There are two different types of computers i.e analog and digital computers. Historically, analog computers have been widely used, but are less popular today. The main difference between analog and digital computers is that analog computers work with continuous signals, while digital computers can only work with discrete signals.
The main difference between analog and digital computers is how they handle and process the data. Digital computers function by receiving & computing data converted in binary form (0 and 1) while Analog computers function continuously, no matter what the variations are in the input i.e temperature, current.
An Analog computer is a type of computer which functions continuously, no matter what the variations are in the input. These variations may include instability in current, temperature, electric, and mechanical parts. The best examples of an analog computer are Oscilloscopes, thermostats, and thermometers.
In the beginning, the analog computer was mostly used for the purpose to calculate the electrical signal, voltage, resistance of the capacitor, etc. It is not easy to work with an analog computer. Large `numbers of electrical, mechanical peripheral, and supporting devices are needed in order to function accurately.
What is Digital Computer?
Example of digital computer
The digital computer is a type of computer which receives and computes the data converted in binary form. The digital computer gets input and functions in a discrete manner also. So, the Input may consist of letters, digits represented in binary language.
The binary code consists of two basic digits 0 and 1. These two digits stand for true and false, no and yes, left or right. It is most commonly used in all fields of life. Generally, it is an electronic device. The major types of digital computers are:
An analog signal is any continuous signal which has variable time intervals. That is, for example, one signal at a time is slightly different from the upcoming signal. The analog signal is different from the digital signal in the tiny fluctuations that happen in the signal.
What is the Difference Between Analog And Digital Signal
Digital signals use a discrete or discontinuous set of values, while non-digital (or analog) systems use a wide range of values to show information. Although digital representations are discrete in nature, the information provided can be separated, either in the form of numbers and letters, or in continuous forms, such as image, text, sound, and other measurements of continuous systems.
Difference Between Analog And Digital Computer in Table Form
Common Differences between Analog And Digital Computer
Here we enlist some important differences which separate an analog computer from a digital computer.
Digital Computer Vs Analog Computer
Signal
Digital signals are random and discrete signals generated by virtual modulation
Analog signals are non-stop sign that shows physical measurements
Data Manipulation
Digital computers are those computers that manipulate data in binary form. i.e 0 & 1
Analog computers are those that work with natural phenomena
Waves
The Waves marked with square waves
Waves marked with sine waves
Provide information
Use discrete or discontinuous values to display information
Use continuous spectrum to display information
Storage
Has high storage capacity
Has no storage capacity
Samples
The human voice in the air, analog electronic devices
Computers, CDs, DVDs, and other digital electronic devices
Technology
Converts and records analog samples within the shape of wavelengths to a finite set of numbers
Analog technology records wavelengths as they’re
Data Transmission
The Data is secure in the transmission or read/write cycle
Data is subject to quality degradation in the transmission or read/write cycle
Task Support
Perform multiple tasks
Perform particular tasks, no multitasking supportive
Reaction To Noise
Because of the noise response in digital technology, accuracy is less affected
Is more likely to reduce accuracy
Flexibility
Digital hardware is much more flexible when running
Analog hardware is not flexible while running
Output
These computers produce output on screen or piece of paper
Outputs from analog computers are in the form of graphs signals movements
Uses
The best option for digital computing and electronic devices
This technology can only be used on analog devices and is a very suitable option for transmitting audio and video information
Softwares
Personal computers, Pocket PCs
Thermometer
Bandwidth
There is no guarantee that digital signal processing will be done immediately and promptly; For this reason, this technology uses more bandwidth to carry information
Analog signal processing can be done immediately and consumes less bandwidth
Memory
Information is stored in binary form
Information is stored in the form of a wave signal
The Power
Digital devices consume less power
Analog devices require extra power and energy
Cost
Costly and difficult to move
Less Expensive and portable
Impedance
Above 100 megohms
Down
Errors
Digital tools are free of visual errors such as parallax errors and approximate errors
Analog devices usually have a scale that has low performance and therefore shows significant visual errors
Examples
An example is our Desktop Personal Computer
Examples are speedometers in cars & wristwatch
Similarities Between Analog and Digital Computer
1:- The similarity between analog & digital Computers is that the starting and ending pairs are in the form of an electronic signal. That is, it may be current or voltage.
That 0 and 1 is actually may be current or voltage (depending on the condition and the circuit). Only in digital circuits, that current or voltage is discrete in time, but the analog signal is always continuous
2:- One more thing to understand is that the digital circuits and components are constructed using analog components themselves. For example, an IC that understands only 0 and 1 is full of many transistors, while resistors, as well as capacitors, are also used sometimes.
What is the Difference Between Analog And Digital Computer features?
Transistors, resistors, and capacitors are actually analog parts, but with different settings and special designs, they become converted into digital circuits.
3:- We can also convert digital and analog signals. There is a huge collection of converters that do this. For example, converting HDMI to VGA contains a digital-to-analog converter inside. Because VGA is an analog system and HDMI is a digital system.
For example, in a mobile phone, an analog-to-digital converter is used because the human voice is actually in the form of analog signals and must be digital in order to be easily transmitted. Many places use digital to analog converters or vice versa.
Digital technology is the latest and more modern than analog technology but analog technology still produces more exact and accurate output as compared to digital.
Output Devices
The digital computer displays result of input on screens like monitors, LCD, or LED while the analog computer shows the results in the form of voltage signals and reading on the attached meters.
Analog Vs Digital Mobile
Electronic Circuits
When we talk about electronic circuits, the digital computer almost uses two switches on and off. While on the other hand analog computer uses signals generators, operational amplifiers, and several resistors for continuous signals flow.
Working Pattern
The digital computer evaluates and executes work in a discrete way. However analog computer generates results in a continuous way.
Functioning
Due to advancements in technology, the digital computer is now also capable of performing functions of analog computers but an analog computer does not have the ability to perform the function of a digital computer.
Difference Between Analog And Digital Clock
Usage
Digital computers are commercially suitable and useable all over the world. The use of digital computers is most compared to analog computers.
Memory
The digital computer does not have any memory such as a disc, drive, chip, etc. However digital computer almost requires memory like hard disk, flash storage, or memory chips in order to function properly.
Noise or Disturbance Problem
While measuring environmental accuracy, noise can also affect the accuracy of the analog computer. But noise and disturbance cannot affect the digital computer.
Conclusion:
Both analog and digital computers have their own importance. In some situations, they can be replaced with each other due to their similarities. however, they both are completely different in their work and characteristics.
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