Anabrids Research Articles and Books on Analog Computers
Research articles
Here is a selection of original research papers authored by fellows of the anabrid company:
About using analog computers in today's largest computational challenges
by Sven Köppel, Bernd Ulmann, Lars Heimann, Dirk Killat; published Feb 2021
Abstract: Analog computers can be revived as a feasible technology platform for low precision, energy efficient and fast computing. We justify this statement by measuring the performance of a modern analog computer and comparing it with that of traditional digital processors. General statements are made about the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. Computational fluid dynamics are discussed as an example of large scale scientific computing applications. Several models are proposed which demonstrate the benefits of analog and digital-analog hybrid computing.
Analog Computing for Molecular Dynamics
by Sven Köppel, Alexandra Krause, Bernd Ulmann; published July 2021
Abstract: Modern analog computers are ideally suited to solving large systems of ordinary differential equations at high speed with low energy consumtion and limited accuracy. In this article, we survey N-body physics, applied to a simple water model inspired by force fields which are popular in molecular dynamics. We demonstrate a setup which simulate a single water molecule in time. To the best of our knowledge such a simulation has never been done on analog computers before. Important implementation aspects of the model, such as scaling, data range and circuit design, are highlighted. We also analyze the performance and compare the solution with a numerical approach.
Open Hardware Analog Computer for Education — Design and Application
by Bernd Ulmann, Sven Köppel, Dirk Killat; published
Abstract: Nowadays, most technical study courses in universities and similar institutions focus on digital computation and signal processing. Accordingly, graduates have some kind of tunnel vision because they have been trained to think of digital computation as a panacea for all problems encountered in real life.As digital computing is nearing basic physical boundaries with respect to integration densities and energy consumption it is important to extend the curriculum in computer science to include unconventional computing approaches such as analog computing. 1 Therefore it is necessary to give students and hobbyists as well the opportunity to get some hands-on-experience with analog computers. Since classic analog computers have become museum pieces, there is a need for a modern cheap and small analog computer, which can be used not only for teaching analog computer programming but can also be used in mathematics education to give students an intuitive grasp of dynamic systems and differential equations. Other fields of application are the engineering sciences, life sciences and basically all fields of technology where differential equations play a crucial role.This paper describes such an analog computer, called THE ANALOG THING, which has been developed to satisfy the above requirements. This analog computer is cheap (about 300 EUR) and versatile. Several of these computers can be coupled together to form a larger machine, and can also be used as part of a hybrid computer setup. The key design decisions are outlined and several problems suitable for class room use are described.
Books and Reading
Analog and Hybrid Computer Programming
Read a thorough introduction into analog computing: This book covers the basic computing elements and techniques, as well as a wealth of programming examples ranging from simple to complex problems. It is an ideal vade mecum for everyone interested in analog computing.
