What are Analog and Digital

Signals? Differences, Examples

by R Jagan Mohan Rao

What is a Signal?
Gestures, actions, sounds, expressions tell us some information, and
these are the ways of communicating one to other.
Similarly signal is a way of communicating by sending information
from one system to other system. In other words signal is a function
that represents information or data.

Signal is an electromagnetic wave that carries information through

physical medium. Here the data is converted into electromagnetic
signal either as analog or digital and sent from sender to receiver.

Voltage and current are few time varying quantities that are used to
represent data, by varying these quantities with respect to time data
can be transmitted. Similarly signal is also represented as the
function of the frequency domain rather than time domain.

For communicating between two systems, a message signal is

passed through encoder and modulator to transmit through a
medium while it is passed through decoder and demodulator to
receive the message signal at the other end.

Signals are divided into two categories based on their nature.

Signals which are

1. Signal which are Continuous as time varying in nature

are analog signals
2. Signal which are discrete are called digital signals.
Analog Signals
Analog signal is a form of electrical energy (voltage, current or
electromagnetic power) for which there is a linear relationship
between electrical quantity and the value that the signal represents.

The signal whose amplitude takes any value in a continuous range is

called analog signal.
Analog
time. They
Signals
can be
areperiodic
continuous
or non-periodic.
in nature which vary with respect to
Voltage, current, frequency, pressure, sound, light, temperature are
the physical variables that are measured with respect to their
changes with respect to time to obtain information.

When voltage versus time graph is plotted we see curve with

continuous values like sine waves.
These signals are more subjected to noise as they travel through the
medium, these noises result in information loss in the signal.

Analog to digital converter converts analog signal to digital signal

by a process called sampling and quantization. Sound waves are
converted to sequence of samples by the process Sampling

Examples of analog signals:

Conventional (old) transmitters, transducers convey data in analog

mode.

The signals include audio signals transmitted through wires, video

signals broadcasted using older technology, radio signals, and
analog watches.

Digital Signals
The signal, whose amplitude takes only limited values is called
Digital signal.

Digital signal are discrete, they contain only distinct values.

Digital signals carry binary data i.e. 0 or 1 in form of bits, it can only
contain one value at a period of time. Digital signals are
represented as square waves or clock signals.

The minimum value is 0 volts whereas maximum value is 5 volts.

Digital signals are less subjected to noise compared to analog

signal.

Transmission of digital data in analog channel is done by process

called Modulation.
 Amplitude modulation is a process in which digital data is
converted to analog signals using single frequency carrier signal.
Similarly FREQUENCY shift keying uses a constant amplitude carrier
signal and two frequencies to differentiate between 1 and 0.

Nowadays usage of digital signals for transmitting information has

increased rapidly in every field of usage as the applications and
properties of digital signals are more productive compared to
analog signals.

Analog Signals Digital Signals

Analog signal is continuous and time varying. Digital signal have two or more states and in binary form.

Troubleshooting of analog signals are difficult. Troubleshooting of digital signals are easy.

An analog signal is usually in the form of sine wave. An digital signal is usually in the form of square wave.

Easily affected by the noise. These are stable and less prone to noise.

Analog signals use continous values to represent the data. Digital signals use discrete values to represent the data.

Accuracy of the analog signals may be affected by noise. Accuracy of the digital signals are immune from the noise.

Analog signals may be affected during data transmission. Digital signals are not affacted during data transmission.

Analog signals use more power. Digital signals use less power.

Examples: Temperature, Pressure, Flow measurements,

Examples: Valve Feedback, Motor Start, Trip, etc.
etc.

Components like resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Diodes Components like transistors, logic gates, and micro-controllers
are used in analog circuits. are used in Digital circuits.

Examples of digital signals:

• Smart transmitters using various protocols transmit data

through analog and digital signals.
 • Digital watches.
• Digital video signals.
• CD’s.
• DVD’s.
• Computer.

Difference between Analog and Digital

Signals
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What is the Difference Between

Sensor and Transducer?
by Editorial Staff

What is a Transducer?
A transducer converts or transforms one form of energy into
another. It does so by the process known as transduction.
In typical and general cases, the device changes a signal from one
of its states into another one. Let us take an example. A transducer
can convert electrical energy to a mechanical form of variation.

In most scenarios, a transducer finds application with the margins

and confines. They can be of different and distinct measurements,
control systems, and automation. The electrical instrument can
operate on a few conditions, specifications, and environments.

