Difference between digital and analog computer

Digital and Analog computer is type of computer. There are various methods on which computers can be classified. The classification may depend on size, technology, area of application, type of data processed, etc.

Computer types are the following:-

Digital

Analog

Hybrid

Digital Computer

Digital computers are computers that work on discontinuous or discrete data. These computers work by counting and adding binary digits. Accuracy is the main advantage of digital computers.

Analog computers

Analog computers are computers that work on continuous data. Analog computers are used to measure physical quantities like pressure, temperature, speed, etc. Analog computer is faster than digital computers but they are not as accurate as digital computers. That's why they are less commonly used.

Hybrid computer

Hybrid computers employ both the features of digital and analog computers. These computers are useful in those environments, where both digital and analog signals are used in processing.

Difference between Analog And Digital Computers

1. Digital computers work on discontinuous data but Analog computers work on continuous data.

2. Digital computers carry out operations on binary data at a very fast rate and generate output in user understandable language but Analog computers carry out operations on variable electrical signals and generate output in the form of analog electrical signals.

3. Digital computers work by counting and adding the binary digits but in analog computers work by measuring analog/electrical signals.

4. Digital computer is more efficient in discrete calculations but in Analog computer is more efficient in continuous calculations.

5. Digital computer represents data in binary format but in Analog computer represents data as physical quantities like voltage, temperature, current, etc.

6. More accurate and reliable but in Analog computers are not as accurate as digital computers.

7. In digital computers, data flows in the form of pulses.

In analog computers, data flows in the form of since waves.

8. A digital computer can perform one calculation at a time but an analog computer works in parallel. This means it can carry out multiple tasks simultaneously.

9. Digital computers are used in banking manufacturing, personal usage etc but in Analog computers are used in scientific and engineering applications.

This post discusses the difference between Digital and Analog computer. I hope you have learned from reading this post. If you like this post then share it with your friends and you can comment on any of your doubts and I will replay then at the earliest. 

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