Which type of signals provide a continuous indication of the value or position of the variable being monitored?

• A. Analog
• B. Digital
• C. Pulse
• D. Discrete

Answer: (A)

Analog signals provide a continuous indication of the value or position of the variable being monitored. Because an analog signal can take on any value within a range, it changes smoothly over time, allowing the system to read the exact instantaneous value. For example, a position sensor might output a voltage that rises or falls gradually as the shaft moves, giving a continuous readout of position.

Digital or discrete signals, by contrast, use only a few distinct levels and represent states rather than a continuous magnitude, so they can’t convey the exact value at every moment. Pulse signals encode information in the timing or width of on/off events, which is useful for timing or control but doesn’t provide a continuous measurement of the variable’s value. Therefore, the correct choice is analog.