line conditioning

communications The adjustment of electrical characteristics

of, e.g., twisted pair telephone lines by insertion of

components such as resistors, capacitors, transformers or

(commonly) inductors. Lines intended for analogue voice

signals usually have inductors inserted every few miles; such

a line is said to be "loaded".

The special purpose lines which have neither inductors nor the

DC voltage which powers ordinary telephones are said to be

"dry," and are much better for data transmission.

(1996-04-07)