quantizer

/ˈkwɑnˌtaɪzər/
noun
  1. A device or algorithm that converts a continuous signal into a set of discrete values.
    • The engineer adjusted the quantizer to improve the accuracy of the digital measurement.
    • In image processing, a quantizer reduces the number of colors in a photo to create a simpler graphic.
    • The audio interface uses a quantizer to turn the analog microphone signal into digital data.