5th Class Computers Science Categories of Computers Analog Computers

         Analog Computers

An analog computer is an electronic system which recognizes data as continuous measurements of a physical quantity, such as pressure, voltage or temperatures along a continuous scale. The devices that measure such quantities are analog devices, e.g., voltmeter, ammeter, speedometer in your car etc. The output of an analog computer is usually in the form of dial gauge readings or graphs. The term 'analog' means continuous.   An example of analog computer system is the processor attached to the petrol pump which converts the fuel flow measurements and displays the quantity and price. Analog computers are a powerful tool for designers and are used in engineering and scientific applications. It is used for designing missiles and also in the development of new aircraft models. Analog computers operate by measuring rather than computing. Unlike digital computers, it can perform numerous mathematical operations simultaneously. The main advantage of analog computers is that all calculations take place in parallel and hence these are faster. Their accuracy is poor as compared to digital computers. Mechanical analog computers were very important in gun fire control in World War II and the Korean War. The analog computer is almost an extinct type of computer these days. (See Figure 5.1.2)        

   Some of the disadvantages of using an analog computer are:

• Alphanumeric information cannot be processed in this system.
• It gives very little precision.
• Its memory capacity is limited.  

 Cinderella and Ricky are discussing about use of analog computer. Read their statements and identify who is correct.

(1) Cinderella: Analog computer system is the processor attached to the petrol pump which converts the fuel flow measurements and displays the quantity and price.

(2) Ricky: Analog computer is a powerful tool for designers and is used in engineering and scientific applications. It is used for designing missiles and also in the development of new aircraft models.

(A) Cinderella is correct                                

(B) Ricky is correct

(C) Both are correct                                       

(D) Both are incorrect

(E) Both are partially correct  

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Correct Option:

(C) Both of them are correct.

Incorrect Options:

(A) Not only Cinderella is correct but Ricky is also correct. Therefore, option (A) is incorrect.

(B) Not only Ricky is correct but Cinderella is also correct. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.

(D) None of them are incorrect.

(E) Both are fully correct.    

 Given below are the few disadvantages of analog computer. Select the correct one.

1. Its memory capacity is unlimited.

2. Alphanumeric information can be processed in this system.

3. It gives very little precision.

(A) Only 3                                           

(B) 1 and 2

(C) 2 and 3                                          

(D) 1 and 3

(E) Only 2  

Answer: (a)

Correct Option:

(A) Only statement 3 is correct.

Incorrect Options:

(B) Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.

(C) Statement 2 is incorrect whereas statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (C) is incorrect.

(D) Statement 1 is incorrect whereas statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (D) is incorrect.

(E) Statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, option (E) is incorrect.