For instance, a transducer can function when a provided signal or

electrical energy faces transformation. It can be from a single state
of any given physical quantity to another variation. It can entail
motion, light, force, position, torque, etc.
What is a Sensor?
A sensor is another electrical instrument that falls under one of the
categories of a transducer. It works by receiving the stimulus or
signal from a particular and given physical system. The device then
generates and transmits a response for it.

The gadget creates and develops a signal to get returned. It

represents and illustrates the data of the complete arrangement.
This approach can find application in various types or categories of
systems associated with the statistical, telemetric, or control
aspects.

A sensor can perceive distinct changes and variations occurring in

its environment. After discovering the alterations, the device sends
the gathered and interpreted data to another version or state of the
electronics.

In typical cases, the latter comprises a computer processor. On the

other hand, manual deciphering done by a human being is also an
option.

What are the Different Categories of

Transducers?
It is possible to categorize a transducer and divide it into unique
kinds based on various parameters. In this article, we will discuss a
few types of transducers.

The first basis or reason of classification can entail the manner or

process in which the electrical instrument works and functions. The
way it operates and the results provided can further fall under this
category.
If we use the mentioned basis, a transducer can get divided into the
two following types:

Mechanical Transducer

A mechanical transducer can convert a physical quantity. It can

change it to the form of its mechanical counterpart.

Electrical Transducer

An electrical transducer can convert a physical quantity. It can

change it to the form of its electrical counterpart.

Furthermore, a transducer can go through further categorization

depending on the type of operation it performs. In such cases, it can
get classified into:

Input Transducer

An input transducer converts a given form of a particular physical

quantity or parameter into a signal that can get read and
deciphered.

A microphone is a type of input transducer. It takes in the

generated and created sound waves, converting them into a signal
in its electrical form.

Following that, the element or variable can get transported or

transferred to the signal amplifier. It can get done using a wire
connection mechanism or system.

Output Transducer

An output transducer works in a way or fashion that is the complete

opposite of the operation style of an input transducer. It takes the
received signals in their electrical form and converts them into
another energy form or version.

A lamp is a type of output transducer. It utilizes electricity to convert

it and produce light energy.

What are the Different Categories of

Sensors?
A sensor, like a transducer, can also get categorized into several
kinds, a few of which include:

Position Sensor

A position sensor assesses the distance and linear or angular

position. It is of a body that moves from its reference point. It does
so by associating and contrasting the final value with a specific
location.

Additionally, it can compute the position and presence of an

object.

Strain Gauge

A strain gauge determines the value of the strain or force. The

degree or extent of the applied force can change its resistance and
lead to several electrical outputs.

It helps to compute the value of weight, pressure, and tension.

Flow and Level Switch

A flow and level switch gauges a liquid or solid substance-using

current, relay, or millivolt outputs.
Vibration Sensor

A vibration sensor assesses the vibration frequency of a system,

equipment, or machine. The acquired values help to determine
issues like imbalance and correct them.

Photo Optic Sensor

A photo optic sensor computes the presence and distance of any

object. It uses a photoelectric receiver paired with a light transmitter
to do so.

Humidity Sensor

A humidity sensor determines the state and condition of air

humidity at any given place and time.

Force Sensor

A force sensor estimates the magnitudes of strain, compression,

force, and load.

Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor controls various electrical devices and appliances.

Additionally, it computes the speed and flow of a fluid indirectly.

Fluid Property Sensor

A fluid property sensor assesses the proportionate and dynamic

relationship between various physical properties. It helps estimate
the fluid’s contaminant load, condition, and quality.
Piezo Sensor

A piezo sensor produces an electrical signal by altering pressure

and acceleration. Furthermore, it computes the change in
acceleration, pressure, and strain.

Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor estimates the temperature changes in all

states of matter.

What are the Differences Between a

Transducer and a Sensor?
The following are the parameters that differ between the sensor and
transducer.

• Nature
A transducer is like a translator, while a sensor is like a detector.

• Components
A transducer has a signal conditioner and sensor. A sensor has no
such parts.

• Performance Complexity
A transducer’s operation is more complex than that of a sensor.

• Feedback System
A transducer gives feedback to a particular system using an output
device. It does so after the processing in the signal conditioner part.

On the other hand, a sensor does not have the ability and capability
to do so.

• Output Signal
A transducer alters the output signal to change it to an electrical
form. A sensor does not make any conversions.

Read Next:

• MCQ on Sensors & Transducers

• Types of Sensors and Transducers
• Compare Transmitter and Transducer
• Control System MCQ Test Questions
• Measurements Instrumentation MCQ