DTMF
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom
| Stands for | Dual-tone multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
DTMF stands for Dual-tone multi-frequency, a telecom abbreviation.
Signaling system that represents each phone keypad button with a combination of two simultaneous tones, used for dialing and for navigating automated phone menus. It is commonly called touch-tone.
Example: The voicemail system didn't recognize my PIN because the VoIP app wasn't sending DTMF correctly.
Usage notes
The Bell System introduced Touch-Tone dialing in 1963, replacing pulse dialing from rotary phones. Each key combines one low-frequency tone (697 to 941 Hz) with one high-frequency tone (1,209 to 1,477 Hz); a fourth column, A to D, was used in some military and network systems. VoIP systems carry DTMF as special data events to avoid distortion by audio compression.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- CLI – Calling line identification
- CPE – Customer premises equipment
- DAB – Digital Audio Broadcasting
- DECT – Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
- DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification
- DSL – Digital subscriber line
- E911 – Enhanced 911
- EDGE – Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
- EE – EE Limited
- eNB – Evolved Node B
- eSIM – Embedded SIM
- EV-DO – Evolution-Data Optimized