How do analog and digital computers differ?

Answer 1

A digital computer processes discrete data, an analog computer processes continuous data.

• Discrete data (integers, character codes, boolean values, encoded floating point numbers, etc.) represent information with sharp discontinuities between represented values. Any data value not exactly encoded must be approximated by one of the nearest encoded values. Operations on discrete values are more reliable and consistent, but usually slower with identical technologies.
• Continuous data (voltages, currents, fluid pressure, fluid flow, shaft position, shaft rotation rate, etc.) represent information by analogy. All data values (within the limits of the machine) have an equivalent representation. Operations on continuous values are less reliable and less consistent, but usually faster with identical technologies.

Analog computers are typically harder to program: they are either designed for one special purpose with the program permanently built in, or they must be "rewired" to reprogram them.

Answer 2

Analogue deals with signals that do not have a quantized input. They can have more values than just the values assigned to 0 and 1. Think of a sine wave. An Analogue circuit can output one. A digital circuit uses only 1 and 0, two different voltage levels. It turns values into binary.

Answer 3

Analog computers are also called continuous computers, as their representation of variables varies smoothly with no discontinuities during the computation. However they have less accuracy and a tendency to drift over time and with temperature.

Digital computers represent their variables using coded symbols (typically but not always binary) and change values in a computation in discrete discontinuous jumps. However they can compute to high accuracy, don't drift, and can often detect and correct their own errors before they would affect a computation.

Answer 4

write simlarity between anlog and digital computers

Answer 5

analog- a variable signal that is continuous in time and amplitude.

digital- data technology that uses discrete values.