Difference between TDM and FDM
Last Updated : 31 Aug, 2023
TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) and FDM (Frequency Division
Multiplexing) both are multiplexing techniques where TDM is used in both
analogue and digital signals. In contrast, FDM is only used in analogue signals.
Here we will discuss both TDM and FDM in detail and we will also see the
differences between these two.
What is Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)?
TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) is the multiplexing technique. TDM works
with digital signals as well as analogue signals. TDM share the timescale for the
various signals. Synchronization pulse is important in Time Division Multiplexing.
TDM divides the available time on the channel into discrete time slots, and each
space is allocated to a different signal or data stream.
In TDM, the data from each input source is interleaved from the transmitting
device into the allocated time slots, which basically creates the composite signal
for transmission and at the end of receiving, the signal is demultiplexed and is sent
back to their respective time slot.
Types of TDM
There are two types of TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) that are discussed
below.
Synchronous Time-Division Multiplexing (STDM)
Asynchronous Time-Division Multiplexing (ATDM)
1. Synchronous Time-Division Multiplexing (STDM): When all the input
sources (signals or data streams) are synchronized and divided into a fixed time
slot, then it is called Synchronous Time Division Multiplexing. Here, each time
slot is assigned to some specific input source, regardless of whether that source has
data to transmit during that time slot.
2. Asynchronous Time-Division Multiplexing (ATDM): When time slots are
assigned to input sources dynamically as needed, then it is called Asynchronous
Time Division Multiplexing (ATDM). It is more flexible as compared to
Synchronous TDM. In the case of transferring data by input source, a time slot has
been allocated. This dynamic allocation helps in better utilization of time slots,
especially when some input sources have sporadic data transmission.
TDM
What is Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)?
FDM is the multiplexing technique which is used in analog system. In FDM,
Guard band is required and the spectral efficiency of FDM is low. In FDM,
Bandwidth(B) is committed to the different sources. Frequency Division
Multiplexing (FDM) is mostly used in telecommunications and networking for
transmitting multiple signals simultaneously over a single communication channel.
FDM is generally used in such scenarios where multiple data streams has to be
transmitted simultaneously without interfering with each other.
FDM
What is OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing)?
Orthogonal FDM is simply a type of digital communication technique that is
developed for using in cable system mostly. In the case of wireless
communication, OFDM is like as single carrier modulation as frequency division
multiple access (FDMA), time-division multiple access (TDMA), and code-
division multiple access (CDMA).
Differences Between TDM and FDM
TDM FDM
TDM stands for Time division FDM stands for Frequency division
multiplexing. multiplexing.
TDM works with digital signals as well as While FDM works with only analog
analog signals. signals.
TDM has low conflict. While it has high conflict.
While it’s wiring or chip is complex
Wiring or chip of TDM is simple.
rather than simple.
TDM FDM
TDM is efficient. While it is inefficient.
While in this, frequency sharing takes
In TDM, time sharing takes place.
place.
In TDM, synchronization pulse is
While in it Guard band is necessary.
necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1: Among TDM and FDM, which is more susceptible to interference?
Answer:
FDM is more susceptible to interference because signals mostly share the similar
frequency range.
Q.2: Among TDM and FDM, which one is mostly used for voice and data
integration?
Answer:
TDM is generally used for voice and data integration because of its ability to
allocate time slots dynamically.
Q.3: In what scenarios, signals are divided into TDM and FDM?
Answer:
Signals are divided in these ways:
TDM divides the channel into time slot.
FDM divides the channel into frequency slots.
