How does a volts direct current signal relate to telecom?

Expert Matt Brunk explains how a volts direct current signal is used in telecommunications.

What is a volts direct current signal as it relates to telecommunications?

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Volts direct current (DC) is used in telecom since alternating current (AC) just doesn't fare well for voice communications. Meaning, you could expect hum, noise and numerous other issues using AC.

Negative 48 volts direct current (-48VDC) is typically found on landlines in an idle state. When someone calls a phone number, an AC current of 90 volt-ampere current (90 VAC) is applied to the loop to make the phone ring. The term -48VDC is typically referred to as talk battery in the worlds of plain old telephone service, or POTS, and public switched telephone networks, or PSTNs. From here, the volts direct current expands to channel banks, multiplexers and numerous other wares. Volts direct current is found in numerous technologies because digital gear often deals with stepped-down and lower-DC voltages than a typical AC house current.

Learn more about volts direct current:

  • Does DC win the DC vs. AC debate? Learn the advantages DC has over AC.
  • Is DC power the silver bullet for data center efficiency? Learn how transitioning to DC power can improve the efficiency of data centers.

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