The Pros and Cons of Using Digital Technology
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.
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Signal Quality
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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
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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.
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Cost
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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.
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References
- Photo Credit ic, integrierter schaltkreis, integrated circuit image by Sascha Zlatkov from Fotolia.com
