Analogue Computer Versus Digital Computer

‡ Sets up analogy of problem. ‡ Represents physical variable by continuous measurement of analogous quantity (shaft rotation, voltage). ‡ Breaks down problem into arithmetic ‡ Represents numbers by discrete, coded pattern (digital data), such as perforations in card or presence of pulses.

‡ Basic operation performed by relatively few 'singlepurpose' devices (integrators, multipliers, summers, resolvers, etc.).

‡ Operations performed by relatively many interchangeable arithmetic devices (adders, registers, accumulators etc.).

‡ Relatively few devices needed; hence comparatively low cost and ease of programming. ‡ Distinct elements used for each operation (parallel channels).

‡ Many devices needed; hence, high cost and difficult programming.

‡ Identical elements used in sequence (primarily series operation).

‡ Accuracy limited to about 1 part in 104. ‡ Data storage (memory) dispersed in various noninterchangeable devices.

‡ Unlimited accuracy (to 1 part in 1012 or more). ‡ Data storage concentrated in space, interchangeable and unlimited in duration.

‡ Analogue computer serves as model and 'mirrors' relations of actual system; operations usually carried out in actual (real) time of physical system. ‡ Represents physical or mathematical quantities.

‡ Digital computer compounds arithmetic data, unrelated to system it represents. Time of operations usually does not correspond to 'real' time. ‡ Can represent numbers, as well as letters and other symbols.

‡ Best suited to represent measurable quantities and simulate response of physical systems by mathematical analogies.

‡ Best suited to handle discrete random processes, statistical data, and numerical problems of business and scientific nature.

Examples of digital computing devices include; abacus, desk calculators and the adding machines. Examples of analogue computing devices include; slide rule, planimeter, ball-and-disk integrator etc

Hybrid Computers
‡ These make use of both analogue and digital components and techniques. The most recent analogue computers use digital memory storage for intermediate results or repetitive problems; other hybrids exist. To use both types of computing techniques for solving a problem, 'analogue-to-digital' and 'digital-to-analogue' converters are required, which will make analogue data palatable to a digital computer, and vice versa.