IEC 61753-031-3:2014 contains the minimum initial tests and measurement requirements and severities which a non-wavelength selective branching device (NWBD) should satisfy in order to be categorized as meeting the requirements of this standard. The requirements cover balanced bidirectional non-connectorized single-mode 1xN and 2xN non-wavelength-selective branching devices for use in an IEC category U environment (N is the number of branching ports), especially but not exclusively used for PON application. For balanced NWBD two attenuation and uniformity performance classes are considered:
- class A (premium class) which meets more restrictive requirements (i.e. for extended reach PON application) and
- class B (standard class) for standard application (i.e. for normal reach PON application). The requirements also cover unbalanced, bidirectional, non-connectorized, single-mode, non-wavelength-selective branching devices; however, the specifications of unbalanced branching devices are limited to 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 devices because they are the most commonly used. This second edition of IEC 61753-031-3 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- an updated and extended scope to reflect an introduction of two attenuation and uniformity performance classes for balanced NWBD instead of branching device technologies on the market;
- an updated list of normative references;
- a more simplified introduction to the two types of spectral bands;
- Clause 5, Performance requirements, has been updated and extended to reflect the introduction of two attenuation and uniformity performance classes for balanced NWBD;
- simplified test items to exclude tests for damp heat (steady state) and impact for performance requirements;
- Annexe A has been changed to introduce the calculated and minimum requirements for attenuation and uniformity;
- Annex B has been updated to reflect revised performance requirements. Keywords: non-wavelength selective branching device (NWBD), IEC Category U environment