Analog Computers

English translation

Analog Computer Training Equipment — Mode of Operation, Type 35 957: Device Description and Operating Instructions

This is an English translation of the original German document (PEK Electronic, 1971).


Title Page (p. 1)

PEK Electronic

Training Equipment — Analog Computer Mode of Operation — Type 35 957

Device and Functional Description Operating Instructions

(Planning No. 6910 – 76839) Supply No. 6930-12-152-1486

Prepared by Dr.-Ing. Paul E. Klein, Tettnang

PEK Order No. 39507.1 1st Edition 1971

All rights reserved. Photomechanical reproduction only with express permission of Dr.-Ing. Paul E. Klein. Any reprinting, even in extracts, is prohibited.


Table of Contents (p. 2)

(1st Edition, Order No. 39507.1)

  1. Introduction

    • 1.1 Purpose of the author (Preface) — L 1553 S.1
    • 1.2 Introduction to the mode of operation of an analog computer — L 1354 S.1
    • 1.3 Symbols for components of an analog computer — L 1353 S.1
    • 1.4 Comparison of components of an analog computer — L 1353 S.1
    • 1.5 Construction and operating principles of the analog computer — L 1356 S.1–2
    • 1.6 Notes on the elements used in the analog computer — L 1260 S.1, 1–4
    • 1.7 Comparison of analog and digital computers — L 1260 S.3
    • 1.8 Application areas of analog and digital computing — L 1260 S.3
  2. Basic Exercises

    • 2.1 Generation of a time-proportional voltage — A 1550 S.1–4, 1–1, 1–2
    • 2.2 The sign change — A 1551 S.1–4
  3. Practical Exercises (Fundamentals)

    • 3.1 Working with the analog computer (I) — A 1352 S.1–4, 1–4, 1–4
    • 3.2 Working with the analog computer (II) — A 1353 S.1–2, 1–2, 1–2
    • 3.3 Summing with the analog computer (III) — A 1383 S.1–2, 1–2
    • 3.4 The integrator — A 1353 S.1–2
    • 3.5 The integrator (II) — A 1353 S.1–3
    • 3.5 Parabolic multiplier — A 1356 S.1–4, 1–1
    • 3.7 Servo-multiplier — A 1387 S.1–5, 1–3

(Table of contents continues on p. 3)

  1. Further Examples

    • 4.1 Build-up and mode of operation of a PID controller (experiment) — A 1360 S.1–8, 1–1, 1–4
    • 4.2 The analog computer as a training and demonstration device for control engineering (Demonstration lecture) — A 1362 S.7–19
    • 4.2.1 Step response at the input of an integrator
    • 4.2.2 Change of the damping input
    • 4.2.3 Change of the eigen frequency
    • 4.2.4 Step response at the input of a control loop
    • 4.2.2.1 Step response at the input of a PID controller
    • 4.2.2.2 Change of the tracking bandwidth
    • 4.2.3 Verification of a PID controller
    • 4.2.4 Overshoot of a PID controller
  2. General

    • 5.1 Differential equation (Introduction) and its handling — L 1112 S.1
    • 5.2 Differential equations and their operational relationship — L 1112 S.1
    • 5.3 Fundamentals of simple control circuits — L 2310 S.1–8
    • 5.4 Terms for control problems according to DIN 19226 — L 2300 S.1
    • 5.5 Technical vocabulary — L 1350 S.3

Introduction (p. 4)

To work with an analog computer, one needs a range of mathematical knowledge; in particular, a knowledge of differential equations is necessary, so that problems can also be reliably solved with it. Differential equations are also the basis for working with computers.

Despite this, the functions of an analog computer are accessible to everyone with basic technical knowledge. Even without mathematical knowledge, one can understand the basic mode of operation in principle; one simply knows that the operations are performed by the machine. The technical advantages and application possibilities can thus be demonstrated and the machine used for the synthesis of any problem.

This handbook is intended to serve as a guide for instructors and students who are becoming familiar with the operation of an analog computer. Above all, it is intended to provide easy guidance, even in how to set up and connect circuits, and to clarify the operation of the program on the computer and in the laboratory.

The book by Paul E. Klein “Introduction to Analog Computing Technique” (Stoll, Technik-Schule Wolfburg) is given as a basis for those who want to acquire deeper knowledge. In it, the reader will find the necessary (not previously acquired) mathematical knowledge that is needed, and the text of this brochure “Introduction to the Analog Computer Technique” forms the textual basis of the analog computer.

