This three-level signaling scheme converts binary data into a signal with positive, zero, and negative voltage states. By intentionally overlapping adjacent pulses, the bandwidth required to transmit the signal is halved compared to standard binary transmission. Engineers use this format in high-speed optical networks and digital transmission links to push more data through narrow frequency channels without triggering severe distortion.
The new optical transceivers use duobinary modulation to squeeze a forty-gig signal into a standard ten-gig channel spacing.
Because it relies on three voltage levels instead of two, the receiver requires a higher signal-to-noise ratio to accurately decode the data.
Also heard as
- duobinary encoding
- duobinary signaling
Related terms
Manchester coding
A line coding technique where each data bit includes a voltage transition at its midpoint.
Baseband
The original frequency range of a transmission signal before it is modulated onto a higher-frequency carrier wave.
Bitrate
The speed at which digital information travels across a network or interface.