Sample & Hold Circuits

Sample & Hold Circuits are ICs (integrated circuits) that sample the voltage of ani input analog signal that is continuous and retain the value at a consistent level for an amount of time set by the user. This generation of the sample of the input signal is called sampling time

What are sample & hold circuits used for?

Sample & hold circuits are primarily used in linear systems to compare voltage generated via a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). The circuit tests values until the voltage is equal. Each value is then sampled and held utilising a sample clock.

Applications of sample & hold circuits

Most commonly in ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) to remove variations in the input signal. They are utilised in musical instruments such as synthesizers to impart effects on randomly to played notes.

Sample and hold circuits are also used in other applications such as;

• Digital Voltmeters
• Analog Signal Processing
• Data Conversion Systems