3. Principles of data conversion

3.1 Presentation

• Analog-to-digital conversion has a dual effect with respect to the initial analog signal:

  • Quantize (*) it in amplitude, i.e. replace a continuous signal in amplitude with a sequence of discrete values.

  Note :

  Quantify: a quantified quantity can only vary discontinuously, usually in multiples of an elementary quantity.

  • Time sampling (*), i.e. replacing a continuous signal in time with a sequence of values taken at discrete instants.

  Note :

  Sampling: the act of taking a sample, usually at regularly spaced points in time. [Sample: small quantity of a commodity...