What are Signals ?
Signals in electrical circuits are defined as the change of voltage or current with time. In other words, electrical signals are electromagnetic or electrical waves that carry information in an electric network or circuit.
Transfer of data and information is done via signals, such as audio and video signals which helps in communication through any medium such as optical, electromagnetic, wireless, or wired medium. Signals are processed through various devices like ICs (Integrated circuits), transistors, and diodes.
What are the Different Types of Signals?
An electrical signal is a physical quantity that varies with time. It varies with any dependent or independent quantity. A signal can either be one-dimensional or multi-dimensional. When the function which varies with time depends only on a single variable then that type of signal is referred to as a one-dimensional signal. Examples of such signals are audio signals, biometrics like pulse or heartbeat, light wave signals, etc. On the other hand, a signal that is dependent on more than one time-dependent variable, then that type of signal is known as a multi-dimensional signal. Examples of two-dimensional signals are electromagnetic signals, video signals, etc. A signal is a mathematical representation of energy.
Thus, signal is a time-dependent function that can be dependent on one or more than one physical quantity for the transference of data and information with or without the presence of the medium. Electromagnetic wave signals can travel in a vacuum whereas sound and electrical signals require a medium for their propagation.
Table of Content
- Signals
- Characteristics of Signal
- Operations on Signal
- Classification of Electric Signals
- Applications of Signals
- Advantages of Signals
- Disadvantages of Signals