ANALOG VS DIGITAL COMPUUTER
Analog vs digital computers
What is analog computer ?
Definition :
Analog computer is that computer, which is use to process continuously varying data. Everything we see and hear is change continuously. This changeable continuous stream of data is called analog data. Analog computer can be used in scientific and industrial applications such as measure the electrical current, frequency and resistance of capacitor, etc.
Analog computer that performs arithmetical operation by measurable quantities, such as mechanical movement, the rotation of gears rather than by number. In Analog computers, data is transmitted for its operation in the form of continuous signals, while in digital computers in the form discrete signals (or discontinuous signal)
Examples:
Examples of analog computer are temperature, pressure, telephone lines, Speedometer, resistance of capacitor, frequency of signal and voltage etc.
What is digital computer ?
Definition:
A digital computer is machine that stores data in a numerical format and performs operations on that data using mathematical manipulation. This type of computer typically includes some sort of device to store information, some method for input and output of data, and components that allow mathematical operations to be performed on stored data. Digital computers are almost always electronic but do not necessarily need to be so.
Examples:
Examples of a digital electronic computers include the IBM PC, the Apple Macintosh as well as modern smartphones.
Analog computer vs Digital computer :
What is the difference between an analogue vs digital computer? In simple terms, analog computers can operate with information only in form of electrical signals while digital computers use a system of logic gates to convert their input into output. Most people get confused between these two types of digital computers because they have some similarities but there are also subtle differences that make one machine better than the other. To help you understand what exactly a digital computer is, here are some differences that make them different from each other. Characteristics of analog computers:analog computers use physical or electronic methods for calculating. These include paper-based calculators (which are known as tabulating calculators), magnetic ink character recognition printers that scan bar code labels on clothes, and optical scanners that read barcodes from packaged goods. Also called oscilloscopes, analog computers are used by the manufacturing industry and medical laboratories. They have advantages over digital computers because they have more room to store data, whereas a digital computer uses a special type of memory to store information. So by definition, when storing information with an analog computer, it uses physical storage devices like a dials table for instance, which is usually a plastic table full of switches that change electrical signals into mechanical movements. Such an arrangement could be compared to how a modern television works.
The second major characteristic of an analog computer is its limited speed of operation. Because of this disadvantage, an analog computer cannot respond instantly to changes in information. It may take several seconds for your order to be printed. This is why most industries use such instruments. When it comes to analog computers, being able to calculate quickly does not always mean you are working efficiently. Sometimes it's hard to tell if something is running smoothly or whether it is taking too long to figure out. That’s because there is so much noise within an analog computer that it may take a moment to determine whether there has been any movement. Therefore, as far as efficiency goes, analog computers work better with software instructions since it makes the process run as fast as possible. However, an analog computer may still be slower because of the limited memory. As mentioned earlier, the speed and the amount of movement required to store information within an analog computer makes them less efficient.
Advantages of using a Digital Computer On top of all factors considered above is the fact that digital computers use a particular kind of memory that stores information. Since they are able to store information in less space, digital computers can be more energy efficient than analogue computers.
A good example of this would be a movie theater where a person sitting next to you cannot see certain details because the lights dim every time you turn on the projector. If the same scene were played at home using a traditional video tape player, then it would consume too much power because a film cartridge will have to move around a lot to play all those shots you want.
The advantage of having a digital camera is that it allows you to create high resolution images, thus allowing you to create higher quality pictures. There are also benefits that come along with digital cameras when it comes to creating videos.
For instance, you can shoot a shorter story and choose to edit it later without losing that important part of the movie completely as there is no need to transfer the footage to another medium. Lastly, another positive thing about digital cameras is that they produce better quality photographs since they do not require film to be produced first.
Another notable aspect of digital cameras is if you capture a great photo and want to share this image with others, then they can simply upload it to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and let everyone know who took this picture.
Digital Computers vs Analog Computers While both these digital machines offer convenience when doing their jobs, the main problem is that analogue computers can't always keep up with the increasing demand. They rely on the nature of electric signals for making a calculation, whereas digital computers rely on the processing of information. With that said though, digital computers are able to handle large amounts of information faster than analog ones since the quantity of information processed by analogue computers may become much smaller as technology advances.
For instance, the number of digits required to represent a certain numeric value is becoming increasingly complex, which also plays a role in limiting the size of analogue computers in the future. Digital computation is also quicker and easier to control because the processes involved play out digitally, which means that users don't need to worry about controlling small parameters like voltages or resistance. Even in situations where the equipment needs to communicate with itself electronically, digital computers are often more effective in communicating because it is easier to analyze complex equations digitally and apply mathematical functions like derivatives and integrals for better understanding.
As opposed to analogue computers, digital computers are often less reliable for storing information due to the limited space available. Unlike bulky digital computers with plenty of storage spaces, analogue computers can only hold a few pieces of data. In addition, digital computers are more suitable for mass production because they require fewer components. Hence, since digital computers are much cheaper, manufacturers are able to expand their business operations without necessarily making expensive investments in machinery. Digital computers are also convenient to transport. Compared to analogue computers, digital computers can easily be carried around and transported anywhere because they don't need electrical cables or plugs. Instead, they employ Bluetooth connections to connect to multiple devices like headphones, keyboards, speakers, etc., thus providing a comfortable experience without damaging the environment .
Some major differences between analog and digital computers are as follows :
Signals
➡ analog computers use continuous signals
➡digital computers use discrete signals.
Output
➡the output of analog computers is in the form of graphical or voltage signals
➡the output of digital computers is in the form of binary digit.
Data transmission
➡analog computer transmit data in form of continuous signals
➡digital computers transmit data in form of discrete signals
Wave
➡analog signals use sine wave
➡digital signals use square wave
Ability
➡analog computers have a limited ability to function as a digital computer
➡digital computers is able to simulate analog computer's behaviour .
Speed
➡analog computers are slower and less reliable.
➡digital computers have faster speed that you can rely on .
Usage
➡analog computers are used in specific fields only like mechanical engineering and medicine as they are difficult to use
➡digital computers are used all over the world for different purposes as they are very easy to use.
Measuring task
➡analog computers measures only analog quantities such as voltage , temperature etc.
➡digital computers perform mathematic functions, complex calculations, media streaming etc.
Accuracy
➡analog computers provide accurate computational results
➡digital computers lose precision due nature of discrete signals.
Purpose
➡analog computers are designed for specific operations, mainly use in the field of science.
➡digital computers are designed for general purposes, thus can be use in all aspects of life .
Dependence upon physical variations
➡analog computer depends upon physical variation
➡digital computer does not depends upon physical variation.
Power consumption
➡analog computers consume more power
➡digital computers consume less power.
Memory
➡analog computers have very limited memory
➡digital computers can store large amount of data
Readability
➡analog computer's has less readability
➡readability of digital computers is very high.
Data handling
The way they handle and process data is the primary difference between analog computer and digital computer.
➡Digital computers work by receiving and processing data in binary form (0 and 1).
➡ Analog computers work indefinitely, regardless of input variables such as temperature or current.
Examples
➡examples of analog computers include :
Hybrid Controller
Simulation of a Spaceship
Mass-Spring-Damper System
Simulation of Car-Suspension System
Simulation of a Moon-Landing
Squash Simulation
Longitudinal Aircraft Simulation etc.
➡examples of digital computers include :
Personal digital assistant
Calculator
Digital camera
Digital watch
Digital clock
Automatic washing machine
ATM (automatic teller machine)
Desktop, laptops and notebooks etc
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