Understanding Analog Signals & AC

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SUMMARY

Analog signals, such as sine waves, are inherently linked to alternating current (AC), as AC is fundamentally an analog phenomenon. The discussion clarifies that while a sine wave can be represented digitally, it is essential to understand the distinction between analog and digital signals. A continuous signal, exemplified by a sine wave, is correctly identified as an analog signal. Furthermore, the output from a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) serves as a digital representation of a sine wave, highlighting the differences between analog and digital forms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of analog signals and their characteristics
  • Knowledge of alternating current (AC) principles
  • Familiarity with Digital to Analog Converters (DAC)
  • Basic concepts of signal representation (analog vs. digital)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of sine waves in analog signal processing
  • Learn about the operation and applications of Digital to Analog Converters (DAC)
  • Explore the differences between analog and digital signal representations
  • Investigate other examples of continuous signals in analog systems
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying signal processing, and professionals working with analog and digital systems will benefit from this discussion.

Victor89
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Also can we have an analog signal in alternating current?
 
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A sine wave is an analog signal. Alternating current is nothing BUT analog, so I don't even understand how you can ask the question. I think you must have been given some VERY misleading information about what is digital and what is analog.
 
Thank you for your answer, I was a bit confused that's why I asked this question.

I wasn't sure if my thinking was correct but now I see that I was correct.

At a test I gave the example of an analog signal as a sine wave.
 
You can have a digital representation of a sine wave as well. I wouldn't have given you credit on an exam answered in that fashion if I was grading. You can have a signal, either analog or digital, that is sinusoidal, but a sine is not descriptive enough to distinguish between an analog and a digital signal.
 
I was asked to draw a continuous signal and I draw a sine wave, which it is continuous.
Can someone provide me other(better) examples?

Thanks in advance.
 
Victor89 said:
I was asked to draw a continuous signal and I draw a sine wave, which it is continuous.
Can someone provide me other(better) examples?

Thanks in advance.

You did just fine. There is no need for any "better" example.
 
A "digital" version of a sine wave would be something like the output from a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). Do you know what a sine wave output from a DAC would look like, and how it would be different from the analog sine wave that you drew on the test?
 

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