PCMpohjaiset

PCMpohjaiset is a term used in Finnish-language technical literature to describe systems and architectures that are based on pulse-code modulation (PCM). In this framing, PCM streams function as the primary data representation for digital audio and related signals, in contrast to compressed, encoded, or object-based formats. The name combines PCM with pohjaiset, a Finnish suffix meaning "based on" or "grounded in."

Applications of PCM-based designs are common in consumer and professional digital audio devices, telecommunication equipment, and embedded systems where predictable latency and broad interoperability are important. PCM processing is often used for sampling, routing, and basic audio manipulation, providing a straightforward foundation for signal handling.

Technical characteristics include linear PCM data with typical bit depths of 16 or 24 bits and sampling rates around 44.1 or 48 kHz; multi-channel configurations exist for professional use. PCM is usually uncompressed, offering high fidelity and low algorithmic latency. In professional environments, formats such as multi-channel PCM and interfaces like AES3 or PCM over various digital buses are common.

History and usage: PCM has long been a standard in digital audio and telephony. While modern systems increasingly employ compression and perceptual coding, PCM remains foundational in contexts requiring determinism, simplicity, and broad compatibility. In contemporary devices, PCM streams often co-exist with codecs or are carried within packetized or IP-based transport layers, preserving interoperability across generations of equipment.

See also: Pulse-code modulation; Digital audio; AES3; Audio over IP.