What integrated circuit device converts an analog signal to a digital signal?

The integrated circuit device that converts an analog signal to a digital signal is the ADC, or Analog-to-Digital Converter. This device plays a crucial role in modern electronics by allowing analog signals, which are continuous and can take on any value within a range, to be transformed into a digital format, characterized by discrete values. This conversion is essential because digital signals are easier to process, store, and transmit in various applications, especially in digital systems, computers, and digital communication devices.

ADCs sample the input analog signal at specific intervals and then quantize these samples into a finite number of values, producing a binary output that represents the original analog signal. This capability allows for the integration of real-world signals, such as sound and temperature, into digital systems.

In contrast, DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) perform the opposite function by converting digital signals back into analog form. Comparators are used to compare two voltage levels and amplify differences rather than directly convert signals, while amplifiers increase the power of a signal without changing its form. Thus, the ADC is the correct choice for converting an analog signal to a digital signal.