DTMF, or dual tone multi frequency, uses two tones to represent each key on the touch pad. When any key is pressed the tone of the column and the tone of the row are generated, hence dual tone. As an example, pressing the '5' button generates the tones 770Hz and 1336Hz.

The frequencies were chosen to avoid harmonics (no frequency is a multiple of another, the difference between any two frequencies does not equal any of the frequencies, and the sum of any two frequencies does not equal any of the frequencies). The frequencies generated must be with +/- 1.5%, the highest frequency must be as loud as the lowest frequency and as much as 4db louder. This level difference is refered to as 'twist'.

The A,B,C and D keys were used for the U S military's Autovon phone system. They were used for Flash Override - A button, Flash - B button, Immediate - C button and Priority - D button. Pressing one of these keys gave your call priority, Flash Override being the highest. While the Autovon system has been disbanded, yet many non telephone applications use the keys today.

Many musical tunes have been transcribed for the touch tone dial. Some where I have a bunch, when I get time I'll include them.

Press your browser's BACK button to return
goto Telecommunications Tidbits page