Analog-to-digital conversion, also known as ADC, refers to the process of converting continuous analog signals into discrete digital representations. Analog signals are continuous waveforms that can vary infinitely, while digital signals are discrete and represented by a series of binary numbers.
This conversion process involves sampling, quantization, and encoding. Sampling involves capturing and measuring the amplitude of the analog signal at regular intervals. The continuous analog waveform is then divided into smaller segments known as samples. This step determines the resolution of the digital representation.
Quantization is the process of assigning discrete values to the amplitude of each sample. The analog signal's amplitude is divided into a finite number of levels. The number of levels determines the accuracy of the digital representation.
Encoding involves assigning binary codes to each quantized amplitude. These codes can be represented in various formats, such as binary, hexadecimal, or octal, depending on the specific application.
Analog-to-digital conversion is essential in various fields, including telecommunications, audio recording, video processing, and data transmission. It allows for efficient storage, processing, and transmission of information in digital systems. The accuracy and speed of the conversion process are crucial in ensuring the fidelity and reliability of digital representations compared to their analog counterparts.
In summary, analog-to-digital conversion is the process of converting continuous analog signals into discrete digital representations through sampling, quantization, and encoding. This conversion enables the efficient handling and manipulation of signals in digital systems.
