An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is a device that transforms continuous signals, like sound or light, into digital data that computers can process. For example, when you speak into a microphone, the sound waves are analog signals. The ADC samples these waves and converts them into a series of numbers, allowing your voice to be stored or transmitted digitally. ADCs are essential in many everyday devices, such as smartphones, cameras, and audio equipment. They enable the conversion of real-world phenomena, like temperature or pressure, into digital formats that can be analyzed or manipulated by software, making technology more accessible and efficient.