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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hame-adc-bits-1mv

What is the minimum number of bits to sample a 1-volt range at 1-millivolt resolution?

10 bits give 1,024 steps, enough for 1,000.

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  1. 10 bits ✔
  2. 6 bits
  3. 8 bits

Why: A 1 volt range at 1 millivolt steps needs 1,000 levels. Nine bits give only 512 levels, while 10 bits give 1,024.

Huh, didn't know that: Decimation reduces the effective sample rate by removing samples (E7F08).

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Why is it slow to send data over a serial port? You have to go bit by bit.
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References

Answer: 10 bits. A 1 volt range at 1 millivolt steps needs 1,000 levels. Nine bits give only 512 levels, while 10 bits give 1,024.

  1. NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E7F06 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    D. 10 bits
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E7F08 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    B. Reducing the effective sample rate by removing samples
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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