Nature of real-world inputs: “Most signals applied to a computer for storage or processing are inherently digital.” Evaluate this statement considering sensors and user inputs.

Introduction / Context:
Computers ultimately process digital data, but many sources in the physical world are analog: temperature, pressure, sound, light intensity, and motion. Understanding this distinction is essential for mixed-signal system design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sensors often produce analog voltages or currents proportional to a physical quantity.
• Human interfaces like microphones and touch sensors produce analog signals before digitization.
• Digital inputs (keyboards, network packets) also exist but are not the majority of raw physical phenomena.

Concept / Approach:
Analog front ends (AFEs) condition sensor outputs, which are then digitized by ADCs. Once converted, computers handle storage/processing. While some inputs are natively digital (e.g., USB keyboard, Ethernet), the broader universe of real-world inputs is analog until converted.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
System block diagrams for data acquisition, IoT nodes, and embedded controllers consistently show pervasive ADC stages for physical-world sensing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Correct: Ignores the prevalence of analog sensors.

“Only true for network packets/keyboard” narrows scope to special cases rather than the general reality of interfacing with the physical world.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “processed by a computer” with “originated as digital.” Many signals are digitized only after acquisition.

Final Answer:
Incorrect