differenzialübertragung

Differenzialübertragung, also known as differential signaling or balanced signaling, is a method of transmitting electrical signals using two complementary conductors. Instead of sending a single signal on one wire, two wires are used, carrying identical signals that are opposite in polarity. At the receiving end, the difference between these two signals is measured. This technique is widely employed in various electronic systems due to its effectiveness in rejecting common-mode noise.

The primary advantage of differenzialübertragung lies in its noise immunity. External electromagnetic interference, such as that from power lines or radio frequency sources, tends to affect both conductors equally. Since the receiver is only interested in the difference between the two signals, any noise that is common to both wires is effectively canceled out. This makes differenzialübertragung particularly useful in environments with high levels of electrical noise or for transmitting signals over longer distances where signal degradation is a concern.

Common applications of differenzialübertragung include high-speed data transmission interfaces like USB and Ethernet, as well as in audio and video equipment to maintain signal integrity. The balanced nature of the transmission minimizes signal loss and distortion, ensuring a cleaner and more reliable signal at the destination.