What is the function of the source encoder in a communication system?

The function of the source encoder in a communication system is fundamentally about transforming the input data into a sequence of bits. This process is crucial because the input data, whether it's text, audio, or video, is generally in a format that is not suitable for transmission over a communication channel. The source encoder takes this varied input and compresses it into a binary format, which is composed of 0s and 1s.

This conversion is essential for efficient packing of the data for transmission, as it reduces redundancy and optimizes the amount of data that needs to be sent, thus facilitating more effective data transfer. Once the data is in a bit sequence, it becomes compatible with various encoding and transmission techniques used in the communication system.

The other functionalities listed do play roles in the overall communication process but do not describe the primary purpose of the source encoder. For instance, converting input into binary refers to initial conversion processes but doesn't encapsulate the full role of the encoder, which is more about generating a bit sequence specifically. Mapping binary into channel waveform and decoding the signal are related to later stages in the communication process where the data is prepared for transmission or interpreted after transmission, respectively. Hence, the source encoder's main role is accurately described as converting