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    Analog Computation and Representation
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    Abstract:
    Relative to digital computation, analog computation has been neglected in the philosophical literature. To the extent that attention has been paid to analog computation, it has been misunderstood. The received view -- that analog computation has to do essentially with continuity -- is simply wrong, as shown by careful attention to historical examples of discontinuous, discrete analog computers. Instead of the received view, I develop an account of analog computation in terms of a particular type of analog representation that allows for discontinuity. This account thus characterizes all types of analog computation, whether continuous or discrete. Furthermore, the structure of this account can be generalized to other types of computation: analog computation essentially involves analog representation, whereas digital computation essentially involves digital representation. Besides being a necessary component of a complete philosophical understanding of computation in general, understanding analog computation is important for computational explanation in contemporary neuroscience and cognitive science.
    Keywords:
    Analog computer
    Representation
    Analog image processing
    Analogue electronics
    Discontinuity (linguistics)
    Abstract The sections in this article are Analog and Digital Processing Classification of Analog Methods Direct Analog Simulators Indirect Analog Simulators
    Analog image processing
    Analog computer
    Analog signal processing
    Field-programmable analog array
    Analogue electronics
    Digital-to-analog converter
    Hybrid computer
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    An analog computer is one that uses some continuously changing signal, rather than a discrete clocked signal, to represent phenomena and perform computations. Although the earliest analog computers were mechanical in nature (see Chapter E8), electronic analog computers took over in the early to mid 1900s because of both increased speed and simplified reprogrammability. For the most part, the goal of an analog computation using these devices was the simulation of physical phenomena that could be expressed as a differential equation.
    Analog computer
    Analog image processing
    Analog signal processing
    SIGNAL (programming language)
    Analogue electronics
    Unifies the formula of the analog voltage output from a DAC(digital-analog convertor)with the formula of the digital data output from a ADC(analog-digital convertor).Thus a conversion theorem is acquired,through which the resolutions of both conversions can be directly calculated.Besides,several errors in current textbooks are presented.
    Analog image processing
    Digital-to-analog converter
    Analog computer
    Analogue electronics
    Analog-to-digital converter
    Successive approximation ADC
    Analog signal processing
    Hybrid computer
    Citations (0)
    This paper presents a signal processor based on neural computation rather than traditional programming. This processor has analog input-output, analog processing unit and analog memory. It doesn't require any converter to be interfaced to analog signals. Configuration data is stored into an internal analog memory, based on flash EEPROM technology. A modular architecture allows one to put together more processors to configure more layers and more neurons.
    Analog image processing
    Analog signal processing
    Field-programmable analog array
    Analog computer
    EEPROM
    Analogue electronics
    Mixed-signal integrated circuit
    Flash Memory
    Citations (2)
    Analog computer
    Field-programmable analog array
    Hybrid computer
    Analog image processing
    Analog signal processing
    Analogue electronics
    SIGNAL (programming language)
    The combined operation of analog and digital computers in hybrid computer systems requires a special hardware interface because of the different modes of operation and the different ways of data representation in both computers. Generally, in such a symbiosis all the functions of the analog computer, which are normally under manual control by the user, here have to be under control of the digital program, except for one case: once the digital program has started an analog computer run, the analog computer is on its own. In the case of combined simulation, i.e., if both computers operate simultaneously, from the viewpoint of the analog computer its digital partner now plays the role of a single, but very complex, computing unit to which some analog signals go and from which other signals come back.
    Hybrid computer
    Analog computer
    Analog image processing
    Digital computer
    Representation
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    The applications of digital computers to analog control systems, where the inputs to the computer are the outputs from analog sensors and the outputs from the computer must drive analog controls, increase steadily, even in cases where analog computer accuracy (1 percent) would be sufficient.
    Analog computer
    Hybrid computer
    Analog image processing
    Digital computer
    Analogue electronics
    Citations (0)
    Digital and analog units for enhancing video signals and images are often regarded as competing with each other. There is no point in setting them up as adversaries, but the criteria for selecting one approach over the other should be understood. Analog enhancement is to be preferred when the required signal processing is simple and straightforward and when cost is a primary constraint. Even the simplest digital enhancement systems, however, cost as much as moderately expensive analog systems, so their use is generally reserved for complicated operations, such as those requiring long delay times, where analog systems do not perform well. It is recognized that this situation is changing as analog technology develops (CCDs and diode arrays, for example) and as digital components get cheaper. Stand-alone systems will be more expensive than those included in other devices whether they are analog or digital. Finally, when all the constraints are taken into account (particularly the required performance characteristics and money available), it can be decided whether the proper approach is analog, digital or hybrid.
    Analog image processing
    Analog computer
    Hybrid computer
    Analog signal processing
    Audio electronics
    Analog television
    Digital-to-analog converter
    Analogue electronics
    Citations (1)
    The combined operation of analog and digital computers in hybrid computer systems requires a special hardware interface because of the different modes of operation and the different ways of data representation in both computers. Generally, in such a symbiosis all the functions of the analog computer, which are normally under manual control by the user, here have to be under control of the digital program, except for one case: once the digital program has started an analog computer run, the analog computer is on its own. In the case of combined simulation, i.e., if both computers operate simultaneously, from the viewpoint of the analog computer its digital partner now plays the role of a single, but very complex, computing unit to which some analog signals go and from which other signals come back.
    Analog computer
    Hybrid computer
    Analog image processing
    Field-programmable analog array
    Representation
    Digital computer
    Interface (matter)
    Citations (1)
    This paper addresses and experimentally demonstrates a programmable linear equation solver by analog computation. A set of differential equations using transconductance devices directly translated from circuit theory converges to the linear equation solution. These energy-efficient analog techniques are experimentally demonstrated in a configurable analog platform. The resulting analog linear equation solution circuits are effectively analog filters. The paper analyzes the algorithmic issues and analog numerical analysis issues, including accuracy, convergence time, and the interpretation of condition number for analog solutions.
    Analog computer
    Analogue electronics
    Transconductance
    Field-programmable analog array
    Solver
    Analog signal processing
    Analogue filter
    Linearity
    Citations (11)