Transmission level point
In telecommunication, a transmission level point (TLP) is a test point in an electronic circuit that is typically a transmission channel. At the TLP, a test signal may be introduced or measured.[1] Various parameters, such as the power of the signal, noise, voltage levels, wave forms, may be measured at the TLP.[2]
The nominal transmission level at a TLP is a function of system design and is an expression of the design gain or attenuation (loss).
Voice-channel transmission levels at test points are measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) at a frequency of ~1000 hertz.
The dBm is an absolute reference level measurement (see Decibel § Suffixes and reference values) with respect to 1 mW power. When the nominal signal power is 0dBm at the TLP, the test point is called a zero transmission level point, or zero-dBm TLP. The abbreviation dBm0 stands for the power in dBm measured at a zero transmission level point. The TLP is thus characterized by the relation:[1]
- TLP = dBm — dBm0
The term TLP is commonly used as if it were a unit,[2] preceded by the nominal level for the test point. For example, the expression 0TLP refers to a 0dBmTLP. If for instance a signal is specified as -13 dBm0 at a particular point and -6 dBm is measured at that point, the TLP is +7 TLP.[3]
The level at a TLP where an end instrument, such as a telephone set, is connected is usually specified as 0dBm.
See also
References
- ^ a b Whitham D. Reeve (1992) Subscriber Loop Signaling and Transmission Handbook—Analog, IEEE Press, p.229
- ^ a b "Transmission level point (TLP)". Glossary of Telecommunication Terms. Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA). Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ Reeve, Whitham D. (1996). "Application Note No. 8" (PDF). reeve.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-02-01. Retrieved 2023-06-26.