How many discrete voltage values does a 10-bit A/D converter have in its range?

A 10-bit A/D (analog-to-digital) converter can represent a range of discrete voltage values based on the formula (2^n), where (n) is the number of bits. In this case, with 10 bits, the calculation is (2^{10}), which equals 1024.

This means a 10-bit A/D converter has 1024 unique voltage levels it can output, allowing for a more precise sampling of the analog signal. This level of precision is critical in applications such as neurophysiologic monitoring, where accurate representation of the signal can impact clinical decisions.

Understanding this concept is essential, as it underscores the importance of bit depth in determining the resolution and accuracy of digital representations of analog signals in medical instrumentation.