PCM-TDM 'T1' IMPLEMENTATION

modules advanced: 2 x PCM ENCODER, 2 x PCM DECODER. optional advanced: FIBRE OPTIC TX, FIBRE OPTIC RX. preparation
Two pulse code modulated (PCM) signals can be time-interlaced (time division multiplexed TDM) with two PCM ENCODER modules. This is a two-channel PCM-TDM signal. Modelling is with two PCM ENCODER modules, nominated MASTER and SLAVE. Read the TIMS Advanced Modules User Manual for important details. See also the Lab Sheets entitled PCM encoding and PCM decoding. Familiarity with these would be an advantage. The outputs of the two encoder modules can be patched together. This is not a common practice with TIMS modules, but is accommodated in this case (the outputs employ open collector circuitry). Interconnection in this manner automatically (by internal logic) removes every alternate frame from each PCM signal in such a manner that the two outputs can be added to make a TDM signal.

multiplexer
The model will be that of Figure 1 below.
PCM 1 PCM 2
CH2-B ext. trig.

CH2-A

CH1-A 8.333 kHz TTL clock CH1-B

Figure 1: two independent PCM encoders

Initially set the on-board COMPanding jumpers to A4, and front panel switches to 4-bit linear. This makes it easier to identify and compare individual words. Set the VARIABLE DC output to one end of its range. Reduce the gains of both BUFFER AMPLIFIERS to zero. With the oscilloscope triggered to the FS signal, set the sweep speed to display (say) two or three frames across the screen. Remember the FS signal marks the end of a frame. Set each channel to a different pattern, using the two BUFFER amplifiers. Identify the alternate 0 and 1 pattern in each output in the LSB position. Invoke the MASTER/SLAVE relationship, and observe the PCM output from PCM 1 as MASTER, and PCM 2 as SLAVE, while making and breaking a patch between the MASTER and SLAVE sockets. Note how alternate frames of each channel go HI. Make a permanent connection between MASTER and SLAVE.
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PCM-TDM 'T1' implementation L-54 rev 1.1

Patch together the two PCM DATA outputs and check your expectations. This is the 2channel PCM-TDM signal. Note that the data rate per channel has been halved. What does this mean in terms of the bandwidth of the messages (with respect to the sampling clock rate ?). Check what has happened to the alternating 0 and 1 embedded frame synchronization bits which were, before combination of the two channels, at the end of each frame. Show that the frame synchronization bit is a 1 for the MASTER channel, and a 0 for the SLAVE. Change one message to a tone. What is the message sampling rate ? Why cannot an AUDIO OSCILLATOR be used ? Use the SYNCH MESSAGE output. Set the on-board SYNC MESSAGE switch to select a submultiple of the clock (both UP divides by 32; both DOWN divides by 256).

demultiplexer

FS from transmitter

ext. trig.

MASTER

SLAVE

PCM / TDM in

CH2-B

8.333 kHz TTL clock

CH1-B

Figure 2: PCM TDM decoder patching

Set the on-board COMPanding jumper to A4, and front panel switch to 4-bit linear. Patch up the decoder, ensuring that the coding schemes selected for each channel match those at the transmitter. Two outputs are available from each PCM DECODER - the quantized samples, and the reconstructed message from the built-in LPF (version 2 modules). Choose the reconstructed outputs. Confirm the two messages have been recovered - one is DC, and the other AC and appear at the correct outputs. As patched in Figure 2 the frame synchronization signal FS has been stolen from the transmitter. Switch the FS SELECT toggle on either or both PCM DECODER modules to EMBED, and show synchronization is maintained.

Bell T1 system
Connect the PCM-TDM signal to the decoder via an optical fibre link. This a model of the Bell T1 system, albeit with only two message channels, and using a stolen bit clock.

bit clock recovery

In a practical T1 system bit clock recovery circuitry must operate on the received data stream; a stolen carrier is not allowed ! Line coding becomes necessary before transmission, with the appropriate decoding at the receiver, before the PCM signals are demultiplexed. Such a system is examined in the Lab Sheet entitled Bit clock regeneration in a T1 PCM-TDM system.
TIMS Lab Sheet copyright tim hooper 2001, amberley holdings pty ltd ABN 61 001-080-093

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