In this article, we will discuss the important differences between analog and digital signals, i.e. analog signals vs digital signals.
In electrical and electronics, an electric current, voltage,
or electromagnetic wave that is used for carrying information from one point to
another is called a signal.
Signals are mainly classified into the following two types:
- Analog Signals
- Digital Signals
Analog Signals
A type of signal whose parameter, such as amplitude, phase,
or frequency changes continuously is called an analog signal. Therefore, an analog signal has a continuous
waveform.
An analog signal has a uniquely defined value at every point
in time. Hence, analog signals are always continuous functions of time.
Examples of analog signals are alternating current and voltage, speed,
velocity, temperature, pressure, etc.
Digital Signals
A type of signal whose parameter like amplitude, frequency,
or phase changes discretely with respect to time is called a digital signal. In other words, digital
signals are the discrete or discontinuous functions of time.
Digital signals have discrete waveforms that represent
digital information. Digital signals are used to represent information in binary form. Examples of digital signals are digital audio and video signals,
signals used for internet and data communication, etc.
Difference between Analog and Digital Signals
The following are the important differences between analog signals and digital signals (analog signals vs digital signals):
|
Basis of Comparison |
Analog
Signals |
Digital
Signals |
|
Definition |
A type of signal that continuously varies with time is called an
analog signal. |
A type of signal that discontinuously varies with time is called a
digital signal. |
|
Nature of waveform |
Analog signals have a continuous waveform. |
Digital signals have a discrete waveform. |
|
Also called |
Analog signals are also called continuous signals. |
Digital signals are also called discrete signals or discontinuous
signals. |
|
Information representation |
Analog signals represent information in a continuous value format. |
Digital signals represent information in a binary format. |
|
Susceptible to noise |
Analog signals are more susceptible to electronic noise. Hence, noise
can easily distort the analog signals. |
Digital signals are less susceptible to electronic noise. |
|
Power requirement |
Analog signals require more for transmission. |
Digital signals require less power for transmission. |
|
Accuracy |
Analog signals are less accurate, as their accuracy is easily
affected by noise. |
Digital signals are more accurate than analog signals. |
|
Speed |
Analog signals have a limited range of transmission speed. |
Digital signals have a higher transmission speed. |
|
Flexibility |
Electronic devices that use analog signals are less flexible. |
Electronic devices that use digital signals are more flexible. |
|
Bandwidth |
Analog signals utilize less bandwidth. |
Digital signals utilize more bandwidth. |
|
Data transmission |
Analog signals can transmit a limited amount of information over a
shorter distance. |
Digital signals can transmit much more information over longer
distances. |
|
Storage and reproduction |
Analog signals are very difficult to store and reproduce. |
Digital signals are easy to store and reproduce without the loss of
signal’s quality. |
|
Versatility & compatibility |
Analog signals are less versatile, as they are compatible with a
limited number of devices. |
Digital signals are more versatile, as they can be used in various devices. |
|
Price |
Analog signals involve low costs in production and transmission. |
Digital signals involve high costs, as they require expensive
equipment to produce, transmit, and process. |
|
Observational errors |
Analog signals can give observational errors. |
Digital signals are free from observational errors. |
|
Examples |
The human voice, AC current and voltage, force, pressure, velocity,
temperature, etc. are examples of analog signals. |
Internet signals, data stored in memory, PCM signals, etc. are common
examples of digital signals. |
|
Applications |
Analog signals are used in analog communication, like radio
communication, temperature sensors, power transmission lines, telephone
lines, etc. |
Digital signals are used in digital communication like mobile
communication, Ethernet, WiFi, computers, and digital systems. |
This is all about the important differences between analog
signals and digital signals.
