Sound card

A computer component that converts digital audio to analog signals and analog audio to digital data, providing audio input and output through hardware connections.

Digital-to-analog converter: An electronic circuit that converts digital values into a continuously varying analog signal. It turns audio samples into an analog waveform for speakers or headphones.
Digital audio: Sound represented as discrete numerical values rather than a continuously varying physical signal. Sound cards bridge digital audio inside computers and physical sound outside them.
Computer audio: The capture, processing, storage, and playback of sound using computer systems. Sound cards provide the hardware path for computer audio input and output.
Integrated audio: Audio circuitry built into a computer’s motherboard or chipset rather than provided by a separate card. It performs many sound-card functions without requiring a dedicated expansion card.
Analog-to-digital converter: An electronic circuit that converts an analog signal into digital values. It digitizes microphone and line-input signals for computer processing.
Analog signal: A signal whose value varies continuously over time or another continuous dimension. Microphones and speakers exchange analog signals with a sound card.
Audio recording: The capture and storage of sound as a reproducible signal. Sound-card inputs convert external audio into data that recording software can save.
External sound card: An audio interface in a separate enclosure that connects to a computer, commonly by USB. It provides sound-card functions outside the computer’s case.
Audio codec: A device or software system that encodes and decodes digital audio. Many sound cards use codec chips to handle conversion and audio formats.
Audio jack: A connector used to carry audio signals between electronic devices. Jacks provide common physical connections for microphones, speakers, and headphones.

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Expansion cardBroader topic: It adds or improves audio conversion, playback, and recording.