Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of Digital and Analogue
Mar 07 '01
The Bottom Line It really depends on what is required by the individual. Digital is by far the way of the future and WILL become better than analogue in all aspects.
Here are some facts you need to know. I will explain these very simply for you to understand. And all you experts, don't take everything I say literally.
Analogue signals are the signals used to transmit voice and data, whether you are using an analogue phone or digital phone. They both transmit using analogue.
Now, to make it easy for radio technology illiterate people to understand, I will liken an analogue signal to a piece of string that is vibrated. You remember those tin-can and string telephones you used to make when you were a little kid? Yep! The same thing. See. You are more up to date with today’s technology than you previously thought.
Now - Imagine what happens to the string when someone talks into one of the cans. Yes, the string vibrates with the vibration of the voice. Well this is an analogue signal being transmitted down the string. This signal then is converted into sound that can be heard from the can at the other end of the string. Simple? Well that's how an analogue cell phone works. This is an extremely simplified example because there is a little more advanced technology used to filter out the different phone calls called multiplexing, but we don't need to know that for this explanation.
Now put your thinking caps on and ask yourself what would result from someone tying a piece of string to the centre of the string used in our string telephone and adding a can to the end of that piece of string. Yes, there would be a three way conversation. That's also what happens when someone wants to hear what you are saying in your private call on your analogue cell phone. It is as easy as buying a scanner and tuning into your call.
So you are starting to have your doubts about your analogue cell phone now. Well, you may recall that I said analogue signals are used to transmit BOTH analogue and digital phone calls. Before you say, "Now hang on! What's your explanation for two phones that work the same?" I will explain the operation and use for digital phones.
The digital cell phone uses a special computer processor chip to turn your voice into a digital code. This conversion is called encoding. Your encoded voice is now encoded even further using another processor into a digital code that cannot be listened in on. Now you are safe from people listening to your private conversations.
But how is that transmitted then? Well, there is also another device in your cell phone that converts this digital code back into analogue form. This device is called a modulator. Now this decoded signal is combined with a signal that is produced by a signal generator in your cell phone. The process of combining these two signals is called modulation.
The modulated signal is finally transmitted from your cell phone. This signal is then treated the same way as an analogue signal.
When this signal is received, it goes through all the stages it went through before, only backwards. It is demodulated, decoded and turned back into an audible signal that can be heard.
There is a lot more processor power needed in a cell phone to send and receive digital signals than is needed for analogue.
You are now saying to yourself that digital is better than analogue and you will never use an analogue phone again. Well not so fast. There are a few more pro's and con's to weigh up first.
We have established that digital is far more secure as far as security is concerned. Well, digital can also be used to send pictures, e-mail and internet over the phone. This is possible to do with analogue, but a lot more processors and filters are needed to achieve that.
So now we know that digital is best for data transfer. Well, phone companies that use digital technology have a lot more features then analogue phone companies. And digital companies are always adding new features because of the way that digital technology can be expanded and upgraded.
Analogue does, however have its advantages. The signal is usually much clearer, except for background noise, and the signal has a far greater transmitting distance. This means that you can go places with an analogue phone where a digital phone won't work. However, because digital is the way of the future, this problem will soon be overcome with more transmitter/receiver stations and better, stronger transmitters in the cell phones themselves.
Are you bought? Well, when you buy a cell phone, go to a store that sells both digital and analogue phones to make sure you don't get a biased opinion from the dealer.
This computer is digital. Look what you can do with it!!!!
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Member: Mason Torrey
Location: Whangarei, New Zealand
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About Me:
I am Mason J Torrey. Entrepreneur, writer, publisher, ideas specialist. Born 6th May, 1981.
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