network Infrastructure Deployment: Supports telecom carriers, data center operators, and enterprise network managers in specifying components that deliver low-loss, high-reliability optical connections.
Related Standards
- IEC 61300 Series: Encompasses a set of standards on basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components.
- IEC 61755-3-31 / IEC 61755-3-32: Specify reference geometrical parameters for rectangular ferrules, complementing the measurement practices outlined in 61300-3-30.
- ISO/IEC Directives: Provide the guiding framework for drafting and maintaining this and related standards.
- Terminology Resources: IEC Electropedia and ISO Online Browsing Platform supply definitions relevant to the standard.
Keywords: fibre optic connectors, rectangular ferrule, endface geometry, interferometric measurement, multi-fibre connectors, IEC 61300-3-30, fibre tip radii, core dip, test procedures, MPO connector standards, optical network components, international standardization.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-30: Examinations and measurements - Endface geometry of rectangular ferrule (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)". This standard covers: This part of IEC 61300 describes a method for measuring the endface geometry of rectangular multifibre ferrules having an IEC defined optical interface. The primary attributes are fibre position relative to the endface, endface angle relative to the guide holes, fibre tip radii and core dip for multimode fibres.
This part of IEC 61300 describes a method for measuring the endface geometry of rectangular multifibre ferrules having an IEC defined optical interface. The primary attributes are fibre position relative to the endface, endface angle relative to the guide holes, fibre tip radii and core dip for multimode fibres.
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2021, SIST EN IEC 63267-3-81:2025, SIST EN 50377-11-1:2008, SIST EN 61755-3-31:2016, SIST EN 61300-1:2017, SIST EN 61755-3-32:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN IEC 61300-3-30:2021
Optični spojni elementi in pasivne komponente - Osnovni preskusni in merilni
postopki - 3-30. del: Preiskave in meritve - Geometrija čela pravokotnih tulcev (IEC
61300-3-30:2026)
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures - Part 3-30: Examinations and measurements - Endface
geometry of rectangular ferrule (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
Lichtwellenleiter - Verbindungselemente und passive Bauteile - Grundlegende Prüf- und
Messverfahren - Teil 3-30: Untersuchungen und Messungen - Endflächen-Geometrie
einer rechteckigen Ferrule (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques - Procédures
fondamentales d'essais et de mesures - Partie 3-30: Examens et mesures - Géométrie
de la surface de terminaison de la ferrule rectangulaire (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026
ICS:
33.180.20 Povezovalne naprave za Fibre optic interconnecting
optična vlakna devices
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61300-3-30
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2026
ICS 33.180.20 Supersedes EN IEC 61300-3-30:2021
English Version
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components -
Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-30:
Examinations and measurements - Endface geometry of
rectangular ferrule
(IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs Lichtwellenleiter - Verbindungselemente und passive
fibroniques - Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de Bauteile - Grundlegende Prüf- und Messverfahren - Teil 3-
mesures - Partie 3-30: Examens et mesures - Géométrie de 30: Untersuchungen und Messungen - Endflächen-
la surface de terminaison de la férule rectangulaire Geometrie einer rechteckigen Ferrule
(IEC 61300-3-30:2026) (IEC 61300-3-30:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-08-31. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026 E
European foreword
The text of document 86B/5224/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 61300-3-30, prepared by SC 86B "Fibre
optic interconnecting devices and passive components" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to
the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 61300-3-30:2026.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-09-30
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2027-09-30
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN IEC 61300-3-30:2021 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if
any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61300-3-30:2026 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 61300 (series) NOTE Approved as EN 61300 (series)
IEC 61755-3-31:2015 NOTE Approved as EN 61755-3-31:2015 (not modified)
IEC 61755-3-32:2015 NOTE Approved as EN 61755-3-32:2016 (not modified)
IEC 61754-5:2005 NOTE Approved as EN 61754-5:2005 (not modified)
IEC 61754-7 (series) NOTE Approved as EN IEC 61754-7 (series)
IEC 61300-3-30 ®
Edition 3.0 2026-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures -
Part 3-30: Examinations and measurements - Endface geometry of rectangular
ferrule
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8327-1373-0
IEC 61300-3-30:2026-07(en)
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General description . 5
5 Measurement regions . 6
6 Apparatus . 7
6.1 General . 7
6.2 Ferrule holder . 8
6.3 Positioning stage . 8
6.4 Three-dimensional interferometry analyser . 8
7 Procedure . 9
8 Details to be specified and reported . 11
Annex A (normative) Formulae for approximating the endface geometry . 12
A.1 Approximation of the ferrule surface . 12
