analog computer

Thân thiện

An engineer adjusts the dials on an analog computer to solve a problem.

Definition

Noun: A type of computer that processes and represents data using continuously variable physical quantities, such as electrical voltages, mechanical positions, or fluid pressures, rather than discrete digital numbers. It is designed to model and solve problems by creating a physical analogy of the mathematical relationships involved.

Examples of Usage

• Early analog computers were used to solve complex differential equations for engineering and military applications.
• The tide-predicting machine, built in the 19th century, is considered a pioneering analog computer.
• Unlike digital computers, an analog computer represents the number 5 not as a binary code, but as a specific voltage level, like 5 volts.

Advanced Usage

• "to simulate/ model with an analog computer": To use an analog computer to create a physical representation of a system for study.
  • Engineers used an analog computer to simulate the stresses on the aircraft's wings.
• The term is often used in historical or technical contexts to contrast with modern digital computing.

Variants and Related Words

• Analogue computer (noun): A chiefly British English spelling variant of "analog computer."
• Analog (adjective): Relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity.
  • An analog signal, like that from a vinyl record, is different from a digital MP3 file.
• Analog computation (noun): The process of performing calculations using analog computers or analog methods.

Synonyms

• Analogue computer
• Analogue device (in a computing context)

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Differential Analyzer: A specific, historically significant type of analog computer used for solving differential equations.
• Slide Rule: A manual analog computing device used primarily for multiplication and division.
• Digital Computer: The contrasting type of computer that processes discrete, binary data (0s and 1s).

Học thuật

Noun

1. a computer that represents information by variable quantities (e.g., positions or voltages)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• analogue computer