What produces a digital output consisting of pulses that indicate an actual number?

The process of pulse counting is specifically designed to generate a digital output that reflects actual measurements through a series of pulses. Each pulse corresponds to a specific quantity or increment, allowing for precise representation of physical quantities in a digital form. This method is commonly used in various applications, including electronics and data acquisition systems, where it is essential to convert real-world signals into a format that can be interpreted by digital circuits or computers.

In contrast, while transducers convert physical signals into electrical signals, their primary role isn't to produce a digital output of pulses. An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) also plays a significant role in the digital output process but functions by sampling an analog signal and converting it into a digital representation rather than measuring through pulses directly. Operational amplifiers are used to amplify voltage signals but do not directly produce a count of pulses.

Therefore, pulse counting effectively serves the purpose of producing a clear digital output in the form of pulses that accurately indicate specific quantities.