Difference between revisions of "Analog"
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'''Analog''' is a term used in computer-related discussions to describe the lowest ''conceptual'' level at which computer components can be examined. (Obviously, in actuality, all computers are 'analog' at their lowest level, since they are built out of electrical circuits.) | '''Analog''' is a term used in computer-related discussions to describe the lowest ''conceptual'' level at which computer components can be examined. (Obviously, in actuality, all computers are 'analog' at their lowest level, since they are built out of electrical circuits.) | ||
| − | As such, things such as [[voltage]]s, [[current]]s, [[resistor]]s and [[transistor]]s are the concepts used. Note | + | As such, things such as [[voltage]]s, [[current]]s, [[resistor]]s and [[transistor]]s are the concepts used. Note particularly that voltages are not binary, but can take any value (one of the meanings of 'analog'); this is important in topics such as [[meta-stability]]. |
| − | The term is also used to name computing | + | The term is also used to name [[computing device]]s in which infinitely variable levels (voltages, currents etc) are used as data, instead of the limited discrete values of the same used in [[digital]] computing devices. Such devices were historically referred to as '''instruments''' in the UK. |
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Latest revision as of 11:55, 15 September 2024
Analog is a term used in computer-related discussions to describe the lowest conceptual level at which computer components can be examined. (Obviously, in actuality, all computers are 'analog' at their lowest level, since they are built out of electrical circuits.)
As such, things such as voltages, currents, resistors and transistors are the concepts used. Note particularly that voltages are not binary, but can take any value (one of the meanings of 'analog'); this is important in topics such as meta-stability.
The term is also used to name computing devices in which infinitely variable levels (voltages, currents etc) are used as data, instead of the limited discrete values of the same used in digital computing devices. Such devices were historically referred to as instruments in the UK.
