Hybrid Computer

Introduction:Hybrid computers as the name suggests are a hybrid of

analog and digital computers. It exhibit features of analog computers and digital computers.

The analog part of the hybrid computer computes higher mathematical calculations such as differential equations while the digital part takes care of the logical computation and also controls the overall process.

Therefore, the signal or data is fed into a hybrid computer in the analog format, processed by the analog part of the hybrid, then converted to the digital form and further worked upon until the final result is obtained.

Examples of Hybrid Computer:ECG Monitors:

It takes in an analog signal that is the heartbeat of the patient and converts it into the digital format after processing it. The lines on the screen are a digital approximation of the analog pulse.

Assembly lines

One of the most widespread uses of hybrid computers is in automated assembly lines.

Radar and Sonar:

signals are received in the analog form and often need to be analyzed instantaneously so that the next signal can be interpreted.

Process control - industry, scientific

Weapon control:These military devices are a form of hybrid computers since they process analog signals with digital logical circuits.

Types of Hybrid Computer:Large Electronic Hybrid Computer Systems

with many hundreds of operational amplifiers 

They solved extremely complex and extensive sets of differential

equations (mathematical models)

General-purpose Hybrid Computers

ability to use different applications or to be able to solve numerous

kinds of problems.

Special-Purpose Hybrid Computers

Advantages of Hybrid Computers:

Speed

Precision

On-Line Data Processing