> This is multi-level cell flash memory, and it's been in use for years. Instead of "high" or "low" voltage they use the in-between states to encode more bits per cell. [1]
Yes, I'm explaining it with high and low voltage because that's an easy example to wrap your head around if you haven't thought about signal processing or hardware engineering before.
How much calculus would it require in order to get a decent grasp on signal processing? Not to work in the field or become an expert, but to gain an at least somewhat intelligent outsider’s understanding of it?
Learn what's the deal with the Fourier Transform and the Z transform. Then learn how to design some digital FIR filters. Oh and do learn about the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, it's very important. And that's about it...just joking, there's tons more. But that would be a good start.
Yes, I'm explaining it with high and low voltage because that's an easy example to wrap your head around if you haven't thought about signal processing or hardware engineering before.