The term "quantized" refers to the process or state of being divided or discretized into distinct, separate units or levels. It is often used in the context of digital technology, signal processing, and physics.
In digital technology, quantization involves converting continuous analog signals or data into discrete digital values. This is done by dividing the range of values into distinct levels and assigning a specific value to each level. For example, in audio and image processing, analog signals are quantized into digital samples represented by binary numbers.
In signal processing, quantization is the process of approximating or representing continuous signals or data with a finite number of discrete levels or steps. This can introduce errors or loss of information, known as quantization error, as the original continuous signal is inherently infinite while the quantized representation is limited.
In physics, quantization refers to the concept in quantum mechanics where certain physical quantities, such as energy, angular momentum, or electric charge, can only take on discrete values. This arises from the fundamental properties of quantum systems and is essential for understanding phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels.
Overall, the term "quantized" implies the discretization or division of a continuous entity into distinct, quantifiable units or levels.