Bsi bs en 61291 4 2012

BS EN 61291-4:2012

BSI Standards Publication

Optical amplifiers
Part 4: Multichannel applications —
Performance specification template


BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN 61291-4:2012
National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 61291-4:2012. It is
identical to IEC 61291-4:2011. It supersedes BS EN 61291-4:2008 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
GEL/86, Fibre optics, to Subcommittee GEL/86/3, Fibre optic systems and
active devices.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2012
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2012
ISBN 978 0 580 74420 4
ICS 33.180.30

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 March 2012.

Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No.

Date

Text affected


BS EN 61291-4:2012

EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 61291-4

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

March 2012

ICS 33.180.30

Supersedes EN 61291-4:2008

English version

Optical amplifiers Part 4: Multichannel applications Performance specification template
(IEC 61291-4:2011)

Amplificateurs optiques Partie 4: Applications multicanaux Modèle de spécification de
fonctionnement
(CEI 61291-4:2011)

Lichtwellenleiter-Verstärker Teil 4: Mehrkanalanwendungen Vorlage für Leistungsspezifikationen
(IEC 61291-4:2011)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-12-29. 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2012 CENELEC -

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61291-4:2012 E

BS EN 61291-4:2012
EN 61291-4:2012

-2-

Foreword
The text of document 86C/993/CDV, future edition 3 of IEC 61291-4, prepared by SC 86C, "Fibre optic
systems and active devices", of IEC/TC 86, "Fibre optics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel
vote and approved by CENELEC as EN 61291-4:2012.
The following dates are fixed:
•

•

latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn

(dop)

2012-09-29

(dow)

2014-12-29

This document supersedes EN 61291-4:2008
EN 61291-4:2012 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 61291-4:2008:
The transient parameter test methods, EN 61290-4 series , have been added to Tables 1, 2 and 3.
This standard is to be used in conjunction with EN 61291-1.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61291-4:2011 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 standards indicated:
IEC 61280 series

NOTE Harmonized in EN 61280 series.

IEC 61291-2

NOTE Harmonized as EN 61291-2.


BS EN 61291-4:2012
EN 61291-4:2012

-3-

Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications

with their corresponding European publications
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication

Year

Title

EN/HD

Year

IEC 60825-1

-

Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements

EN 60825-1

-

IEC 61290

Series Optical amplifiers - Test methods

EN 61290

Series

IEC 61291-1

-

Optical amplifiers Part 1: Generic specification

EN 61291-1

-

IEC 61291-5-2

-

Optical amplifiers Part 5-2: Qualification specifications Reliability qualification for optical fibre
amplifiers

EN 61291-5-2

-


–2–

BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 5
1

Scope ............................................................................................................................... 6

2

Normative references........................................................................................................ 6

3

Terms, definitions and abbreviations ................................................................................. 6

4

3.1 Terms and definitions .............................................................................................. 6
3.2 Overview of multichannel definitions ........................................................................ 6
3.3 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... 7
Product specification worksheet for booster (power) amplifiers (BA) .................................. 8

5

Product specification worksheet for pre-amplifiers (PA) ..................................................... 9

6

Product specification worksheet for line amplifiers (LA) ..................................................... 9

7

Electromagnetic compatibility requirements ..................................................................... 10

Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 1 – An optical amplifier in a multichannel application ..................................................... 7
Table 1 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of BA amplifiers to be specified for
multichannel applications ........................................................................................................ 8
Table 2 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of pre-amplifiers to be specified for
multichannel applications ........................................................................................................ 9
Table 3 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of line amplifiers to be specified for
multichannel applications ...................................................................................................... 10


BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

–5–

INTRODUCTION
This International Standard is devoted to the subject of optical amplifiers. The technology of
optical amplifiers is still rapidly evolving, hence amendments and new editions to this standard
can be expected. Each abbreviation introduced in this International Standard is generally
explained in the text the first time it appears. However, for an easier understanding of the
whole text, a list of abbreviations used in this International Standard is given in 3.3.


–6–

BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS –
Part 4: Multichannel applications –
Performance specification template

1

Scope

This part of IEC 61291 applies to optical amplifier (OA) devices and sub-systems to be used in
multichannel applications. For single channel applications, use IEC 61291-2.
The object of this performance specification template is to provide a frame for the preparation
of detail specifications on the performances of OA devices and sub-systems to be used in
multichannel applications.
Detail product specification writers may add specification parameters and/or groups of
specification parameters for particular applications. However, detail specification writers may
not remove specification parameters specified in this standard.

2

Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE

A list of informative references is given in the bibliography.

IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 61290 (all parts), Optical amplifiers – Test methods
IEC 61291-1, Optical amplifiers – Part 1: Generic specification
IEC 61291-5-2, Optical amplifiers – Part 5-2: Qualification specifications – Reliability
qualification for optical fibre amplifiers

3
3.1

Terms, definitions and abbreviations
Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and parameters given in IEC 61291-1
and the following apply.
3.2

Overview of multichannel definitions

Parameters specified for optical devices are those characterizing the transmission, operation,
reliability and environmental properties of the OA device, which is seen as a black box from a
general point of view as defined in the generic specification IEC 61291-1.
Each test method (OA test methods, IEC 61290 series) is generally given for the measurement
of a group of homogeneous parameters. The grouping of the homogeneous parameters is


BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

–7–

given in the generic specification, IEC 61291-1, together with the corresponding test method
specification number.
Safety characteristics of optical amplifiers described in the present standard are provided in
IEC 60825-1.
A typical configuration of an OA in a multichannel application is illustrated in Figure 1. At the
transmitting side, m signals, coming from m optical transmitters, Tx1, Tx2, . . . Txm, each with a
unique wavelength, λ 1 , λ 2 , . . . λ m , respectively, are combined by an optical multiplexer (OM).
At the receiving side, the m signals at λ 1 , λ 2 , . . . λ m , are separated with an optical
demultiplexer (OD) and routed to separate optical receivers, Rx1, Rx2, . . . Rxm, respectively.
To characterize the OA in this multichannel application an input reference plane and an output
reference plane are defined at the OA input and output ports, respectively, as shown in Figure 1.
Output
reference
plane

Input
reference
plane

Tx1

Rx1

Tx2

Rx2
OM

OA
Pi1
Pi2

...
Pim

Txm

OD
Po1
Po2

...

Pom

Rxm

PASE (λ)
IEC 1283/08

Figure 1 – An optical amplifier in a multichannel application
At the input reference plane, m input signals at the m wavelengths are considered, each with a
unique power level, P i1 , P i2 , . . . P im , respectively. At the output reference plane, m output
signals at the m wavelengths, resulting from the optical amplification of the corresponding m
input signals, are considered, each with power level P o1 , P o2 , . . . P om , respectively. Moreover,
the amplified spontaneous emission, ASE, with a noise power spectral density, P ASE (λ), is also
to be considered at the OA output port.

Most definitions of relevant parameters given in the generic specification IEC 61291-1 can be
suitably extended to multichannel applications. When this extension is straightforward, the
word “channel” will be added to the pertinent parameter. In particular, the noise figure and the
signal-spontaneous noise figure as defined in IEC 61291-1 may be extended to multichannel
applications, channel by channel, by considering the value of P ASE (λ) at each channel
wavelength and the channel signal bandwidth. For each channel wavelength there will be a
unique value of noise figure that will be a function of the input power level of all signals. In this
case the parameters, channel noise figure and channel signal-spontaneous noise figure, are
introduced.
3.3

Abbreviations

ASE

Amplified spontaneous emission

BA

Booster (power) amplifier

LA

Line amplifier

na

Not applicable

OA

Optical amplifier

OFA

Optical fibre amplifier


BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

–8–
PA

Pre-amplifier

PMD

Polarization mode dispersion

4

Product specification worksheet for booster (power) amplifiers (BA)

The worksheet in Table 1 contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
product specifications of OA devices to be used as booster (power) amplifiers in multichannel
applications, together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value,
minimum value or both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.
Table 1 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of BA amplifiers
to be specified for multichannel applications

Parameters
Channel allocation

Transmission
characteristics

Maximum
value

Test method
Under consideration

Channel input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Total input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Channel output power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Maximum total output power

dBm

na

IEC 61290-10 series

Channel addition/removal gain
transient response

dB

na

IEC 61290-4 series

Multichannel gain variation
(gain flatness)

dB

na

IEC 61290-10 series

Channel signal-spontaneous
noise figure (channel noise
figure)

dB

na

IEC 61290-3 series

Input reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

Output reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

dBm

na

IEC 61290-6 series

Operating temperature range

°C

Maximum operating relative
humidity

%

Range of
frequencies

Hz

Maximum
operating
vibration
severity

Amplitude
Peak-to-peak
Duration

IEC 61291-5-2
na

mm p-p

na

s

na

IEC 61291-5-2

IEC 61291-5-2

Storage temperature range

°C

Maximum storage relative
humidity

%

na

IEC 61291-5-2

mm

na

IEC 61291-5-2

Maximum
shock
severity, free
drop
Safety

parameters

Minimum
value

nm or THz

Pump leakage to input (for OFA
only)

