Name the device: A(n) ________ converts an analog input quantity into a digital output code suitable for processing or storage.

Introduction / Context:
Signal chains often begin with sensors producing analog voltages or currents. To process these signals in digital systems, a device is needed to translate analog values into binary codes: the analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Input is an analog quantity (voltage/current).
• Output must be a digital code (binary or two’s complement).
• No specific architecture is mandated by the question.

Concept / Approach:
An ADC samples (implicitly or explicitly) an analog input and assigns it to one of many discrete quantization levels, outputting a corresponding digital code. Many architectures exist—flash, SAR, sigma-delta, pipeline—and all meet the functional definition. “Flash converter” is a subtype of ADC; “DAC” performs the inverse function; “bipolar converter” is not a standard device class name in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Any ADC datasheet demonstrates analog input pins, sampling front-end, reference, and a digital output interface (parallel, SPI, I2C), confirming the function.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the general class (ADC) with a specific architecture; overlooking required sampling/hold behavior in faster ADCs.

Final Answer:
ADC