What is IEC 60793-2-8:2021?

IEC 60793-2-8:2021 is an international standard that provides guidelines and specifications for optical fibre, which is used in telecommunication and data communication networks. This standard defines the various characteristics and performance parameters of optical fibres, ensuring compatibility and reliability in optical communication systems.

Fibre Types

IEC 60793-2-8 categorizes optical fibres into different types based on their specific applications and performance criteria. The standard classifies fibres into categories A, B, and C, with each category having its own unique set of specifications and performance requirements.

Category A fibres are designed for indoor use and short-distance communications. They have low dispersion and attenuation properties, making them suitable for applications like local area networks (LANs) and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections.

Category B fibres are optimized for outdoor installations and long-distance transmissions. They typically have higher dispersion and attenuation than Category A fibres but can support higher bandwidth and longer link lengths. Category B fibres are commonly deployed in wide-area networks (WANs) and undersea communication cables.

Category C fibres are specialized fibres with unique characteristics, such as reduced sensitivity to bending and increased resistance to mechanical stress. These fibres are designed for specialty applications, including industrial environments and harsh conditions where standard fibres may not suffice.

Optical Parameters

IEC 60793-2-8 specifies several key optical parameters that determine the quality and performance of optical fibres. Some of these parameters include:

Attenuation: This refers to the loss of optical power as light travels along the fibre. Lower attenuation values indicate higher signal transmission efficiency.

Chromatic Dispersion: It is the spreading of light pulses as they propagate through the fibre, resulting in a broadening of the signal. Chromatic dispersion can limit the data rate and distance of transmission.

Numerical Aperture (NA): NA determines the light gathering capability of the fibre and affects the acceptance angle and light-carrying capacity. Higher NA values allow for greater light collection and increased coupling efficiency.

Mode Field Diameter (MFD): MFD defines the diameter of the region through which the light propagates inside the fibre. It is an important parameter for mode coupling and compatibility with optoelectronic devices.

Quality Assurance and Testing

The IEC 60793-2-8 standard also outlines various testing procedures and quality assurance measures to ensure the conformity and reliability of manufactured optical fibres. These tests include measurement of different parameters such as fibre geometry, bandwidth, macrobend loss, and environmental performance.

Fibre manufacturers and telecommunications companies rely on these tests to verify compliance with the standard's requirements and to guarantee the quality and performance of optical fibres used in communication networks.

In conclusion, IEC 60793-2-8:2021 plays a crucial role in establishing consistent standards for optical fibres. By defining various fibre types and specifying important performance parameters, this standard ensures that optical communication systems are efficient, reliable, and compatible across different applications and environments.