Analogue and Digital Signals G. Jones May 2010
Learning Objectives Communication signals may be analogue (continuously varying) or ... digital (discrete values only, generally on and off). Digital signals are less prone to interference than analogue... and can be easily processed by computers. (from AQA specification for GCSE Science A 4461 2010 p.53)
What is a signal? A signal is organised information. A signal can be transmitted in many ways e.g. Sound, Tone (of voice) light, gestures, electronically.
Analogue Signals 1 Sound is an example of an analogue signal. This means that it is continuously varying. It can have any value. (Analogue = any)
Analogue Signals 2 This is an example of the original analogue signal with interference (or noise) added. Sound is an example of an analogue signal – it is continuously varying
Digital Signals Analogue signals can be converted into digital signals by sampling. Digital signals are easily processed by computer.
Digital Signals Worksheet
Digital Signals Worksheet 010 100 110 000 011 010 110 100
Digital Signals Worksheet 010 110 011 110
Digital Signals Worksheet The higher sampling rate captures more information. The digital copy is closer to the original analogue signal. More memory needed / bigger file sizes / longer time to transmit.
Processing Digital Signals This is a digital signal. This is a digital signal with interference. Clean Up The digital signal has a predictable shape so it can be cleaned up easily. This means that digital signals are less prone to interference than analogue signals.
Processing Digital Signals Part 1 Follow your teacher’s instructions for the Back-to-Back Activity 2 marks Title written down 4 marks Some understanding of the word digital is shown (check spelling) 6 marks The word discrete is used correctly (with some understanding of meaning and correct spelling) 8 marks Signal drawn that is clearly digital and not analogue 10 marks Diagram usefully labelled
Processing Digital Signals Part 2 Follow your teacher’s instructions for the Back-to-Back Activity 2 marks Title written down 4 marks The word interference is spelled correctly 6 marks Digital signal with “noise” or “interference” added is drawn 8 marks Cleaned up digital signal is drawn 10 marks Both diagrams usefully labelled to show understanding of the process
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