Difference between analogue and digital signals (A-level only)

Bits, bytes.

Analogue-to-digital conversion:

• sampling audio signals for transmission in digital form

• conversion of analogue signals into digital data using two voltage levels

• quantisation

• sampling rate

• effect of sampling rate and number of bits per sample on quality of conversion

• advantages and disadvantages of digital sampling

• process of recovery of original data from noisy signal

• effect of noise in communication systems.

Pulse code modulation.

Students should appreciate the use of a variety of sensors to collect analogue data.

The ability to carry out binary arithmetic is not required. Knowledge of binary numbers 1 to 10 is adequate.