What is the role of the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in digital systems?

The role of the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in digital systems is to convert analog signals into digital form. This process is crucial because most modern electronic systems operate using digital data, which can be easily processed, stored, and transmitted. An ADC samples an analog input signal and quantizes it into discrete values that represent the signal at specific intervals. This conversion enables digital systems to interpret and manipulate real-world signals, such as sound, light, or temperature.

In contrast, amplifying analog signals pertains to increasing the power or amplitude of a signal but does not involve conversion to digital form. Processing digital signals involves manipulation or analysis of signals that are already in digital format, which is outside the ADC's function. Filtering noise from signals is a process that may occur either in the analog domain or after the signal has been converted to digital form, but it is not the primary purpose of an ADC. The ADC's dedicated role is specifically to bridge the gap between the analog and digital world by performing the essential task of conversion.