ADC stands for Analog-to-Digital Converter. It is a device or circuit that converts analog signals into digital data or information for processing by a computer or digital system.
Analog signals are continuous and represent real-world variables such as voltage, temperature, pressure, or sound. In contrast, digital signals are discrete and are represented by a series of binary numbers, which are easily interpreted and manipulated by digital systems.
The ADC performs the essential task of converting analog signals into digital form. It samples the analog signal at regular intervals and assigns a corresponding digital value to each sample. The digital value represents the amplitude of the analog signal at that specific instance. This conversion process involves two main steps: sampling and quantization.
During sampling, the ADC takes discrete samples of the continuous analog signal at a preset rate, capturing its instantaneous amplitude. Quantization then assigns a digital value to each sample by rounding the amplitude to the nearest digital value within a predetermined range. The number of possible digital values depends on the resolution of the ADC, which determines the level of detail or accuracy of the converted digital data.
ADCs are widely used in various applications, including audio processing, data acquisition systems, communication systems, and instrumentation. They bridge the gap between analog and digital domains, enabling analog signals to be processed, stored, and manipulated using digital devices and algorithms.
