Feature | Analog Signal | Digital Signal |
Definition | Continuous signal representing physical measurements | Discrete signal using binary (0s and 1s) |
Representation | Smooth, continuous waveform (e.g., sine wave) | Stepped, square waveform |
Nature | Can take infinite values within a range | Has only two discrete states: HIGH (1) and LOW (0) |
Examples | Sound waves, radio waves, temperature variations | Computers, CDs, digital communication |
Noise Sensitivity | More prone to noise and distortion | Less affected by noise, errors can be corrected |
Storage | Requires more space (e.g., cassette tapes, film) | Easily stored and processed in digital format |
Transmission | Uses AM/FM modulation | Uses pulses and packets (Wi-Fi, fiber optics) |
Bandwidth Usage | Generally requires more bandwidth | More efficient bandwidth usage |
Conversion | Can be converted to digital using ADC | Can be converted to analog using DAC |
Application Areas | Audio/video broadcasting, analog instrumentation | Computing, modern telecommunications, digital media |