Analog to digital conversion (ADC) is a process by which continuous analog signals are translated into discrete digital representations. An analog signal is a waveform characterized by its infinite number of possible values within a given range, while a digital signal consists of discrete binary values, typically represented as 0s and 1s. ADC is employed in various applications where accurate and reliable data conversion is necessary, particularly in electronics and communication systems.
The conversion process involves sampling, quantization, and coding. First, the continuous analog signal is sampled at regular intervals, capturing a series of discrete snapshots of the waveform. These samples are then quantized, meaning they are rounded to the nearest discrete value that the digital system can represent. Lastly, the quantized values are encoded into binary format using a coding scheme, usually based on binary code.
ADCs are essential components in devices such as audio recording systems, digital cameras, wireless communication systems, and many other digital systems. They enable the conversion of real-world analog signals, such as sound, temperature, pressure, or light intensity, into digital data that can be processed by computers or other digital devices.
High-quality ADCs are designed to minimize distortion and noise during the conversion process to ensure accurate translation of the analog signal. These advancements in ADC technology have considerably improved the performance and fidelity of digital systems, enabling high-quality audio, video, and data transmission.
