Analog Signals

[Analog Signals and Digital Signals - Javatpoint]

Analog signals are time-varying and are usually limited to a range (such as +12V to -12V), but have an infinite number of values within that continuous range. Analog signals use a given property of the medium to convey the signal's information, such as an electric current passing through a wire. 

The common examples of analog signals are temperature, current, voltage, voice, pressure, speed, etc. The analog signals are used in land line phones, thermometer, electric fan, volume knob of a radio, etc.

In electrical signals, the voltage, current, or frequency of the signal can vary to represent information. Analog signals are often calculated responses to changes in light, sound, temperature, position, pressure, or other physical phenomena. 

When plotted on a voltage versus time graph, the analog signal should produce a smooth and continuous curve. There should not be any discrete value changes.

Most basic electronic components - resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers (op amps) - are analog in nature. A circuit composed of these components is an analog circuit.

Analog circuits are generally more susceptible to noise, and by "noise" we mean any tiny, unwanted changes in voltage. Small changes in the voltage level of an analog signal can create significant errors in processing.

• These electronic signals are time-varying.
• The lowest and highest values, which can be positive or negative.
• It is usually cyclical or acyclical.
• Analog signals are suitable for continuous data.
• Analog signals are not as precise as digital signals.
• It can help you realize natural or physical value.
• Analog signals output in the form of curves, lines, or graphs, so it doesn't make sense to all or anyone.

Advantages to using analog signals, including analog signal processing (ASP) and communication systems, include the following: 

• Analog signals are easier to process.
• Analog signals best suited for audio and video transmission.
• Analog signals are much higher density, and can present more refined information.
• Analog signals use less bandwidth than digital signals.
• Analog signals provide a more accurate representation of changes in physical phenomena, such as sound, light, temperature, position, or pressure.
• Analog communication systems are less sensitive in terms of electrical tolerance.

Disadvantages to using analog signals, including analog signal processing (ASP) and communication systems, include the following: 

• Data transmission at long distances may result in undesirable signal disturbances.
• Analog signals are prone to generation loss.
• Analog signals are subject to noise and distortion, as opposed to digital signals which have much higher immunity.
• Analog signals are generally lower quality signals than digital signals.

- The Uses of Analog Signals