The Hook-Switch The hook-switch isolates the rest of the circuit from the line and prevents any

dc from
flowing into the power supply section. When the hook-switch is open, no line current will flow and the
device presents a very large dc resistance to the line - in the order of 1 megohm, or equivalent to the
value of the resistor used in the leakage supply. Traditionally a small relay was used as the hook switch,
and these can sometimes be heard clicking in older modems. The advantage with using a relay is that it
isolates the telephone line potential from the rest of the circuit - but with a line powered circuit this is
not necessary or desirable. It is easier and cheaper to implement the hook-switch using a high voltage
PNP transistor driven by a high voltage NPN transistor. A relay may cost 75 cents but the transistor
circuit will cost about a tenth of that. Hook switches may also be implemented using FETs or
optocouplers. The key point to note is that whatever device(s) is used, they must be able to withstand
the high voltage ringing signal, and as such transistors with a 300V collector emitter voltage rating are
used.