Kvantointivirheellä

Kvantointivirheellä, or quantization error, is a phenomenon that occurs when continuous analog signals are converted into discrete digital representations. This conversion process, known as analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), involves sampling the analog signal at regular intervals and then assigning each sample a numerical value from a finite set of possible values. The difference between the original analog value and its assigned digital approximation is the quantization error.

The magnitude of the quantization error is directly related to the number of bits used in the digital representation. A system with more bits can represent a wider range of values with finer granularity, thus resulting in smaller quantization errors. Conversely, fewer bits lead to coarser representation and larger quantization errors. This error can manifest as noise in audio signals or distortion in image and video data.

Quantization error is an inherent limitation of digital signal processing. While it cannot be entirely eliminated, its impact can be minimized through techniques such as increasing the bit depth of the ADC, using dithering, or employing sophisticated signal processing algorithms during reconstruction. Understanding and managing quantization error is crucial for achieving high-fidelity digital representations of analog signals across various applications, including audio recording, digital imaging, and telecommunications.