Kvantointiksi

Kvantointiksi is a Finnish term that translates to "quantization error" in English. It refers to the discrepancy that arises when a continuous analog signal is converted into a discrete digital signal. This process, known as analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), involves sampling the analog signal at regular intervals and then assigning a numerical value to each sample from a finite set of possible values.

The limitation in the number of available discrete values, dictated by the bit depth of the digital system, is the fundamental cause of quantization error. When an analog signal's value falls between two of these discrete levels, the ADC must round the value to the nearest available level. This rounding introduces an error, the magnitude of which is at most half of the least significant bit.

Quantization error is an inherent part of digital signal processing and is present in all digital representations of analog data, including audio, images, and sensor readings. While it cannot be entirely eliminated, its impact can be minimized. Increasing the bit depth of the ADC reduces the step size between discrete levels, thereby decreasing the maximum possible quantization error. Techniques like dithering can also be employed to spread the quantization error more evenly across the signal, making it less perceptible or easier to filter out. Understanding and managing quantization error is crucial for achieving accurate and high-fidelity digital signal representations.