Analog

computer
 computers
2

ANALOG COMPUTER,
any of a class of devices in
which continuously variable
physical quantities, such as 
electrical potential, fluid
pressure, or mechanical
motion, are represented in a
way analogous to the
corresponding quantities in
the problem to be solved
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the analog system is set up according to initial conditions and

then allowed to change freely. Answers to the problem are
obtained by measuring the variables in the analog model. Analog
computers were especially well suited to simulating dynamic
 systems; such simulations could be conducted in real time or at
greatly accelerated rates, thereby allowing experimentation by
repeated runs with altered variables. They were widely used in
simulations of aircraft, nuclear power plants, and industrial
chemical processes.

Other major uses included analysis of hydraulic networks (e.g.,

flow of liquids through a sewer system) and electronics networks (e.g.,
performance of long-distance circuits). By the 1970s, analog computers
had been replaced by faster, more powerful digital computers.
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Timeline for analog

computer
improvements
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Timeline of developments
 
earliest analog harmonic analyz
er differential Electronic analog
computer tide analyzer
  having 80 computers 
predictor  
components

1873 1898 1930’s Mid 20th century 1970’s

Vannevar Bush
William and college mates analog computers had been
Thomson (later replaced by faster, more
, A.A. Michelson
known as  powerful digital computers.
 and S.W. Stratton 
Lord Kelvin)
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S
 TIDE PREDICTOR  HARMONIC ANALYZER 

 80 components. Each of these was capable

of generating a sinusoidal motion, which
could be multiplied by constant factors by
adjustment of a fulcrum on levers. The
components were added by means of
springs to produce a resultant.
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S
DIFFERENTIAL
 ELECTRONIC ANALOG
ANALYZER 
COMPUTER

consisted of numerous types of amplifiers,

This machine, which used
mechanical integrators (gears of
variable speed) to solve differential
equations, was the first practical
and reliable device of its kind.
which could be connected so as to build up a
mathematical expression, sometimes of great
complexity and with a multitude of variables.

TYPES OF ANALOG COMPUTERS
1. SLIDE RULES
It is the simplest and most
recognizable mechanical analog
computer. It is the device for
approximating basic mathematical
 calculations. The user slides a hashed
rod to line up with various markings
on another rod. They read the device
on the basis of the lineup of various
hash marks.
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2. DIFFERENTIAL
ANALYSERS
It is a famous mechanical
analog computer and is able to
solve differential equations. The
differential analyzer was refined
in the 1930s. The machines are
large in comparison to modern
computers.

TYPES OF ANALOG COMPUTERS
3. THE CASTLE CLOCK
It is a good representation of the
various uses for mechanical
analog computers. It was invented
by Al-Jarazi and it was capable of
saving programming instructions.
A computational portion of this
device allowed users to set the
variable length of the day based
on the current season.
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4. ELECTRONIC ANALOG
COMPUTERS
Modern analog computers are
using electrical signals flowing through
various resistors and capacitors. These
are not using the mechanical interaction
of components. The voltage of the
signal provides the displays. Electronic
analog computers are also widely in use
for computing and military technology.
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TYPES OF ANALOG COMPUTERS

5. MECHANICAL ANALOGUE COMPUTERS

Mechanical Analog Computers, as the name suggests, make use of
mechanical parts like gears, shafts, cams, etc. to perform the computations
such as multiplication, division, etc. These type of computers are rough and
tough to use and have a number of applications in daily life. For example,
mechanical clocks, mechanical calculators, mechanical counters, etc. Other
mechanical computers may also use pneumatic and hydraulic theories. On
dividing a number by zero, a mechanical calculator behaves in a chaotic
manner.
 Examples of analog 11

computers
THERMOMETER
An analogue thermometer makes use
of a graduated scale and properties of
mercury to fulfil its operation. Mercury,
which is liquid at room temperature,
expands upon heating. Thereby, allowing
the consumer to diagnose the feverish state
of the body. Body temperature is an
analogue signal. Therefore, a thermometer
that measures body temperature is a
perfect example of analogue computers.
 Examples of analog 12

computers
 SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer is a device that detects the speed
of a moving vehicle. The scale of the speedometer is
properly graduated, usually in kilometres per hour.
The Speed is pointed with the help of a needle that
is allowed to deflect freely according to the analogue
signal received by it. This mechanical movement of
the speed cup is used to deflect the needle. This
deflection of the needle indicates the speed of the
vehicle.
 Examples of analog 13

computers
3. ANALOGUE
CLOCK
An analogue clock is quite frequently used
gadget in our day to day life. Many of us are not aware
that an analogue clock is a form of analogue
computer. It makes use of quartz crystal that is
susceptible to the piezoelectric effect. The voltage
provided by the battery, an analogue signal, allows the
piezoelectric crystal to vibrate at a rate of exactly
32,768 vibrations per second. With the help of these
vibrations, a pulse is generated, and one pulse is the
time equivalent of one second. So, one second equals
32,768 vibrations of the piezoelectric crystal.
 Examples of analog 14

computers
SEISMOMETER
The seismometer is a device used to record the
intensity of an earthquake. This device is kept in
close contact with the earth’s surface. When the
earthquake occurs, the earth shakes, and so does the
seismometer. The waves produced during an
earthquake are called seismic waves. Seismic waves
are then recorded on the graph paper present in the
setup, called a seismograph. The seismologists, then,
tell us about the intensity of the earthquake after a
proper study and analysis of the seismograph.
 Examples of analog 15

computers
 VOLTMETER
Voltage is an analogue signal because
it varies constantly with respect to time.
Therefore, analogue voltmeters can be
regarded as analogue computers. A
voltmeter is used to display the potential
difference existing between two points of
an electrical network. Analogue voltmeters
mainly consist of a deflecting needle and a
curved graduated scale on the display unit.
The voltmeter is connected in parallel with
the circuit in order to measure the
subsequent voltage drop across the resistor
 Examples of analog 16

computers
FLIGHT
SIMULATORS 
flight simulator is used to create an illusion
of all such problems during the training of a
pilot. The simulator creates an exact replica of
the real cockpit with use of hydraulic pumps,
image generators, sound systems, motion
actuators, etc. All such computing elements deal
in real-life or analogue signals, which allows us
to put flight simulators under the category of
analogue computers.
Examples of analog 17

computers
TIDE PREDICTORS
A tide-predicting machine or tide predictor
is an ideal example of a mechanical analogue
computer. It makes use of mechanical machinery
to note the height of tides at regular intervals.
Tides are caused due to the gravitational pull of
the earth, sun, and moon. The location and
motion of these three celestial bodies are very
well known, which is why it is easy to predict tides
in a precise manner. Whenever a high tide is
observed, the machine sends an alert. Water
waves are analogue in nature, hence, tide
predictors are analogue devices
 Examples of analog 18

computers
THERMOMETER
An analogue thermometer makes use
of a graduated scale and properties of
mercury to fulfil its operation. Mercury,
which is liquid at room temperature,
expands upon heating. Thereby, allowing
the consumer to diagnose the feverish state
of the body. Body temperature is an
analogue signal. Therefore, a thermometer
that measures body temperature is a
perfect example of analogue computers.