ADCs

ADCs most often refers to two major domains. In electronics, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) transforms a continuous signal into a digital representation. The device samples the input at a specified rate and quantizes its amplitude into a finite number of levels, defined by the resolution in bits. Common architectures include successive approximation register (SAR), sigma-delta, flash, and pipeline converters, each balancing speed, resolution, and power consumption. Key specifications include resolution, sampling rate, input bandwidth, and linearity. ADCs enable digital processing of audio, instrumentation, sensors, and control systems. Theoretical limits are governed by sampling theory and quantization noise.

In biomedicine, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of targeted cancer therapies composed of an antibody linked to a cytotoxic payload via a chemical linker. The antibody directs the conjugate to cancer cells expressing a specific antigen; after binding and internalization, the payload is released to kill the cell. Linker design (cleavable vs non-cleavable) and payload type (such as microtubule inhibitors or DNA-damaging agents) determine efficacy and safety. Approved examples include ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), and enfortumab vedotin (Padcev). ADC development faces challenges such as off-target toxicity, resistance from antigen loss, heterogeneity of antigen expression, and manufacturing complexity and cost. Ongoing research seeks novel payloads, site-specific conjugation, and alternative targeting antibodies to broaden applicability.

Both fields illustrate how the ADC acronym encompasses distinct technological approaches—signal conversion in electronics and targeted therapy in medicine—each with specialized design considerations.