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time-division multiplexing

electronics
Also known as: TDM

Quick Summary

Time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a method used in telecommunications to share a single communication channel among multiple users. It works by interleaving segments of time from different signals onto one transmission path. This is possible when the channel's data capacity is greater than what a single user needs.

In a TDM system, a multiplexer takes data from various users. A scanning switch then sequentially selects data from each user, creating a composite signal with interleaved data. Each user is assigned a specific time slot. This technique is primarily used for digital signals and is common in modern long-distance telecommunications, such as in T1 systems where 24 voiceband signals are combined.1

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