Terminology check: “Digitizing a signal converts it from digital to analog.” Evaluate this statement with respect to data acquisition practice.

Introduction / Context:
In instrumentation and audio/video systems, two opposite operations are common: digitizing with an ADC and reconstruction with a DAC. Mixing these terms leads to design misunderstandings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Digitizing refers to sampling and quantizing an analog waveform.
• ADC = analog-to-digital converter; DAC = digital-to-analog converter.
• Question asks which direction “digitizing” implies.

Concept / Approach:
Digitizing is the process of converting an analog signal into a sequence of numbers (digital codes) using sampling (in time) and quantization (in amplitude). The reverse operation is performed by a DAC, which converts digital codes back into a continuous-time, continuous-amplitude signal (after filtering).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Block diagrams in DAQ systems show sensors → conditioning → ADC → digital processing; output paths show processor → DAC → actuator/audio.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Correct: Opposes standard definitions.

“Only true for DACs” or “only true in S/H” misapplies the term; sample-and-hold aids ADCs but is not “digital to analog.”

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing sampling (front end) with playback (back end). Mislabeling blocks on a mixed-signal diagram.

Final Answer:
Incorrect