Paul E. Klein December 1971


The Educational Significance of the Analog Computer (p. 5)

The educational significance of an analog computer stems from its ability to use a teaching medium on all fields of technology.

Analog models are useful tools for the analysis of technical problems and for construction and design tasks. In electrical engineering, in fluid mechanics, in control technology and in mechanical engineering, analog simulations can be used to quickly and inexpensively reveal fundamental working methods. It shows a basic manner of working and its elements; it demonstrates the important Einzel-Circuits and the interrelationship of the Einzel-circuits with one another in a clear way to the student. The student is given an insight into the more fundamental Entwicklung of technical developments, and in general, the effect of the individual circuit has been considered.

In technology, more and more mechanical processes are being replaced by electronic systems, and the right training in electronics is not only the development of electronics that has taken place in recent years, but in turn, the influence of electronics on other fields of technology can be better understood.

The analog computer as an interdisciplinary tool is an especially important teaching medium for revealing the structure of complex processes and their dynamics. It enables the student to set up, simulate, and thus verify a proposed system by quickly varying the parameters, which opens the opportunity to an extremely creative design of the instructional process in technical subjects, especially in technical schools, polytechnic schools, and vocational schools.


Analog Computer: Symbols for Components (p. 6)

ComponentSymbolFunction
1. Potentiometeryₑ → (α) → yₐyₐ = α · yₑ
2. Operational amplifier (with feedback)yₑ → (−v) → yₐyₐ = f(yₑ)
3. Operational amplifier (without feedback)yₑ → (triangle) → yₐyₐ >> yₑ (V→∞); As inverter: yₐ = −yₑ
4. Summing amplifieryₑ₁, yₑ₂ → (c) → yₐyₐ = −(C₁·yₑ₁ + C₂·yₑ₂)
5. Integratoryₑ → (triangle, y₀) → yₐyₐ = −C∫yₑ·dt + y₀
6. Multiplieryₑ₁, yₑ₂ → (M) → yₐyₐ = yₑ₁ · yₑ₂
7. Divideryₑ₁, yₑ₂ → (D) → yₐyₐ = yₑ₁ : yₑ₂
8. Comparatoryₑ₁, yₑ₂, yS₁, yS₂ → (J) → yₐyₐ = yₑ₁ if yS₁ + yS₂ > 0; yₐ = yₑ₂ if yS₁ + yS₂ < 0
9. Function generatoryₑ → (f-curve block) → yₐyₐ = f(yₑ)

December 1971, L 1353.1 – S.1


Parts List of the PEK Analog Computer Kit (p. 7)

1. PEK Teaching Boards (Forest GNB A 5)

ItemDescriptionType
1Power supplyTyp 34071/A3
1PotentiometerTyp 38501
2Summing amplifiersTyp 38502
1Parabolic multiplierTyp 38504
1Programming boardTyp 38505
1Servo-multiplierTyp 38506
1Motor/function generatorTyp 38507
1Operating instructions and controlTyp 38503
1Output/display boardTyp 38508

2. PEK Accessories

QtyDescriptionType
1CableTyp 4938
2CablesTyp 4939
1CableTyp 4940
50Connection cables 30 cmTyp 39110
2Connection cables 30 cmTyp 39111
5Connection cables 100 cmTyp 39112
2Resistors 2.2 MΩTyp 39104 / 2.2 MΩ, 1W
2Resistors 10 MΩTyp 39104 / 10 MΩ, 1W
2Resistors 15 MΩTyp 39104 / 15 MΩ, 1W
2Resistors 3.3 MΩTyp 39104 / 3.3 MΩ
4Resistors (value unclear)
4CondensersTyp 39113 / 0.1 µF, 160 V
4CondensersTyp 39113 / 0.5 µF, 160 V
4CondensersTyp 39113 / 1 µF, 160 V
6CondensersTyp 39113 / 5 µF, 160 V
180Connection cablesTyp 39124 / 50 cm
72Connection cablesTyp 39124 / 30 cm
15Connection cablesTyp 39124 / 100 cm

(Connection cables available in colors: white, green, yellow, blue, red, violet)

3. Instruments

QtyDescriptionType
1Assembly/troubleshooting demonstration boardTyp 34211
1Technical instruction manual — 5 m(In Aufbewahrkasten)
1Schoolboard, Format GNB A 5Typ 6963

January 1972, L 1355 – S.1

[Translation covers all 7 pages of the original document — this is the complete document.]