There are two types of signals that carry information –
analog and digital signals. The difference between analog and digital
signals is that analog is a continuous electrical signal, whereas
digital is a non-continuous electrical signal.
Analog Signals vary in time, and the
variations follow that of the non-electric signal. When compared to
analog signals, digital signals change in individual steps and consist
of pulses or digits. Analog signals are a model of the real quantity
and the voice intensification
that causes electric current variations. Digital signals have discrete
levels, and the specified value of the pulse remains constant until the
change in the next digit. There are two amplitude levels, which are
called nodes, that are based on 1 or 0, true or false, and high or low.
Digital signals, similar to Morse code, are sent to a computer which
interprets these into words. A digital signal, a 0 or 1, is sent
through the phone line. For example, when you type the letter A into
your computer, it converts it into 01000001. This 01000001 goes to
other computer, which interprets it as A. A series of eight 0’s and 1’s
is called a byte, whereas each 0 or 1 is called a bit.
The difference between digital and
analog signals can also be understood by observing various examples of
different waves, and how they work. In the 1800’s, analog waveforms
were used in conjunction with copper to
relay or transmit conversations. Since they have the tendency to catch
distorting electromagnetic waves, or noise which drops the quality of
the signal, they soon became troublesome and difficult to maintain.
Soon the change from analog to digital occurred, because digital signals
were easier to transmit and were more reliable compared to analog
signals.
A signal is the transmission of data that
we constantly deal with during our daily routine life. From telephones
to cellular devices, and music to computers, signals are very
important. With the advent of modern technology, telephone and
computers etc have became a necessity, and the cost of analog signal
transmission has become not only expensive, but troublesome. Digital
signals soon replaced analog because they are simply different and
uniformed, and not severely altered by noise or distortion. Almost all
electronic devices use digital signals, because they remain accurate in
shape and amplitude. Digital signals provide better continuous
delivery, and are preferred over analog signals.
