An Analog-Digital Real-Time Computer

Abstract

A new kind of digital computer employing analog computing techniques is introduced. Planned as the central calculator in a ``faster-than-real-time'' computing system for a space range, the computer employs many, high-speed, digital circuits in parallel to calculate the solutions to sets of nonlinear differential equations. Parallel computing equipment employing simple numerical algorithms are shown to be superior in speed and accuracy of solution of sets of many equations than a hypothetical system of an un limited number of conventional, stored program computers operating in unison. The operating and programming methods are described as an outgrowth of existing analog and digital computer techniques. The applications described indicate the effectiveness of the computer in the role of a prediction and control computer for a missile and space range instrumentation system.