What does an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) do in digital instrumentation?

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) plays a crucial role in digital instrumentation by converting analog signals into digital data. This function is fundamental because most real-world signals, such as sound, light, and temperature, are analog in nature. By transforming these continuous signals into a format that a digital system can process—specifically, a series of binary numbers—the ADC allows for digital processing, storage, and manipulation of data. This conversion facilitates the use of various digital devices that rely on data in a binary format for analysis, display, and further processing, making the ADC a key component in modern electronic instrumentation systems.

Other options do not accurately describe the role of an ADC. For instance, amplifying digital signals is not something an ADC does; its primary function is conversion, not amplification. Converting digital signals back into analog is the role of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), making that description inaccurate regarding the function of an ADC. While there are systems capable of processing both analog and digital data, this description is too broad and does not specifically pertain to the primary function of an ADC. Thus, the conversion of analog signals into digital data is the essential task that defines the operation of an ADC in digital instrumentation.