Introduction to Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) & Time division multiplexing (TDM)

Transmission of signals over channels can be performed in different ways. There are different multiplexing techniques such as Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and Time division multiplexing (TDM) which allows transmission of signals in frequency and time slots. The end objective is effective utilization of expensive bandwidth hence sharing bandwidth among multiple users using multiplexing techniques.

In this article we will learn more about both multiplexing technologies and understand their advantages and limitations, purpose, and usage etc.

About FDM

Multiplexing was originated in telegraphy in 1870s and it is widely used in communications.  Telephone carrier multiplexing was developed by George Owen Squier in 1910. In Frequency division multiplexing technique, the available bandwidth of a single transmission medium is divided into multiple channels.

Each frequency channel is allocated to a device and by using modulation techniques the input signals are transmitted into frequency bands and combined to form a composite signal. Modulation carrying signals are referred as sub carriers. FDM is majorly used by TV networks and radio broadcasts.

FM and AM broadcasting are FDM based where each FM station has allocated frequency which is multiplexed to form a composite signal for transmission in air.

Frequency division multiplexing: Pros and Cons

PROS:

• It uses analogue signals
• It is simple and easy modulation technique
• Multiple signals can be transmitted simultaneously
• Demodulation is easier
• It does not require synchronization between sender and receiver

CONS:

• Low speed channels supported
• Problem of crosstalk
• Large number of modulators required
• High bandwidth channel requirement to operate
• Limited by frequency ranges

Applications of FDM (Frequency division multiplexing)

• FM and AM radio broadcasting
• First generation cellular phones
• Television broadcasting

How FDM works?

Each transmitter sends signal of different frequency. For example, the transmitter 1 sends signal of 30 KHz, transmitter 2 sends signal of 40 KHz and transmitter sends signal of 50 KHz. These signals of different frequencies are multiplexed or combined using a multiplexer. Multiplexer transmits multiplexed signal over a communication channel. At the receiver end the multiplexed signals are separated using a de-multiplexer and the separated signals are sent to intended receivers.

 About TDM

Time division multiplexing (TDM) is a digital multiplexing technique. All signals are operating at same frequency but within different time slots. The total time available in channel is allocated between different users referred as ‘Time Slot’ and each user can transmit in their allocated time slot. Thus, user gets control of channel for a fixed amount of time and data is transmitted one by one. The signals are transmitted in the form of frames and frames contain a cycle of time slots and each frame contains a dedicated slot for a user.

Types of TDM

TDM is of two types – Synchronous TDM and Asynchronous TDM.

Synchronous TDM – in this technique time slots are pre-assigned to each device. Each device is given a time slot irrespective whether device had data or not to transmit. Data moves in frames and if there is no data, then empty frame is transmitted. Some of the popular synchronous TDM are T-1 multiplexing, ISDN multiplexing and SONET multiplexing. Some of the limitations of Synchronous TDM is partial utilization of time slots as empty slots are also transmitted having no data, speed of transmission medium required to be greater than the total speed of the input lines.

Asynchronous TDM – is also called statistical TDM, time slots are not fixed and only allocated to devices which have data to be sent and there is a dynamic allocation of time slots to active devices only. In asynchronous frame – the address part of frame is used to identify data source.

Time division multiplexing: Pros and Cons

PROS:

• Full bandwidth utilized by user
• More flexible in usage
• Problem of crosstalk is negligible
• Demodulation is easier
• Better protection from tapping

CONS:

• Require synchronization
• Wastage of bandwidth in case of uneven distribution of traffic or reservation of slot for a station it may not have any data to transmit
• Complex to implement

Applications of TDM

• ISDN telephone lines
• Used in PSTN networks

Comaprison Table: FDM vs TDM

We can summarize the difference between FDM and TDM as given below:

Download the comparison table: FDM vs TDM

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