A digital circuit
In the world of modern technology there are many choices for a consumer to make. One of the choices is deciding between digital and analog components. There is a variety of technologies available in both flavors, including such common products as audio amplifiers used for stereos and also phones. Many products actually feature a combination of digital and analog technologies. There are pros and cons to both components.
Signal Quality
The signal quality of digital technology differs from analog technology in the basic shape of the signal wave. An analog audio signal wave is a continuous waveform while a digital audio signal wave is a kind of stair-stepped pattern in the general shape of the waveform. Any audio data that is present in the audio signal will be rounded to the nearest step in a digital audio signal. This means a lot of quality can potentially be missing from a digital audio signal. The number of stair steps is dependent on the number of bits of digital information supported by the digital technology. The number of bits (a possible 1 or 0) per sample (frame of audio information) is known as the resolution of the digital audio signal. 16 bit digital audio signals are lower resolution than 64 bit audio signals. A 64 bit digital audio signal has more steps in the wave. Audiophiles may prefer to listen to music in analog formats played on analog equipment. A digital audio file is much more convenient for many people today.
Signal Noise
An interesting aspect of an analog signal in comparison to a digital signal is a difference in how noise in a circuit can affect the signal. A digital signal is composed of 1's and 0's and these are transferred via electricity or light. Noise in a digital circuit is only going to be noticed if it surpasses the level at which a digital 0 turns into a digital 1. A digital signal is clear until this level of noise is reached. An analog signal would show signal noise at any level. In reference to audio again, a little noise in an analog audio signal would likely be heard where a digital signal could remain the same.
Cost
One of the primary pros of digital technology is the relatively cost efficient monetary price of mass produced digital circuits. A digital audio amplifier, as one example, can be much more affordable than an analog audio amplifier with similar features. After a digital circuit is initially designed, the circuit can be manufactured relatively cheaply for many years.
Tags: audio signal, digital audio, digital audio signal, digital signal, analog audio, digital circuit
