analog computer
Continuous-signal calculator
An analog computer processes information using continuously variable physical quantities—voltage, pressure, rotation—rather than discrete digital values.
These machines solve problems by creating physical systems that behave according to the same mathematical relationships: a voltage might represent velocity, a spinning disk might model an integral.
Analog computers were essential for artillery calculations in World War II.
Largely obsolete since digital computers became powerful enough to simulate continuous systems, though some specialized applications persist.
Current-limiting circuit element
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- inductorCoil storing magnetic energy
- potentiometerAdjustable electronic resistance component
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
transistor · diode · integrator · feedback loop · oscillator · filter · multiplier · comparator
Electrical potential difference
- currentDirected flow of charge
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
- continuousWithout pause or gap
- variableProne to fluctuation
real-time · signal · feedback · nonlinear · differential · oscillation · frequency · amplitude
Imitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- control systemsMechanisms maintaining desired outputs
- signal processingMathematical manipulation of waveforms
- flight trainingEducation for aspiring pilots
Toothed rotating machine parts
- camsMotion-converting rotators
- linkagesPoints where things connect
- leversForce-multiplying pivot bars
- pulleysGrooved wheels for rope
torque converter · gear train · differential gear · rack and pinion
resistor
Current-limiting circuit element
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- inductorCoil storing magnetic energy
- potentiometerAdjustable electronic resistance component
amplifier · transistor · diode · integrator · feedback loop · oscillator · filter · multiplier · comparator · servo
voltage
Electrical potential difference
- currentDirected flow of charge
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
- continuousWithout pause or gap
variable · real-time · signal · feedback · nonlinear · differential · oscillation · frequency · amplitude · phase
simulation
Imitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- control systemsMechanisms maintaining desired outputs
- signal processingMathematical manipulation of waveforms
gears
Toothed rotating machine parts
pulleys · torque converter · gear train · differential gear · rack and pinion
flight simulator
Aircraft piloting replica system
- computerscomputers, desktop, desktops, laptop, laptops
- obsolete techfloppy disk, VHS, dial-up modem, cassette tape, floppy disks
- calculating machinescalculator, adding machine, difference engine, abacus, desk calculator
- analog computingslide rule, abacus, integrator, adding machine, differentiator
- early computersENIAC, Colossus
- fire controltracking system, range finder, rangefinder, target acquisition, deflection
computer, compute, analogy, computing, computed, analog, computerized, analogue, computerize