The purpose of this standard is to provide guidelines for calculating Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber systems, in order to estimate the statistical variation of PMD and Differential Group Delay (DGD) in optical fiber cables and components. This standard explains methods for calculating PMD caused by optical fiber cables and components within an optical link. In many cases, the PMD value can be calculated using optical cables specified in IEC 60794-3. In other cases, where PMD calculation requires specific individual fibers or optical components, this guide is used. Optical fiber cables are designed so that the effects of PMD remain within the standard specifications, and the predicted value is determined accordingly.
