Generic Reliability Assurance Requirements for Passive Optical Components

Similar to GR-1209-CORE, conditions in GR-1221-CORE testing aims to qualify passive optical components. GR-1221-CORE differs from GR-1209-CORE because the requirements are meant to ensure reliability (extensive use over a large amount of time) of a product while in use for optical equipment and network applications. The fiber optic components applicable to this document are identical to that of GR-1209-CORE, Issue 3 (couplers, WDM, filters, isolators, circulators, etc).

An example of a reliability test is High Temperature Storage Testing – Damp Heat (per TIA/EIA-455-5 or MIL-STD-883) that tests each sample’s optical performance levels before, during, and after hundreds or thousands of hours of exposure. Another common test is simulation of weather such as Cyclic Moisture Resistance Test per MIL-STD-883 in accordance with IEC 68-2-38. This test requires compliant optical tranmission while exposed to high and low temperature extremes, and humidity.

Fiber optic products occasionally are simultaneously tested to requirements in GR-1209 and GR-1221. Experior Laboratories has the program management skills to handle a lengthy and complicated test program. Our staff will continually give our customers status update and test data.