What is the minimum number of bits required to sample a signal with a range of 1 volt at a resolution of 1 millivolt?

To find the required number of bits, you first need to determine the total number of discrete steps needed. A range of 1 volt (1000 millivolts) divided by a resolution of 1 millivolt per step equals exactly 1000 steps. In digital systems, the number of steps provided by n bits is 2^n. You need to find the smallest power of 2 that is greater than or equal to 1000. Calculating the powers of 2 gives: 2^8 = 256, 2^9 = 512, and 2^10 = 1024. Since 1024 is the smallest power of two that accommodates the required 1000 steps, a minimum of 10 bits is required.