Signal integrity after digitization: Once an analog signal is digitized correctly, the information it contains does not ________ as it is processed and relayed through digital systems.

Introduction / Context:
A key advantage of digital systems is that discrete symbols (bits) can be regenerated exactly, preventing cumulative quality loss that plagues analog processing chains. This property underlies robust storage, networking, and error-corrected communications.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The original analog signal has been sampled and quantized within the system’s specifications.
• Digital processing uses thresholds and regeneration to restore ideal levels.
• Error detection/correction can be applied to maintain integrity.

Concept / Approach:
In a properly designed digital pipeline, signals are re-timed and re-leveled, so noise does not accumulate from stage to stage. Therefore the information does not deteriorate during processing; instead, it remains intact as long as errors stay below correctable thresholds.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Digital repeaters in networks demonstrate regeneration; storage copies are identical bit-for-bit, avoiding generational loss present in analog tape dubbing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
complain/stiffen: nonsensical in this context.

compress: orthogonal concept; digital data may or may not be compressed.

Common Pitfalls:
Believing digital is immune to all errors. Catastrophic errors can occur when noise exceeds margins, but under normal margins, information integrity is preserved.

Final Answer:
deteriorate