What is the difference between digital and analogue signals?

Digital signals are discrete and binary, while analogue signals are continuous and vary in amplitude or frequency.

Digital signals are a type of signal that is represented by binary numbers, 0 and 1. Each binary digit, or 'bit', represents a specific state - on or off, true or false, high or low. This makes digital signals very clear and easy to interpret, as there is no ambiguity about the state of the signal. Digital signals are also less susceptible to noise and interference than analogue signals, as they can be easily cleaned and restored to their original state.

Analogue signals, on the other hand, are continuous signals that change over time. They can have any value within a certain range, and their changes are smooth and gradual. This means that analogue signals can represent more detailed and nuanced information than digital signals, as they can capture the full range of variation in the signal. However, analogue signals are more susceptible to noise and interference, as any change in the signal can alter the information it carries.

The main difference between digital and analogue signals lies in their representation of information. Digital signals represent information as a series of discrete values, while analogue signals represent information as a continuous range of values. This difference has significant implications for the way the signals are processed and interpreted. For example, digital signals can be easily processed by computers and other digital devices, while analogue signals require more complex processing methods.

In summary, digital signals are binary and discrete, making them clear and easy to interpret, but less detailed than analogue signals. Analogue signals are continuous and can represent more detailed information, but are more susceptible to noise and interference.