Sample Rate

A sample rate is the frequency at which an analog signal is measured and converted to digital data, typically expressed in samples per second or Hertz (Hz). It determines how often discrete measurements are taken from a continuous analog waveform during analog-to-digital conversion. Higher sample rates capture more detail and enable accurate reproduction of higher frequency components, with common rates including 44.1 kHz for audio and much higher rates for RF and high-speed signals. The sample rate must be at least twice the highest frequency component in the signal to avoid aliasing, according to the Nyquist theorem.