Classification of Computers (According to Data Representation)

According to Data Representation

Analog Computer

An analog computer operates in a completely opposite way to the digital computer. For a start, 

all operations in an analog computer are performed in parallel. Secondly, data are represented 

in an analog computer as voltages, a very compact but not necessarily robust form of storage 

(prone to noise corruption). A single capacitor (equivalent to the Digital’s computer use of a 

transistor) in an analog computer can represent one continuous variable.

The Heathkit Educational Analog Computer is completely self-contained and contains

nine DC operational amplifiers with provision for balancing without removing problem

setup. It also features three initial condition power supplies, five coefficient

potentiometers, four sets of relay contacts, an electronically regulated power supply and

a built-in repetitive oscillator for automatic operation. The complete EC-1 kit also

contains an assortment of precision resistors, capacitors, special silicon diodes and

patch cords for setting up scores of complex computer problems easily and accurately.

Digital Computer

The digital computer is a sequential device, in general, operating on data one step at a time; in 

addition the digital computer represents data internally using a quite verbose but very robust 

form of representation called binary. Thus a single transistor in a digital computer can only 

store two states, on and off. Obviously to store a number to any sensible degree of precision, 

many transistors are required.

Hybrid Computer

A computer that processes both analog and digital data. A Hybrid Computer is a combination 

of computers that are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A 

hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex 

simulations.