analogue computer

computer, hardware A machine or electronic circuit designed

to work on numerical data represented by some physical

quantity (e.g. rotation or displacement) or electrical

quantity (e.g. voltage or charge) which varies continuously,

in contrast to digital signals which are either 0 or 1.

For example, the turning of a wheel or changes in voltage can

be used as input. Analogue computers are said to operate in

real time and are used for research in design where many

different shapes and speeds can be tried out quickly. A

computer model of a car suspension allows the designer to see

the effects of changing size, stiffness and damping.

(1995-05-01)