A polarization scrambler and a polarization mode dispersion compensation system compensate for PMD on an active optic fiber. Multiple configuration settings comprising a computer \u201cpersonality\u201d are located on a source computing system using multiple transition rules from a personality object. Each of the independent planning functions, SPi, is independently optimized to obtain decisions for the different decision variables, and an outcome is presented that indicates the decisions. Adaptive coefficients for the even adaptive filter are derived from correlation results between the even samples of the test signal and associated even samples of the final digital output signal. An integrated circuit electrically connected to the wiring conductors is mounted on the board portion.