article · English
Analog/Hybrid — What It Was, What It Is, What It May Be
A survey article by Arthur I. Rubin of Electronic Associates, Inc. (EAI), presented at the Fall Joint Computer Conference (FJCC) 1970. It traces the evolution of analog and hybrid computers from WWII 'zeroth generation' machines (BEAC, EASE, GEDA, REAC) through successive generations defined by patch panels, improved component accuracy, and the introduction of digital elements, to the hybrid systems of 1970, and speculates on their future. Key manufacturers (EAI, Beckman/Berkeley, Reeves, Philbrick, GPS) and landmark machines are discussed alongside accuracy milestones, application domains, and the historical tension between analog flexibility and digital precision.
analog computer historyhybrid computingsimulationelectronic analog computers