What is the difference between analog and digital signals in the context of mechatronics engineering?

Analog signals in mechatronics engineering refer to continuous signals that vary in a smooth and gradual manner over time. These signals are represented by a continuous range of values and are typically used to measure physical quantities such as voltage, current, and temperature.

On the other hand, digital signals in mechatronics engineering are discrete signals that have only two possible states - high (1) or low (0). These signals are used to encode information in binary form and are commonly found in digital devices such as microcontrollers and sensors.

The key difference between analog and digital signals lies in their representation and processing. While analog signals can take on any value within a continuous range, digital signals are limited to two discrete states. Mechatronics engineers often work with both types of signals to design and control electromechanical systems efficiently.