Analog Quantities
Most natural quantities that we see are analog and vary continuously. Analog systems can generally handle higher power than digital systems.
Digital systems can process, store, and transmit data more efficiently but can only assign discrete values to each point.
Analog and Digital Systems
Many systems use a mix of analog and digital electronics to take advantage of each technology. A typical CD player accepts digital data from the CD drive and converts it to an analog signal for amplification.
Binary Digits and Logic Levels
Digital electronics uses circuits that have two states, which are represented by two different voltage levels called HIGH and LOW. The voltages represent numbers in the binary system.
In binary, a single number is called a bit (for binary digit). A bit can have the value of either a 0 or a 1, depending on if the voltage is HIGH or LOW.
Digital Waveforms//
Digital waveforms change between the LOW and HIGH levels. A positive going pulse is one that goes from a normally LOW logic level to a HIGH level and then back again. Digital waveforms are made up of a series of pulses.
Pulse Definitions
Actual pulses are not ideal but are described by the rise time, fall time, amplitude, and other characteristics.