Difference Between Analog Computer and Digital Computer

Main difference

There are two types of computers which are known as analog and digital computers. Both types of machines have their own uses and misuses, but digital computers have taken over analog ones. Analog computers were widely used a few years ago, but now their number has dwindled thanks to the advent of digital computers. Their differences will be discussed in detail during this topic. Both types of networks are used to transmit information with the help of electrical signals, but they differ in the way the information is transferred. In analog computers, data is sent with the support of continuous signals, while in digital computers Data is transmitted with the help of discrete signals that are usually in the form of binary numbers. The difference can be further explained because analog computers are less accurate compared to digital computers. Analog computer results may have some percentage error, while computer results can be up to 100% accurate. Analog computers are used for quantities for which exact values ​​are not always necessary, such as temperature and speed. While digital computers are used for numbers that require exact values, for example calculations that are performed during construction of a bridge and other operations. The best example of an analog device would be the oscilloscope, which is still used by engineers to take measurements. While the best case of digital devices will be a pedometer that gives the exact number of steps. Analog computers are slower and less reliable, while digital computers are high-speed devices that can be trusted. Digital computers are used all over the world, while analog computers have been restricted to specific fields such as medicine and engineering. A more detailed explanation of both types of PCs is given in the following paragraphs.

Comparison chart

analog computer digital computer
Definition A computer that uses the continuous signal for its operation is called an analog computer. A computer that uses the discontinuous signal for its operation is called a digital computer.
Use Widely used in different companies and other places. They were mainly used in the past and are currently used only for experimental purposes.
Speed They are slower due to their mechanism. Fast
reliability Less reliable in obtaining values. More reliable in calculations.

What are analog computers?

Analog computers can be a very broad field to define. In simple words, a computer that uses continuous signal for its operation is called an analog computer. Due to this type of indicator, they can receive inputs and produce results regularly, and this helps to solve complicated processes. However strong the signal, and even if it is in electrical or mechanical form, analog computers are capable of handling it. The emphasis on this type of computer is on getting a solution, however it can be error prone. Analog computers began in the 19th century.century and have advanced over the years. Before the origin of digital computers, they were considered the best forms of devices. An example of an analog computer would be a mercury thermometer that calculates the temperature of the human body and then displays it as a mercury range. Because you have noise in your system that also affects the results, while the storage process in analog devices is complicated, since they can contain values, but that is only possible for a certain period of time.

What are digital computers?

Digital computers are defined as devices that use the discrete signal for their processes that are in binary form. In digital computers, the input is encoded in the form of zeros and ones for a more accurate result. An example of a digital computer would be a calculator where all the coding is already done, and you get a correct result which is not possible in the case of analog devices. This is also because e is the minimum noise in the system because the incoming electrical noise is in the form of an analog signal. The calculations, in this case, take less time because all the coding is already done and the scrolling results can be as accurate as possible. Digital devices have taken over analog ones in recent times due to their effectiveness. It is more reliable, has more space and can store data for a longer time, although its cost is higher. The factor that gives it the most advantage is that there are no observatory errors since all the calculations are carried out by the computer and the values ​​are displayed correctly.

Key differences

  1. Digital computers work with signals that are not continuous, while analog computers work with signals that are continuous.
  2. Digital computers are widely used in different companies and other places today, while analog computers were mostly used in the past and are currently used only for experimentation purposes.
  3. Analog computers have a slower speed due to its mechanism while digital computers are faster compared to analog ones.
  4. Analog computers are less reliable when it comes to getting values ​​while digital computers are more reliable in calculations.
  5. Analog computers have a complicated interface while digital computers have a user-friendly interface.
  6. Digital computers can have a memory of up to several terabytes, while analog computers have a
  7. An example of analog devices is the mercury thermometer, while a good example of digital devices is digital weighing machines.

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