time division multiplexing
<communications> (TDM) A type of multiplexing where two or more channels
of information are transmitted over the same link by allocating a different time
interval ("slot" or "slice") for the transmission of each channel. I.e. the
channels take turns to use the link. Some kind of periodic synchronising signal
or distinguishing identifier is usually required so that the receiver can tell
which channel is which.
TDM becomes inefficient when traffic is intermittent because the time slot is
still allocated even when the channel has no data to transmit. Statistical time
division multiplexing was developed to overcome this problem.
Compare wavelength division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, code
division multiplexing.
(2001-06-27)
Nearby terms:
time complexity « Time Complex Simulator « time
division multiple access « time division
multiplexing » Time Domain Reflectometer »
timeout » time quantum
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