Analog systems transmit information using a continuous electrical signal. This signal varies over a range of voltage, and is often used in audio and video devices where this continuous signal is desired. A vinyl record player uses an analog interface to convert the physical grooves on the record into sound waves.
Digital communication works using “binary” states, abbreviated 1 or 0. Digital interfaces send data in binary format, which is used to encode more complex information. It’s the same principle as Morse Code gives access to an entire alphabet with dots and dashes. A keyboard connected to a computer uses a digital interface to send keystrokes in binary, with format called ASCI encoding the alphabet as sequences of ones and zeros. Digital electronic circuits form the foundation of all modern computers, including smartphones, household appliances, and industrial control systems.
Analog signals can be approximated by digital signals using binary, which can express any whole number from 0 to infinity. This is done by devices called analog to digital converters; however, it comes with some reduced precision-which is why we see CPUs and analog-to-digital audio converters marketed as 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit, etc. The number of bits is the number of 1 or 0s that can be combined in binary to represent a whole number, which lets computers do analog math! The results of this math can be turned right back into analog signals and used to drive devices like speakers and motors.
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Signal Types (Analog vs Digital)