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analog-to-digital converter Last modified: Friday, September 14, 2007
(n.) An analog-to-digital converter, or ADC as it is more commonly called, is a device that converts analog signals into digital signals. Analog information is transmitted by modulating a continuous transmission signal by amplifying a signal's strength or varying its frequency to add or take away data. Digital information describes any system based on discontinuous data or events. Computers, which handle data in digital form, require analog-to-digital converters to turn signals from analog to digital before it can be read. One example is a modem which turns signals from digital to analog before transmitting those signals over communication lines such as telephone lines that carry only analog signals. The signals are turned back into digital form (demodulated) at the receiving end so that the computer can process the data in its digital format.
99 Main ISP Information This technical support document discusses modems and how 56k Modems need ADC to get a 56k connection speed. Analog Dialogue This analog-to-digital converter paper discusses architectures and choices for system design. Webopedia's "Did You Know...?" Section Use this Webopedia knowledge section for an in-depth overview of specific technologies and occurrences in the areas of Computer Science, The Internet, and Computer Hardware and Software. Webopedia's Quick Reference Section Use this Webopedia reference section for information on common Internet and computer facts and occurrences.	Related Categories Communications Computer Science Data Satellite Communications Related Terms analog data digital modem Nyquist's Law signal topology signal-to-noise ratio