/ˈdɪdʒɪtl/
adjective … “Discrete representation of information.”
Digital refers to signals, data, or systems that represent information using discrete values, typically in binary form (0s and 1s). Digital systems contrast with analog systems, which use continuous physical quantities. Digital representation allows reliable storage, transmission, and processing of information, as discrete values are less susceptible to noise and degradation.
Key characteristics of Digital include:
- Discreteness: information is encoded using a finite set of levels, usually binary.
- Noise resistance: small variations do not affect the interpreted value, ensuring signal integrity.
- Ease of processing: suitable for computers, microcontrollers, and digital electronics.
- Storage efficiency: can be copied, transmitted, and backed up without loss of fidelity.
- Integration with conversion: requires DAC for analog output and ADC for analog input.
Workflow example: Representing a sensor reading digitally:
analog_value = sensor.read()
digital_value = adc.convert(analog_value) -- Converts continuous signal to discrete binary
process(digital_value)
Here, the analog sensor signal is digitized for processing by a digital system, ensuring reliable computation and storage.
Conceptually, Digital is like using numbered bins to sort items: each item fits into a discrete category rather than a continuous range.
See Analog, ADC, DAC, Binary, Signal Processing.