Overview
IEC 62343-5-1:2014 specifies a standardized measurement method for the gain tilt settling time of a dynamic gain tilt equalizer (DGTE). The standard defines how to measure the time a DGTE requires to change its gain tilt from an arbitrary initial value to a specified target value, covering control-types (direct, digital, analogue) and the constituent timing components (latency/processing, rise, convergence). This is Edition 2 (2014), which replaces the 2009 edition and updates the title and performance-parameter names.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Measurement method for DGTE gain tilt settling time - the total time from command/application to stable attainment of target gain tilt.
- Timing parameters (defined)
- Latency time (Tl) - for direct/analogue control: time from applying the control signal to the initial change in output optical power (±X%).
- Processing time (Tp) - for digital control: time from sending the control command to the start of optical output change (±X%).
- Rise time (Tr) - time to change from initial ±X% to target ±Y% optical power.
- Convergence time (Tc) - time to remain within target ±Y% and then meet required resolution.
- Gain tilt settling time (Ts) - defined as Tl (or Tp) + Tr + Tc.
- Control-type specific procedures
- Separate measurement procedures and response-waveform definitions for direct, digital, and analogue control DGTEs.
- Measurement apparatus
- Required equipment includes: light source/TLS, pulse generator, optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter, oscilloscope, temperature/humidity chamber (if required), temporary joints and a control system to apply commands or signals.
- Test procedure essentials
- Setup and preparation, wavelength selection, application of driving pulse/command/control signal, monitoring and recording DUT output, and calculation of settling time using defined convergence criteria.
- Normative references
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it:
- DGTE manufacturers for product specification and R&D validation
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing performance characterization
- Optical subsystem integrators and network equipment vendors verifying module behavior
- Telecom operators and system designers validating dynamic equalization performance in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems
- Why it matters:
- Ensures repeatable, comparable measurements of DGTE responsiveness
- Helps assess suitability of a DGTE for fast reconfiguration, real-time tilt compensation, and OAM (operation, administration, maintenance) tasks in fibre-optic networks
Related standards
- IEC 62343 - Dynamic modules: general and guidance
- IEC 62343-1-3 - Dynamic modules: Part 1-3 - Performance standards for dynamic gain tilt equalizer (non-connectorized)
Keywords: IEC 62343-5-1:2014, dynamic gain tilt equalizer (DGTE), gain tilt settling time, DGTE test methods, latency time, processing time, convergence time.