SIGNALS (Discrete or continuous)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3039 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
G. PASK discusses the different characteristics of discrete or continuous signals.
He observes: “Discrete signals carry with them greater assurance, for the instrument (Note: i.e. the detector) only needs to decide which one of a few signals occurred” (1961a, p.125).
This is the reason for the generaliuzed use of digital codes in place of analogical ones.
As stated by PASK: “Generally, the discrete signals leave less uncertainty about their source than continuous signals both for organisms and machines”. Even so, “Various coding schemes, more or less efficient, more or less fallible can be used; for example, in a discrete system the intervals between individual pips may or may not be a signal and able to convey information” (Ibid).
As an example of continuous signal, PASK offers “…the concentration of a specific chemical hormone in the bloodstream” (Ibid).
Continuous signals seem best adapted for the regulation of systems oscillating within a stability zone limited by some thresholds, i.e. homeostatic systems.