LPCM stands for Linear Pulse Code Modulation. It is a method of converting analog audio signals into a digital format for storage or transmission. In LPCM, the audio waveform is sampled at regular intervals with a linear quantization technique.
The process of LPCM involves three main steps: sampling, quantization, and coding. Firstly, the original analog audio signal is accurately sampled at a constant rate, typically 44.1 kHz for CDs, 48 kHz for DVDs, or 96 kHz for high-resolution audio. Each sample represents the amplitude of the waveform at a specific moment in time.
In the quantization stage, the sampled values are rounded to the nearest quantization level within a certain bit depth. Each sample is then represented by a binary code of a fixed length, depending on the desired resolution. The most common LPCM formats are 16-bit and 24-bit, offering 65,536 and 16,777,216 quantization levels, respectively.
Lastly, the coded samples are stored or transmitted as digital data. LPCM is considered an uncompressed audio format, as it retains all the original samples without any lossy compression algorithms like MP3 or AAC. It provides high fidelity and accurate representation of the original sound, allowing for full dynamic range and audio clarity.
LPCM is widely used in various applications, including compact discs, digital audio broadcasting, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, and high-definition audio formats. It is known for its simplicity, compatibility, and lossless audio reproduction, making it a standard format for storing and transmitting high-quality audio.
