Overview
IEC 60793-2-40:2021 - "Optical fibres - Part 2-40: Product specifications - Sectional specification for category A4 multimode fibres" is the fifth edition (2021) product specification for category A4 multimode fibres. It covers multimode optical fibres with a plastic core and plastic cladding (plastic optical fibre, POF) and includes step‑index, multi‑step index and graded‑index profiles. The standard applies to main subcategories A4a, A4b, A4c, A4d, A4e, A4g, A4h and the newly added A4i (A4f and Annex F were removed). It replaces the 2015 edition and introduces technical updates such as a revised NA range for A4a and the addition/deletion of subcategories.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard defines family and subcategory specifications covering:
- Dimensional requirements (core/cladding diameters and measurement methods)
- Mechanical requirements including tensile load tests and elongation behavior (tensile load versus elongation curves are included)
- Transmission requirements (attenuation and other optical performance attributes, including additional transmission rules for wavelengths below 650 nm for some subcategories)
- Environmental requirements covering mechanical and transmission stability after environmental exposure
- Family-specific annexes (Annexes A–I) that list attributes and tables for each A4 subcategory
- Test methods and measurement parameters, including a specification for mode scramblers used with some subcategories (Annex J)
The document organizes requirements in tables (dimensional attributes, mechanical attributes, transmission attributes, environmental exposure tests) and normative annexes for each subcategory (A4a–A4i).
Practical applications
IEC 60793-2-40:2021 is intended for:
- Information transmission equipment using plastic optical fibre (POF)
- Fibre optic cable manufacturers and integrators employing category A4 multimode fibres
- Other applications using similar light‑transmitting techniques (e.g., short‑reach data links, consumer networks, automotive infotainment and interior networks where POF is common)
By standardizing dimensions, mechanical durability, optical transmission and environmental behavior, the specification helps ensure component interoperability, predictable performance and reliable procurement.
Who should use this standard
- Fibre and cable manufacturers specifying and qualifying category A4 multimode fibres
- Test laboratories and quality assurance teams performing mechanical, optical and environmental tests
- System designers and integrators choosing POF for short‑reach networks
- Procurement, regulatory and compliance personnel preparing product specifications or conformity claims
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 60793 series (optical fibre product specifications and test methods) and related IEC optical‑fibre standards. Refer to IEC webstore and the IEC 60793 family for complementary test procedures and cross‑references.
Keywords: IEC 60793-2-40:2021, category A4 multimode fibres, plastic optical fibre, POF, A4a A4b A4c A4d A4e A4g A4h A4i, product specifications, transmission requirements, tensile load test, mode scrambler.