Detailed Notes: Categories of Computers (Part - 2) | Computer - Class 5 PDF Download

Hybrid Computers
A computer which performs operations based on both analog and digital principles is known as a hybrid computer. A hybrid computer displays capabilities, behavior, functions and principles of operation of both the analog and digital computers. A gas pump is actually a hybrid computer. Although it processes measured data, such as the amount of fluid passing through the gas hose, the data displayed to you, the amount of gas and the amount you owe is displayed in a digital format. In general, analog computers are extraordinarily fast, but the precision of analog computers is not good. 

Fig: Hybrid Compuuter

Digital computers have an almost unlimited level of precision but are slow compared to analog computers. In most cases, hybrid computers are substantially faster than a digital computer and can supply a far more specific computation than an analog computer. It is helpful for real-time applications such as weather conditions system computation. Thus we see that hybrid computers utilize the best qualities of both the has to be handled is periodically measured and analog computers. In these computers, and converted into digital signals, which are processed by the digital part of the computer.  A hybrid computer may use or produce analog data or digital data. Hybrid computers have been necessary for successful system development an example of a hybrid   computer is the computer used in hospitals to measure the heartbeat of the patient. Hybrid machines are generally used in scientific applications or in controlling industrial processes. (See Figure 5.1.3)  

Commonly Asked Questions    

Fill in the blanks:
1. A hybrid computer performs operations based on both _____ and ____ principles.
2. A gas pump is actually a_________computer.
3. _____ computers have an almost unlimited level of precision, but are slow compared to_____ computers.
(A) Digital, super computer. Digital, Analog, Hybrid
(B) Analog, Digital, Hybrid, Digital, Analog
(C) Super, Mini computer, Analog, Hybrid, Digital
(D) Analog, Digital, Analog, Hybri, Digital
(E) Digital, super computer, Digital, Analog, Hybrid
Answer: (b)
Explanation
Correct Option:
(B) Options given in (B) are correct.
Incorrect Options:
(A) Options given in (A) are incorrect.
(C) Options given in (C) are incorrect.
(D) Options given in (D) are incorrect.
(E) Options given in (E) are incorrect.    

1. Information about two computers is given below. Read the statements and identify the name of the computers.
1. Computer X- These computers are a combination of both digital and analog computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments perform process controlled by conversion of analog signals to digital ones.
2. Computer Y- These computers use continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilize mechanical or electrical energy. They can perform several mathematical operations simultaneously.
(A) X-Hybrid; Y-Analog                                  
(B) X - Digital; Y - Analog
(C) X - Analog; Y - Digital                              
(D) X - Hybrid; Y - Digital
(E) X - Digital; Y - Hybrid
Answer: (a)
Explanation
Correct option:
(A) Computer X represents a hybrid computer and computer Y represents an analog computer.
Incorrect Options:
(B) Option (B) is incorrect because computer X represents a hybrid computer and computer Y represents an analog computer.
(C) Option (C) is incorrect because computer X represents a hybrid computer and computer Y represents an analog computer.
(D) Option (D) is incorrect because computer X represents a hybrid computer and computer Y represents an analog computer.
(E) Option (E) is incorrect because computer X represents a hybrid computer and computer Y represents an analog computer.  

 You Must Know:

• The "castle clock", an astronomical clock invented by AI Jazari in 1206, is considered to be the earliest programmable analog computer.
• George Stibitz is internationally recognized as a father of the modern digital computer.  

Important Terms:

• Analog Computers: These computers use continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilize mechanical or electrical energy. They can perform several mathematical operations simultaneously.
• Digital Computer: A computer that stores data in terms of digits (numbers) and processes information by manipulating symbols according to logical rules.
• Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments perform process controlled by conversion of analog signals to digital ones.