Relying on digital data is one of the most characteristic features of the developed world. However, one should understand that this state of affairs has not always been the same, and the analog world preceded the digital one. The word “analog” denotes that the “information processed or stored was represented in a manner that was similar or comparable to its original counterpart” (Nutaq, 2017, para. 4). This approach implied some disadvantages because bulky and expensive equipment was necessary, while the quality of analog signals suffered from noise (Nutaq, 2017). Digital technologies appeared to overcome these limitations because the digital microprocessor was invented to perform numerous operations and computations. The transition to the digital world resulted in the fact that less expensive and massive equipment was necessary to cope with the tasks. Consequently, CDs, DVDs, smartphones, and other digital technologies appeared and improved everyday life.
Since high volumes of analog data had been produced before the world became digital, it is reasonable to comment on what techniques are used to transform information from one category into another. Pulse code modulation is the most common approach that consists of sampling, quantization, and encoding (GeeksforGreeks, 2019). Since this technique is challenging and requires many resources, delta modulation can be considered a simplified alternative (GeeksforGreeks, 2019). Finally, adaptive delta modulation can also be used to transform analog data into digital (GeeksforGreeks, 2019). It is reasonable to explain that the choice of a particular approach depends on how much time and effort a person is going to spend on the process. The rationale behind this statement is that pulse code modulation is the most complex conversion technique, and this condition should always be considered.
References
GeeksforGreeks. (2019). Analog to digital conversion.
Nutaq. (2017). From analog to digital – Part 1: Introduction. Web.