Analog-to-digital Converters

Analog-to-digital Converters

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are electronic devices that convert continuous analog signals into discrete digital signals. Analog signals are continuous signals that vary in amplitude and frequency over time, while digital signals are discrete signals that have only two states: on or off, represented by 1 or 0. ADCs are widely used in various applications, such as audio and video recording, data acquisition, and control systems. ADCs work by sampling the analog signal at regular intervals and quantizing the amplitude of each sample into a digital value. The sampling rate, or the frequency at which the analog signal is sampled, and the resolution, or the number of bits used to represent each sample, are two important parameters that determine the accuracy and fidelity of the digital signal. There are several types of ADCs, including flash, successive approximation, delta-sigma, and pipeline ADCs. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, accuracy, power consumption, and cost. ADCs are essential components in modern electronic systems, as they enable the conversion of real-world signals into digital data that can be processed, stored, and transmitted. The development of high-speed and high-resolution ADCs has greatly contributed to the advancement of various fields, such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and scientific research.

electronic devices, continuous analog signals, discrete digital signals, sampling rate, resolution, flash, successive approximation, delta-sigma, pipeline ADCs, real-world signals

— Thomas Harris

CITATION : "Thomas Harris. 'Analog-to-digital Converters.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=284556 (Accessed on May 14, 2025)"