What are the three stages of pulse code modulation (PCM)?

The correct identification of the three stages of pulse code modulation (PCM) as Sample, Quantize, and Encode reflects the fundamental process of converting an analog signal into a digital signal.

In the first stage, sampling involves measuring the amplitude of the analog signal at discrete intervals. This step is crucial because it determines how well the digital representation will reflect the original signal, being influenced by the sampling rate.

The second stage, quantization, takes the sampled values and rounds them to the nearest value from a finite set of levels. This process introduces a level of approximation, which maximizes the fidelity of the digital signal representation while minimizing required memory and bandwidth.

Lastly, encoding converts the quantized values into a binary format. This binary representation enables the digital signal to be processed, stored, and transmitted by digital devices.

Together, these three stages ensure that the analog signal is accurately converted into a digital format, facilitating its transmission and storage in a digital environment. Understanding this sequence of steps is fundamental in digital communication and signal processing.