Analogue Versus Digital

An analogue signal can vary continuously over a range of values. A digital signal uses separate, distinct levels. In simple binary electronics these are commonly represented as 0 and 1. For example, the electrical signal produced directly by a microphone may vary continuously with sound and is therefore analogue. A computer processes information digitally using binary states.

Continuous variation. Can take many values within a range. Represents physical quantities naturally.

Distinct levels. Commonly uses binary 0 and 1. Well suited to computer processing, storage and transmission.

An **analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) converts an analogue signal into digital data. A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC)** can convert digital information into an analogue output.