Time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a communication technique used in telecommunication systems to transmit multiple signals over a single channel through the division of time. It is a method of sharing a single communication medium by allocating specific time slots to different signals or information sources. In TDM, each signal takes turns transmitting data in a cyclical manner.
The process of TDM involves breaking down the total time available in a communication channel into multiple, smaller time intervals or slots. Each slot is then assigned to a specific signal or information source. Signals are transmitted sequentially within their assigned time slots, rapidly alternating between different sources. This allows for the interleaved transmission of multiple signals over the same channel.
TDM allows for efficient utilization of the available bandwidth by enabling multiple signals to share a common communication medium without interfering with one another. It provides a cost-effective solution for integrating voice, data, and video communications, as well as various other signals, on a single transmission line.
TDM is commonly used in various applications, such as digital telephone systems, where it allows multiple phone conversations to be carried over the same wire simultaneously. It also finds applications in data communication networks, where it enables the transmission of multiple data streams over a single connection.
Overall, time-division multiplexing is a technique that enables the simultaneous transmission of multiple signals through the division of time into discrete intervals, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of communication channels.
