What is IEC 60793-2-90:2012-Amd1:2018

IEC 60793-2-90:2012-Amd1:2018 is a professional technical standard in the field of optical fiber cables and measurements. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of this standard, its purpose, and its main provisions.

Background and Purpose

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical and electronic technologies. The IEC 60793-2-90:2012-Amd1:2018 standard specifically focuses on optical fibers used in telecommunications and data transmission.

The main purpose of this standard is to provide guidelines for measuring the optical performance of single-mode optical fibers. It establishes a set of parameters and test methods to ensure the quality and reliability of these fibers, allowing manufacturers and users to evaluate and compare different types of optical fibers accurately.

Key Provisions

The IEC 60793-2-90:2012-Amd1:2018 standard covers various aspects related to optical fiber cables:

1. Geometrical Parameters

This section defines the dimensional characteristics, such as the fiber core diameter, cladding diameter, concentricity error, and core noncircularity. These parameters are critical for proper signal transmission and compatibility with optical connectors.

2. Attenuation and Dispersion

Attenuation refers to the loss of optical power as it propagates through the fiber, while dispersion refers to the spreading of signals due to variations in the speed of light based on wavelengths. This section provides methods for accurately measuring these factors, ensuring reliable data transmission.

3. Numerical Aperture

The numerical aperture (NA) is a measure of the light-gathering capability of an optical fiber. This parameter affects the fiber's ability to capture and transmit signals effectively. The standard specifies the procedures for determining NA by measuring the critical angle of the fiber.

4. Chromatic Dispersion

Chromatic dispersion refers to the temporal spreading of light pulses in an optical fiber due to wavelength-dependent variations in the refractive index. This section outlines measurement methods to assess chromatic dispersion accurately, which is vital for high-capacity data transmission systems.

Conclusion

IEC 60793-2-90:2012-Amd1:2018 plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of single-mode optical fibers used in various telecommunications and data communication applications. By defining key parameters and test methods, this standard enables manufacturers and users to evaluate and compare different types of optical fibers effectively, facilitating the development and deployment of reliable and efficient fiber optic networks.