Fundamental terminology: In digital and mixed-signal systems, the abbreviation “ADC” stands for analog-to-digital converter. Evaluate this definition.

Introduction / Context:
Digital systems often must acquire real-world signals such as temperature, sound, and light. These signals are analog (continuous in amplitude and time), and must be converted into discrete digital values for storage, processing, or control. Devices that perform this function are universally called analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider standard data-converter terminology used in electronics.
• ADC input is analog voltage or current within a specified range.
• ADC output is a digital code (binary, two’s complement, or offset binary).

Concept / Approach:
An ADC samples an analog input, quantizes it into one of 2^N discrete levels (for N-bit resolution), and outputs the corresponding code. Key performance metrics include resolution, sampling rate, input bandwidth, integral/differential nonlinearity, signal-to-noise and distortion, and effective number of bits.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Contrast with DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which reconstructs an analog signal from a digital code. The paired use of ADC and DAC is standard in data acquisition and control loops.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Incorrect” denies standard industry terminology. “Applies only to audio converters” is too narrow. “Amplitude-to-decimal converter” is nonstandard and misleading.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing sampling rate with analog bandwidth; ignoring anti-alias filtering; assuming code is always straight binary when offset formats may be used.

Final Answer:
Correct