converter

A converter is a device or system that changes one form of energy, data, or information into another. In engineering and electronics, the term is broad and encompasses power converters, data converters, and format or unit converters. Electrical power converters modify voltage, current, or frequency to suit different loads or sources. Rectifiers convert alternating current to direct current, while inverters perform the opposite conversion. DC-DC converters regulate a DC supply to a different voltage level. AC-AC converters alter voltage magnitude or frequency. Modern converters often use switching techniques to improve efficiency and provide regulated outputs for computing equipment, communication networks, and industrial machines.

In the area of signal processing, data converters translate between analog and digital representations. An analog-to-digital converter samples a continuous signal and quantizes it into discrete levels, enabling digital processing. A digital-to-analog converter performs the reverse. Specifications such as sampling rate, resolution (bit depth), bandwidth, dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and distortion characterize performance. These devices are central to measurement, audio, instrumentation, and control systems.

Converters also exist to transform data formats, media types, or units. Video, audio, image, or document format converters adapt data to different standards or applications. Unit converters apply defined conversion factors (for example, length, mass, temperature), while currency converters compute exchange values based on current rates, often in software and online services.

Design and usage considerations include efficiency, accuracy, noise, heat, regulatory compliance, and compatibility with surrounding systems.