Understanding Analog Signals & AC

AI Thread Summary
Analog signals, including alternating current, are exemplified by sine waves, which are continuous in nature. The discussion clarifies that while a sine wave is an analog signal, it can also be represented digitally, but the distinction between analog and digital signals requires more context. The confusion around the definitions of analog and digital signals is addressed, emphasizing that a simple sine wave does not inherently specify the type of signal. A digital representation of a sine wave, such as that from a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), differs in form from its analog counterpart. Overall, the conversation reinforces the understanding that sine waves can be both analog and digital, depending on their representation.
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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