A.2 Approximation of the fibre tip radii . 12
Annex B (normative) Surface angle sign convention (shown graphically) . 13
Annex C (normative) Fibre counting convention (shown graphically) . 14
Annex D (normative) Minus coplanarity and fibre plane angle determination . 15
D.1 Overview . 15
D.1.1 General . 15
D.1.2 Minus coplanarity . 15
D.1.3 Fibre plane X-axis and Y-axis angles . 15
D.2 Method for analysis . 15
D.2.1 Single row ferrules . 15
D.2.2 Multi-row ferrules . 16
Annex E (normative) Calculation of core dip using the paraboloid method . 17
E.1 General . 17
E.2 Method for analysis . 17
Annex F (normative) Calculation of GL parameter . 19
F.1 General . 19
F.2 Method for analysis . 19
Bibliography . 21
Figure 1 – Measurement regions on ferrule and fibre . 6
Figure 2 – Measurement setup. 7
Figure B.1 – Surface angle sign convention . 13
Figure C.1 – Fibre counting convention . 14
Figure D.1 – Illustration of fibre line and minus coplanarity parameters . 15
Figure E.1 – Paraboloid fit to a fibre endface exhibiting core dip . 18
Table 1 – Ferrule measurement areas and parameters . 7
Table F.1 – Parameter constants for 4-fibre ferrules . 20
Table F.2 – Parameter constants for 8-fibre ferrules . 20
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
Table F.3 – Parameter constants for 12-fibre ferrules . 20
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components -
Basic test and measurement procedures -
Part 3-30: Examinations and measurements -
Endface geometry of rectangular ferrule
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,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
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
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
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assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61300-3-30 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 third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2020. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) clarification of region diameter symbols;
b) introduction of x116 and x132 region of interest (ROI) to support MT-16 and MT-32 ferrule
types;
c) preparation of geometry limit (GL) parameter tables for 16-, 24- and 32-fibre ferrules;
d) clarification of the neighbouring fibres definition when computing adjacent height;
e) improvement of figures in Annexes.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86B/5224/FDIS 86B/5250/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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61300 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components, can be found on the IEC website.
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/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, or
– revised.
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 describes a method for measuring the endface geometry of rectangular
multifibre ferrules having an IEC defined optical interface. The primary attributes are fibre
position relative to the endface, endface angle relative to the guide holes, fibre tip radii and
core dip for multimode fibres.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 General description
Guide pin based multifibre connector plugs in IEC 61754-5 and all parts of IEC 61754-7 typically
have a rectangular endface with a long axis and a short axis. Ideally a flat polish is desired on
the endface with the fibres protruding slightly and all in the same plane to assure physical
contact of the fibre cores when two connectors are intermated. In practice, the endface typically
has two different curvatures across the surface along the long and short axis. Since mated
ferrules are aligned by pins in the guide holes, the endface of the ferrule shall be properly
oriented (SX and SY angles) with respect to the guide holes to achieve positive contact. The
endface angle SX in the long axis (X-axis) and the endface angle SY in the short axis (Y-axis)
(as defined in Annex B) are measured by finding the best fit plane (P ), based on a percentage
J
of the highest points in a specified region of interest. The highest points typically show the
greatest modulation from an interferometric standpoint. This allows for more robust
measurements and greater repeatability between different interferometers.
The angle of the best fit plane P is calculated by comparing it to the reference plane P which
J
is perpendicular to the averaged axis of the guide holes. The height H (positive is a protrusion)
of the fibres is a planar height defined as the distance between the fibre endface and the best
fit plane. Core dip is only relevant to multimode fibres because the large core is softer than the
cladding of the fibre and tends to polish away faster. Core dip is calculated using the paraboloid
method described in Annex E.
One method is described for measuring the polish angle and fibre position for a single ferrule
multifibre connector by analysing the endface with a three-dimensional interferometry type
surface analyser.
IEC 61300-3-30:2026 © IEC 2026
5 Measurement regions
The following regions shall be defined on the ferrule endface.
a) Region of interest (ROI): the ROI is set on the ferrule surface and defined by a rectangular
region having a long axis (X-axis) and a short axis (Y-axis). The region of interest is chosen
to cover the intended contact zone of the ferrule endface when the ferrules are mated. The
region of interest shall be centred on the fibre array. See Figure 1. Refer to Table 1 for
measurement areas that shall be used for different connectors.
b) Extracting region: the extracting region, which includes the fibre endfac
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