Analog computers are devices that manipulate continuous data rather than discrete values. Here are some common examples:
- Slide Rules: Often used by engineers and scientists, slide rules allow for the multiplication, division, and other calculations through a manual sliding mechanism.
- Wattmeter: This device measures electric power in a circuit by calculating the product of voltage and current, often using analog components.
- Differential Analyzers: Early computers designed to solve differential equations using mechanical means, employing components like gears and levers to model physical systems.
- Analog Synthesizers: These musical instruments use voltage control to generate sound waves and manipulate audio signals in a continuous manner.
- Signal Processors: Devices that perform signal processing on analog signals, such as audio or radio frequencies, often used in radios and televisions.
These example systems illustrate how analog computers work with physical quantities to perform calculations, often with precision that can be higher in specific applications compared to their digital counterparts. They often have applications in fields like engineering, music, and physics.