5-WAC-07 Analogue Digital Signals

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Outcomes

  • Pupils can identify the key differences between analogue and digital signals.
  • Pupils can identify and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of analogue and digital signals.
  • Pupils understand that data can be transmitted at much higher rate when transmitted digitally rather than as an analogue signal.

Specification References

  • 3.23 understand the difference between analogue and digital signals
  • 3.24 describe the advantages of using digital signals rather than analogue signals
  • 3.25 describe how digital signals can carry more information

Starter

  • Ask pupils to list all the different formats music can be bought in
  • Elucidate:
    • MP3 / AAC / etc.
    • MiniDisc
    • DAT
    • CD
    • Cassette
    • 8-track
    • Wire recording
    • Vinyl
    • Wax cylinder
  • Discuss the difference between the different formats. Have pupils group formats into digital and "non-digital" (no need to refer to analogue at this stage).

Main Body of Lesson

  • Ask pupils what the advantages of CD over tape are. This may not work, I don't know how old kids are and whether they actually know what a tape is.
  • Show pupils a vinyl record. Draw comparisons between the grooves in a record and the "tracks" on a CD. (Interesting bonus fact: "tracks" on CDs are 1.6µm apart, vinyl "tracks" are about 50µm apart.)
  • Look at vinyl record under a microscope (will this work?)
  • Explain the continuous/discrete nature of analogue/digital signals.
  • Show graphical examples of analogue / digital signals.

Plenary

  • Discuss the importance of sampling rate.

Homework

Additional Information

Resources Required

Textbook References

Website References

Skills Addressed

Safety/Hazards

Notes