TYPES OF A COMPUTER
The three main
types of computers that are differentiated based on their data handling
capabilities are:
·
Analog
computers.
·
Digital
computers.
·
Hybrid
computers.
Analog Computer
Let us begin
with analogue computers. These computers were specifically designed to process
analogue data. For readers who are not familiar with the term, analogue data is
a type of continuous data that continually changes and does not have discrete
values.
It can also be
said that analogue computers are used when the users are not familiar with the
exact values like temperature, speed, current, and pressure. An intriguing
feature of analogue computers is accepting the measuring device's data without
converting it into relevant codes and numbers.
This feature
allows analogue computers to measure continuous changes in physical quantity.
In most cases, the output of these computers is read on a dial or scale. Some
examples of analogue computers are the mercury thermometer and speedometer.
There are many
advantages of using analog computers. Some of those advantages are as follows.
These computers
allow real-time computation and operations at the same time. Further, it
continuously represents all data within the range of the analog computer
system.
In some
applications, analog computers help perform calculations without using
transducers to convert both the inputs and outputs to a digital electronic form
and vice versa.
Programmers can
also scale the problem for the dynamic range of analog computers. This provides
excellent insight into the actual situation. It also helps in learning about
any errors and their effects.
There are
different types of analog computers. The various types of analog computers are
discussed below.
Slide Rules
The slide rule
is one of the simplest types of mechanical analog computer systems. It was
developed initially to perform necessary mathematical calculations. These
computer systems consist of two rods. When the computer performs any
calculation, the hashed rod slides to line up with the specific markings placed
on another rod.
Differential
Analysers
Differential
analyzers are used to perform differential calculations. These computer systems
perform integration by using a wheel-and-disc mechanism. This helps in solving
differential calculations.
Castle Clock
According to
various sources, the first castle clock was invented by Al-Jara. This computer
system was made to save all programming instructions. The original machine's
height was around 11 feet, and it came with the display of zodiac, time, and
the lunar and solar orbits. These devices can also allow users to set the
length of the day according to the current season.
Electronic
Analog Computer
An electronic
analog computer is a type of analog computer in which electrical signals flow
through resistors and capacitors. This simulates different physical phenomena.
In these devices, mechanical interactions of computers do not take place. Also,
the voltage of the electrical signal is used to generate the correct displays
in these devices.
Digital Computer
Digital
computers were invented to perform different calculations and logical
operations at a very high speed. These computers accept the raw data as input,
done in binary numbers (0 and 1) or digitals.
After that, the
device processes the information with programs that are already stored in the
device's memory. This process is followed to generate the output. Some examples
of digital computers include laptops, desktops, and other electronic devices like
smartphones.
There are many
advantages of digital computers. Some of those advantages are mentioned below.
Digital
computers allow users to store a large amount of information. The stored
information can be retrieved whenever it is required.
New features can
easily be added to the digital systems.
Ability to
change the program without making any changes in the hardware of the system.
The cost of the
hardware of digital computers is often less because of the advancement in the
Integrated Circuit (IC) technology.
These systems
process data digitally at a very high speed.
Digital
computers use error correction codes because of which these systems are very
reliable.
The output is
not affected by humidity, noise, temperature, or other natural properties,
leading to the results' high reproducibility.
Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers
are devices that have features of both digital and analog computers. These
devices are similar in speed to analog computers and are identical to digital
computers in their memory and accuracy.
Hybrid computers
can process both discrete and continuous data. These devices work by accepting
analog signals and converting those signals into a digital form before
processing. This is why these devices are popularly used in specialized
applications where both analog and digital data has to be processed.
For example, the
processors used in petrol pumps convert fuel flow into values for both quantity
and price. Similar devices are used in hospitals, airplanes, and many scientific
applications.
There are many
benefits of using hybrid computers. A few of those benefits are mentioned
below.
The computing
speed of hybrid computers is very high. This is due to the all-parallel
configuration of the analog subsystem.
These computers help
in online data processing.
Hybrid computers
can manage and solve large equations in real-time.
The results are
produced quickly and in a more efficient manner. The final results are both
accurate and useful.