Shannon Sampling Theorem

A continuous-time signal x(t) with frequencies no higher than fmax can be reconstructed exactly from its samples x[n]=x(nTs), if the samples are taken at a rate fs=1/Ts that is greater than 2fmax, which is called Nyquist sampling rate (or frequency)

With different sampling frequency, sampling of an analog signal will different discrete sequence
Sampling frequency must be employed in order to reconstruct the original analog signal

Poor Sampling
1.5 1 0.5 0 0 -0.5 -1 -1.5 2 4 6 8 10 12

Sampling Frequency = 1/2 X Wave Frequency

Even Worse
1.5 1 0.5 0 0 -0.5 -1 -1.5 2 4 6 8 10 12

Sampling Frequency = 1/3 X Wave Frequency

Higher Sampling Frequency

1.5 1 0.5 0 0 -0.5 -1 -1.5 2 4 6 8 10 12

Sampling Frequency = 2/3 Wave Frequency

Getting Better
1.5 1 0.5 0 0 -0.5 -1 -1.5 2 4 6 8 10 12

Sampling Frequency = Wave Frequency

Good Sampling
1.5 1

0.5

0 0 -0.5 2 4 6 8 10 12

-1

-1.5

Sampling Frequency = 2 X Wave Frequency

SAMPLE &HOLD CIRCUIT

The purpose of the sample and hold circuitry is to take a snapshot of the sensor signal and hold the value. The ADC must have a stable signal in order to accurately perform a conversion.

The switch connects the capacitor to the signal conditioning circuit once every sample period. The capacitor then holds the voltage value measured until a new sample is acquired. Many times, the sample and hold circuitry is incorporated into the same integrated circuit package.