Classification of computer by type of data processed
Classification by type of data
processed
In this category, we have
1. Digital computers
2. Analog computers
3. Hybrid computers
a.
Digital computer
These are computers that operate on
discrete values. That is, values that occur at a point in time. E.g. 0,1,2,3…
The output from digital computers is usually in the form of discrete values.
This class of computers is commonly found in the business environments, and
they include Desk Calculators, Adding machines, and most of the computers we
have around, that is, the personal computers.
Digital Computers are computer designed to processed data in discrete numerical form which are represented by discrete signal using binary code, numbers, letters, and symbols are represented by codes based on the binary number system consisting of two digits .i.e. 1,0 the digital computer must convert all data to binary form. Generally, results from digital computer are more than the results from analog computers. They are used for counting and calculating numbers. Examples are calculator, adding machine, counting machine, etc.
Digital Computers are computer designed to processed data in discrete numerical form which are represented by discrete signal using binary code, numbers, letters, and symbols are represented by codes based on the binary number system consisting of two digits .i.e. 1,0 the digital computer must convert all data to binary form. Generally, results from digital computer are more than the results from analog computers. They are used for counting and calculating numbers. Examples are calculator, adding machine, counting machine, etc.
b.
Analog computer
An Analogue Computer is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being
solved. The output of analog computers is usually represented in the form of
smooth curves or graphs from which information can be read.
And also Analogue Computers these are computers that measure the continuous
physical magnitude or electrical states. For example pressure, temperature,
voltage, volume, etc. For instance a petrol pump at the filling station uses an
analog device to measure the quantity of petrol to the nearest Naira/Kobo and
the quantity of the pumped fuel to the nearest one tenth of a liter. A
speedometer in a vehicle is another example of analog computer. Analog
computers are used for scientific, engineering & process control purposes. Since
they deal with quantities that are continuously varying in nature, they give
only approximate result i.e. Not accurate results as in digital computer. Other
examples are the thermometer, volume control of a TV set meter.etc.
Electronic analog computers
In general, analog computers are
limited by real, non-ideal effects.
These are examples of analog
computers that have been constructed or practically used:
• differential analyzer Kerrison Predictor
• mechanical integrator
• MONIAC Computer (hydraulic model of
UK economy)
• operational amplifier
• planimeter
• Rangekeeper
• slide rule
• thermostat
• Torpedo Data Computer
• Water integrator
• Mechanical computer
c.
Hybrid computer (Analogue + Digital )
Hybrid computers are computers that comprise features of analog computers and digital
computers. The digital component normally serves as the controller and provides
logical operations, while the analog component normally serves as a solver of
differential equations.
In general, analog computers are
extraordinarily fast, since they can solve most complex equations at the rate
at which a signal traverses the circuit, which is generally an appreciable
fraction of the speed of light. On the other hand, the precision of analog
computers is not good; they are limited to three, or at most, four digits of
precision.
Hybrid computers can be used to
obtain a very good but relatively imprecise 'seed' value, using an analog
computer front-end, which is then fed into a digital computer iterative process
to achieve the final desired degree of precision. With a three or four digit,
highly accurate numerical seed, the total digital computation time necessary to
reach the desired precision is dramatically reduced, since many fewer iterations
are required.
Consider that the nervous system in animals is a form of
hybrid computer. Signals pass across the synapses from one nerve cell to the
next as discrete (digital) packets of chemicals, which are then summed within
the nerve cell in an analog fashion by building an electro-chemical potential
until its threshold is reached, whereupon it discharges and sends out a series
of digital packets to the next nerve cell. The advantages are at least
threefold: noise within the system is minimized (and tends not to be additive),
no common grounding system is required, and there is minimal degradation of the
signal even if there are substantial differences in activity of the cells along
a path (only the signal delays tend to vary). The individual nerve cells are
analogous to analog computers; the synapses are analogous to digital computers.
A hybrid computing system is one in which desirable
characteristics of both the analog and digital computers are integrated. In an
intensive care unit, analog computers may measure the patient’s heart rate,
temperature, etc. The measurements may then be converted into numbers and
supplied to the digital part of the system which will thereafter regulate the
flow of certain medications.
They can be used for both counting and measuring. In fact,
they are very useful in the control of manufacturing and processing.
Note that hybrid computers should be distinguished from hybrid systems. The latter may be no more than a digital computer
equipped with an Analog-to-digital converter at the input and/or a
Digital-to-analog converter at the output, to convert analog signals for
ordinary digital signal processing, and
conversely, e.g., for driving physical control systems, such as
servomechanisms.
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