Analog Computer

[chordman at flash.net]

Paul Perry <pfperry at melbpc.org.au> wrote:
>At 01:29 PM 2/09/98 +0200, Dr. Jörg Schmitz  wrote:
>>Is there one, who has tried an (simple) analog computer (AC) to process
>>control voltages or even VCO-signals ?

I believe that the term op-amp or operational amplifier was coined by
the analog computer field.  "Operational" as in arithmetic operations, the
most common being the 'sum'.  Is there much different about our modern op-amp
integrated circuits from the orginal op-amps used in analog computers?  It appears
to me that we have ready access to all of the components that are required for
AC operations, and cheap too.  Mostly, we need op-amps, precision resistors and caps.
Given other semiconductors as well, we can produce a very rich variety of 'operations'.  
Look at an expo VCO.  Really, it's a linear VCO with an AC component, the expo 
converter, to perform an AC like operation on the CV.  A VCA is really just a 4 quadrant
multiplier.  I think it's just that some of these combinations of AC pieces 
were so musically useful that they evolved into what we now know as modules.  
I see no reason why one couldn't build modules that contain the more basic elements 
of ACs.  Heck, I look at my solderless breadboard as an AC.


-- Scott Gravenhorst
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