Environmental
parameters

Unit

Drop height

Safety laser classification

IEC 61291-5-2

na

na

IEC 60825-1


BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

5

–9–

Product specification worksheet for pre-amplifiers (PA)

The worksheet in Table 2 contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
product specifications of OA devices to be used as pre-amplifiers in multichannel applications,
together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value, minimum value
or both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.
Table 2 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of pre-amplifiers
to be specified for multichannel applications
Parameters
Channel allocation

Transmission
characteristics

Environmental
parameters

6

Minimum
value

Maximum
value

Test method

nm or THz

Under consideration

Channel input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Total input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Channel output power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10 series

Maximum total output power

dBm

na

IEC 61290-10 series

Channel addition/removal
transient gain response

dB

na

IEC 61290-4 series

Channel signal-spontaneous
noise figure

dB

na

IEC 61290-3 series

Channel gain

dB

Multichannel gain variation (gain
flatness)

dB

na

IEC 61290-10 series

Input reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

Output reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

Pump leakage to output (for
OFA only)

dBm

na

IEC 61290-6 series

Operating temperature range

°C

Maximum operating relative
humidity

%

Maximum
operating
vibration
severity

na

IEC 61290-10 series

IEC 61291-5-2
na

Range of
frequencies

Hz

Amplitude
peak-to-peak

mm

na

s

na

Duration

IEC 61291-5-2

IEC 61291-5-2

Storage temperature range

°C

Maximum storage relative
humidity

%

na

IEC 61291-5-2

mm

na

IEC 61291-5-2

Maximum
shock
severity, free
drop
Safety
parameters

Unit

Drop height

Laser safety classification

IEC 61291-5-2

na

na

IEC 60825-1

Product specification worksheet for line amplifiers (LA)

The worksheet in Table 3 contains a minimum list of specification parameters to be included in
product specifications of OA devices to be used as line amplifiers in multichannel applications,
together with their specification criteria (that is in terms of maximum value, minimum value or
both) and the indication of the corresponding standard test method.


BS EN 61291-4:2012

61291-4 © IEC:2011

– 10 –

Table 3 – Minimum list of relevant parameters of line amplifiers
to be specified for multichannel applications
Parameters

7

Test method

Channel input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10
series

Total input power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10
series

Channel output power range

dBm

IEC 61290-10
series

Maximum total output power

dBm

na

IEC 61290-10
series

Channel signal-spontaneous noise
figure (channel noise figure)

dB

na

IEC 61290-3 series

Multichannel gain variation (gain
flatness)

dB

na

IEC 61290-10
series

Channel addition/removal transient
gain response

dB

na

IEC 61290-4 series

dB/dB

IEC 61290-10
series

Channel gain

dB

IEC 61290-10
series

Input reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

Output reflectance

dB

na

IEC 61290-5 series

Polarisation mode dispersion
(PMD)

ps

na

IEC 61290-11
series

Operating temperature range

°C

Maximum operating relative
humidity

%

Maximum
operating
vibration

severity

IEC 61291-5-2
na

IEC 61291-5-2

IEC 61291-5-2

Range of frequencies

Hz

Amplitude peak-topeak

mm

na

s

na

Duration

Storage temperature range

°C

Maximum storage relative humidity

%

na

IEC 61291-5-2

mm

na

IEC 61291-5-2

Maximum
shock
severity,
free drop
Safety
parameters

Maximum
value

Under
consideration

Multichannel gain tilt

Environmental
parameters

Minimum
value

nm or THz

Channel allocation

Transmission
characteristics

Unit

Drop height

Laser safety classification

IEC 61291-5-2

na

na

IEC 60825-1

Electromagnetic compatibility requirements

The devices and assemblies addressed by the present standard shall comply with suitable
requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (in terms of both emission and immunity),
depending on particular usage/environment in which they are intended to be installed or

integrated. Guidance on the drafting of such EMC requirements is provided in the IEC
Guide 107. Guidance for electrostatic discharge (ESD) is still under study.


BS EN 61291-4:2012
61291-4 © IEC:2011

– 11 –

Bibliography
IEC 61280 (all parts), Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures
IEC 61291-2, Optical amplifiers – Part 2: Digital applications – Performance specification
template
IEC/TR 61292 (all parts), Optical amplifiers
IEC/TR 61930, Fibre optic graphical symbology
IEC Guide 107, Electromagnetic compatibility – Guide to the drafting of electromagnetic
compatibility publications
ITU-T Recommendation G.957, Optical interfaces for equipments and systems relating to the
synchronous digital hierarchy

______________


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