Understanding Analog Signals & AC

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of analog signals, specifically in the context of alternating current (AC) and sine waves. Participants explore definitions and examples of analog versus digital signals, as well as the characteristics of continuous signals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a sine wave is inherently an analog signal and that alternating current is fundamentally analog.
  • Others express confusion about the distinction between analog and digital signals, indicating a need for clarification.
  • A participant mentions that while a sine wave is a continuous signal, it does not uniquely identify whether the signal is analog or digital.
  • There is a suggestion that a digital representation of a sine wave exists, such as that produced by a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), which raises questions about the differences between the two types of signals.
  • One participant requests additional examples of continuous signals beyond the sine wave, indicating a desire for broader understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the definitions of analog and digital signals. While some agree on the nature of sine waves as analog, others highlight the potential for digital representations, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of analog and digital signals, as well as the criteria for distinguishing between them. The discussion does not resolve these ambiguities.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in signal processing, electrical engineering, or those studying the differences between analog and digital systems.

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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