Electronic systems can be broadly classified into two categories: Analog and Digital system. These two types of systems handle and process electrical signals in distinct ways, each with its advantages and applications.
In this article, we will delve into the fundamental concepts of analog and digital systems, explore their differences, and discuss their applications in various fields. By understanding the characteristics of analog and digital systems, you will gain insights into their functionalities and make informed decisions when designing electronic circuits and systems.
The Analog System modifies/ works mostly on Analog signal, whereas The Digital System modifies/ works mostly on Digital signal.
By the end of article, you would know about what is analog and digital signal, what is analog system? what is digital system? Difference between analog and digital signal, analog vs digital system.
Table of content:
1. Different types of Signals:
Before going towards Analog and Digital System, let us first look at what is analog and digital signal?
1.1 Analog signal:
An analog signal is any continuous-time signal representing some other quantity, i.e., analogous to another quantity.
Analog signals utilize the properties of medium to convey the information. All the natural signals are the examples of analog signals. However, the analog signals are more susceptible to the electronic noise and distortion which can degrade the quality of the signal.
1.2 Digital signal:
A digital signal is a signal that represents data as a sequence of discrete values; at any given time it can only take on, at most, one of a finite number of values.
Basically, a digital signal represents the data and information as a sequence of separate values at any given time. The digital signal can only take on one of a finite number of values.
1.3 Analog and Digital difference:
Analog signals | Digital signals |
Analog signals are difficult to get analysed at first. | Digital signals are easy to analyse. |
Analog signals are more accurate than digital signals. | Digital signals are less accurate. |
Analog signals take time to be stored. It has infinite memory. | Digital signals can be easily stored. |
To record an analog signal, the technique used, preserves the original signals. | In recording digital signal, the sample signals are taken and preserved. |
There is a continuous representation of signals in analog signals | There is a discontinuous representation of signals in digital signals |
Analog signals produce too much noise. | Digital signals do not produce noise. |
Examples of analog signals are Human voice, Thermometer, Analog phones etc. | Examples of digital signals are Computers, Digital Phones, Digital pens, etc. |
2. Analog Systems:
Analog systems are based on continuous signals that vary smoothly and represent real-world quantities. These systems process signals as continuously varying voltages or currents.
1.1 Characteristics of Analog Systems:
Analog Signals in analog systems are continuous and infinitely divisible.
Analog signals can take any value within a given range.
Analog systems maintain the exact shape and amplitude of the original signal during processing.
1.2 Applications of Analog Systems:
Audio and video recording and reproduction.
Analog sensors for temperature, pressure, and light intensity measurements.
Analog signal processing in communication systems.
Analog control systems for industrial processes.
3. Digital Systems:
Digital systems, on the other hand, use discrete (digital signal) that represent information as a sequence of binary digits (bits). These systems process and manipulate signals using binary logic operations.
2.1 Characteristics of Digital Systems:
Digital Signals in digital systems are discrete and quantized into a finite set of values (0s and 1s).
Digital signals are less susceptible to noise and distortion compared to analog signals.
Digital systems can store, process, and transmit large amounts of information efficiently.
2.2 Applications of Digital Systems:
Digital computers and microprocessors for data processing and computation.
Digital communication systems, such as the Internet and mobile networks.
Digital audio and video encoding and decoding.
Digital control systems and automation in various industries.
4. Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Conversion:
In many applications, there is a need to convert signals between analog and digital domains. This is achieved through analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC).
3.1 Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC):
ADC is the process of converting analog signals into digital representations. This conversion involves sampling the analog signal at discrete intervals and assigning digital values to the sampled points.
3.2 Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC):
DAC is the process of converting digital signals back into analog form. This conversion involves reconstructing an analog signal from the discrete digital values using techniques such as pulse width modulation (PWM) or delta-sigma modulation.
5. Hybrid Systems:
In many electronic systems, both analog and digital components are combined to leverage the strengths of each type. These hybrid systems allow for flexible signal processing, precise control, and efficient information storage.
Conclusion:
Thus we learned about Analog and Digital signal, Difference between analog and digital signal.
Analog and digital systems are two distinct approaches to handling and processing electrical signals. Analog systems work with continuous signals, providing an accurate representation of real-world quantities, while digital systems use discrete signals to represent information in binary form. Understanding the characteristics and applications of both analog and digital systems is essential for designing and working with electronic circuits and systems.