Analogue to digital conversion
If we have an analogue signal, we can convert it into a digital signal using a process called analogue to digital conversion - or ADC.
This basically converts an analogue signal into a digital signal by sampling the analogue signal at regular intervals. Because an analogue signal can take on infinitely many values, we can’t get an exact representation of the analogue signal, but we can get a close approximation as a digital wave.
See: digital sampling
That’s why, when you listen to music or speak into a microphone, the sound isn’t exactly the same as the original sound. That, as well as compression.
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the process called that converts an analogue signal into a digital signal? | Analogue to digital conversion (ADC). |
| How does analogue to digital conversion (ADC) convert an analogue signal? | By sampling the analogue signal at regular intervals. |
| Can an ADC produce an exact representation of an original analogue signal? | No, because an analogue signal can take on infinitely many values; it produces a close approximation as a digital wave. |
| Why is sound from a microphone or digital music not exactly the same as the original? | Due to the approximation from analogue to digital conversion, as well as compression. |