ANALOG

COMPUTING
WHAT
Digital data is encoded in binary, a base-2
numeral system, which uses only two

IS
symbols: 0 and 1. Each binary digit (bit)
represents a power of 2.

DIGITAL
Groups of bits form larger units of data, such
as bytes (8 bits), kilobytes (1024 bytes),
megabytes (1024 kilobytes), and so on.
1 means TRUE
0 means FALSE
 Transistor size
Transistors must get smaller to keep increasing in

LIMITATIONS
count, but they can't get smaller than a single atom.
At that scale, electrons behave in a way that
compromises the transistor's functionality.

OF Quantum Tunneling:

DIGITAL
As transistors shrink to sizes approaching a few
nanometers, quantum effects like tunneling become
significant. Electrons can pass through insulating
barriers, causing leakage currents and making it

COMPUTING
difficult to control the on/off states of transistors.

Heat
Denser chips and faster signal processing generate
more heat, which can melt the chip and destroy the
computer. Processor chips are surrounded by metal
heat sinks to conduct heat away from the chip.
HISTORY OF
ANALOG
COMPUTERS
A differential analog calculator, also known as an
analog differential analyzer, is a mechanical or
electrical analog computer designed to solve
differential equations. These machines were developed
primarily in the mid-20th century before the
widespread use of digital computers
1. Mechanical Components: In mechanical differential
analyzers, the system typically consists of a set of
interconnected shafts, gears, cams, and linkages. Each
component represents a variable in the differential
equation being solved.
2. Applications: These machines were used in various fields
such as engineering, physics, and mathematics to solve
problems involving dynamic systems, such as electrical
circuits, mechanical systems, chemical reactions, and
more.
3. Programmability and Flexibility: Differential analog
computers were often programmable to some extent.
Operators could adjust the settings and connections of
the components to solve different types of differential
equations.

COMPUTERS
Speed
Analog computers can often perform
calculations much faster than digital
computers for certain types of problems,
especially those involving continuous
variables and real-time data processing.
This makes them well-suited for tasks like
simulations and control systems.
PROS OF
ANALOG
Parallel
Processing
Analog computers inherently perform
calculations in parallel, as each component
operates continuously and independently.
This parallelism can be advantageous for
certain types of problems that benefit from
concurrent processing.
Robustness in
Extreme
Environments
Analog systems can be more robust in harsh environments,
such as high temperatures, radiation, or electromagnetic
interference, compared to delicate digital components. This
makes them suitable for applications in aerospace,
automotive, and industrial settings.
Power
Consumption:
Analog computers typically have lower power
consumption compared to digital computers,
especially for tasks involving continuous signal
processing.
Digital computers consume varying amounts of power
depending on factors such as processor architecture,
workload intensity, and cooling requirements.
CONS OF ANALOG COMPUTERS
1. Limited Precision: Analog computers are inherently limited in precision due
to factors such as component tolerances, noise, and drift. This can result in
inaccuracies, especially over time or when dealing with small signal levels.
2. Difficulty in Programming and Debugging: Analog systems can be
challenging to program and debug, as they rely on physical components and
connections rather than abstract code. Troubleshooting and modifying
analog systems often require specialized knowledge and skills.
3. Limited Flexibility: Analog computers are typically designed for specific
types of calculations or tasks and may lack the flexibility to adapt to
different problems without significant reconfiguration or redesign.
4. Susceptibility to Noise and Interference: Analog signals are susceptible to
noise and interference, which can degrade the accuracy and reliability of
calculations. Shielding and signal conditioning techniques are often required
to mitigate these effects.
The resurgence of analog
computing for neural networks
Precision Requirements: While digital computing offers precise
numerical representations, many neural network applications do not
require high precision for every operation. Analog computing, with its
inherent noise and variability, might still achieve acceptable
performance for tasks like pattern recognition, classification, and
associative memory, at lower precision levels.
Neuromorphic Computing: Analog computing aligns with the concept
of neuromorphic computing, where hardware mimics the architecture
and functionality of the human brain. By leveraging analog
components to emulate the behavior of neurons and synapses more
closely, analog neural networks can potentially achieve greater
efficiency and scalability compared to digital simulations.
Thank you
very much!