Will the Schematic for a Dry Transformer Phone Line Interface Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of a "Dry" transformer phone line interface schematic, as referenced in an application note. Participants explore the characteristics of telephone service interface circuitry, including voltage measurements and impedance considerations, while seeking insights on the schematic's viability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the effectiveness of a specific schematic for a "Dry" transformer phone line interface.
  • Another participant mentions measuring their phone service, reporting 22 volts unloaded and 15 volts under load, questioning the validity of these measurements.
  • Some participants suggest that the unloaded voltage is too low, indicating potential faults in the wiring or connections.
  • There is mention of varying impedance values for US phone service, with some sources suggesting 600 Ohms and others indicating a range of 200 to 400 Ohms.
  • Discussion includes the expected off-hook voltage and the necessary load impedance to communicate with the exchange, with varying opinions on the appropriate values.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the audio signal levels and their corresponding impedances, highlighting a lack of clarity on whether the stated levels refer to transmitted or received power.
  • One participant humorously acknowledges the messy nature of phone wiring while questioning the methodology of voltage measurement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the voltage measurements and the implications for the schematic's functionality. There is no consensus on the correct values for impedance or voltage, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of the design.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources for impedance and voltage values, indicating a lack of uniformity in standards. The discussion also highlights potential issues with physical wiring that may affect measurements.

Phrak
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I need to know if the schematic of a "Dry" transformer phone line interface given on page 14 of application note 5 will work.

The application notes are here: http://randolph-telecom.com/articles-faq.html"

It has something that looks like a gyrator, but it's interfaced with a bridge rectifier.

Anyone familiar with telephone service interface circuitry?
 
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no takers?
 
Phrak said:
no takers?

I have a book about telephone electronics, but I need to get on a plane for the PF Mentor get-together. I'll take it with me and try to answer your question when I get there (they say they have WiFi access). Sorry for the delay.
 
OK, berkeman.

Just now I decided to measure my own service (in the US). According to my research two wire should present nominally 50 volts and have a DC resistance of 600 Ohms.

I measured 22 volts unloaded and 15 volts when I put a 390 Ohm test load across it. ??
 
22V unloaded is faulted, IMO. Is this at the phone line access box outside your house? If so, the local phone company usually has responsibility for the wiring up to that box. You should be able to call them to come test and fix it.

Where are you geographically?
 
berkeman said:
22V unloaded is faulted, IMO. Is this at the phone line access box outside your house? If so, the local phone company usually has responsibility for the wiring up to that box. You should be able to call them to come test and fix it.

Where are you geographically?

We don't have the best lines. For instance, we don't qualify for DSL, because we're to far from the field box. I have to use FIOS for the internet.

So, anyway, my own line isn't a very good test, but it may give me a worst case scenario, which is good. To get the numbers I pulled off the wall plate in the house. The calculated DC impedence of the service is 167 Ohms termination.

From what I've been able to piece together, so far:

US service is nominally 600 Ohms (DC) at 48 Volts. However one source says 200 to 400 Ohms. I'm to place a 150 ohm load across the line (One source says 200-300 Ohms.) to communicate an off-hook state to the exchange.

The load should also be inductive, which I can simulate with a gyrator.

I should expect an off-hook voltage of a nominal 9.6 volts. (One source says 5 to 9 volts.)

The transmit and receive bandwidths are both 300 to 3.3KHz. I think that means 3dB roll-off at 300 and 3.3K. Is that right? The modulation rides on the DC voltage offset.

The average level of the audio signal is "-9 dBm (275 mV)". I'm not sure if that means the tansmitted power, recieved, or both. In either case, I don't know what the impedance the 275 mV would be working into.
 
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22V for on-hook is too low unless there is another phone standard.

It's more likely that there is a shortcut, broken up splices that are barely held together, or corroded wires. If there is a tangled web of spliced phone wires somewhere in the house, cut everything, and redo all connections with new splices or an insulating tape. Also check up on all wall-plates in the house. If there is a sign of black reside on the copper, cut it out and redo it.
 
what said:
22V for on-hook is too low unless there is another phone standard.

You're killin me what. So I went outside and measured. It's still 22 volts, unloaded.

Besides, I don't care about my own service. I just have to verify a design.
 
Phrak said:
You're killin me what. So I went outside and measured. It's still 22 volts, unloaded.

Besides, I don't care about my own service. I just have to verify a design.

Lol, phone wiring can be messy sometimes. But when you went outside to measure voltage on the line, did you actually disconnect the main line from the house and then measured its voltage or measured the voltage while the house is still connected?
 
  • #10
I'm on to you what. You want me go a second session in the dirt, weeds and rust. If I come back and say it's still 22 volts, you'll have me busting into one of those green boxes with crowbar in one first and a DVM in the other.
 

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