A Flash ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is a type of converter that quickly transforms an analog signal into a digital signal. It uses a parallel architecture with multiple comparators to simultaneously compare the input voltage against reference voltages. This allows it to achieve very high conversion speeds, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid data processing, such as in digital oscilloscopes and high-speed communication systems. Flash ADCs are known for their simplicity and speed but can be limited by power consumption and cost due to the large number of comparators needed. Typically, they are used in situations where speed is more critical than resolution, as they usually provide lower resolution compared to other types of ADCs, like Successive Approximation ADCs.