TDMA
Pronunciation: TEE-DEE-EM-AY
Also written as: TDMA — Time Division Multiple Access
A channel access method in which multiple ground terminals share a single satellite transponder by transmitting in assigned non-overlapping time slots.
Full Definition
In TDMA, the transponder bandwidth is shared among many earth stations, each of which transmits brief bursts of data in synchronised time slots. A master station—often the hub in a VSAT network—provides the timing reference. TDMA is contrasted with FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), in which stations share the transponder by occupying different frequency sub-bands, and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). Editors will encounter TDMA in network architecture documents, air interface specifications, and service agreements. The acronym is always in full caps; the expanded form uses no hyphens.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish TDMA from MF-TDMA (Multi-Frequency TDMA), which is a hybrid scheme common in broadband satellite systems. Always expand on first use in a document.
In Context
- "The VSAT network employed MF-TDMA for the return link, allowing efficient sharing of the 72 MHz transponder among 450 remote sites." — Network design specification
- "Editors should verify that 'TDMA' and 'MF-TDMA' are not used interchangeably, as they describe architecturally distinct systems." — Technical document review note