Homonym: ADC (Analog)
An ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is an electronic device that converts continuous analog signals into discrete digital numbers. This process allows analog signals, such as sound or temperature, to be processed by digital systems like computers and microcontrollers. ADCs are essential in various applications, including audio recording, sensor data acquisition, and telecommunications.
The conversion process involves sampling the analog signal at specific intervals and quantizing the sampled values into binary format. The resolution of an ADC, often measured in bits, determines how accurately it can represent the analog signal. Higher resolution ADCs provide more precise digital representations, making them crucial in high-fidelity applications like audio processing and medical imaging.