Sample (signal)

A sample refers to a value or set of values at a point in time and/or space.

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The defining point of a sample is that it is a chosen value out of a continuous signal.

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The sample need not be discrete or digital (a common misunderstanding).

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A theoretical sampler multiplies a continuous signal with a Dirac comb.

Related Topics:
Sampler - Dirac comb

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This multiplication "picks out" values but the result is still a continuous function; just zero at non-sampling locations.

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If this signal is then discretized (i.e., converted into a sequence) and quantized along all dimensions it becomes a discrete signal.

Related Topics:
Sequence - Discrete signal

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