Analog Computers

Reference / Paper

Two Variable Function Generator Program for HYDAC

Read the PDF (2 pp) ↗

This two-page EAI bulletin (No. ALHC 64020) describes the F(x,y) HYDAC program, a hybrid-computer software routine that generates arbitrary functions of one or two variables using components of the EAI Digital Operations Systems (DOS). The program represents a function of one variable as 15 straight-line segments connecting 16 evenly spaced breakpoints, and extends this to two variables by defining multiple such curves at breakpoints in the second variable, with linear interpolation applied in both dimensions. Input is loaded from punched paper tape, enabling rapid setup; unused DOS components remain available for additional logic and computing tasks.

Manufacturer
EAI
System
HYDAC
Type
Reference / Paper
Language
English
Learning track
specific applications
Pages
2
Credit
Bulletin No. ALHC 64020. Copyright Electronic Associates, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
  • HYDAC
  • EAI
  • function generation
  • hybrid computation
  • DOS

← Back to the Reference Library

Two Variable Function Generator Program for HYDAC

TWO VARIABLE FUNCTION GENERATOR PROGRAM FOR HYDACX INTRODUCTION GENERAL DESCRIPTION These notes describe the capabilities of a HYDAC program for the generation of arbitrary functions of one or two variables. The realistic simulation of most physical devices and systems requires such physical capability to describe mathematically, phenomena involving the variation of quantities as functions of other quantities. In the diagram of Figure 1, the characteristics of the Function Generator Program -- referred to as F(x,y) -- are defined uniquely by the input - output relationships shown. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the basic F(x,y) program, showing the major operations. toR2 Functions of a single variable are satisfactorily represented in analog simulations by the Diode Function Generator or the Pot Pa.dder. Functions of more than one variablearenothandledso easily, however, and their representation is made usually by approximation even after considerable experimentation. The HYDAC program used in the study described is an effective and economical means for representing functions of one or more variables with convenient, rapid setup from punched paper tape. It is designed to expand the problem solving capthrough ability of the analog computerbyproviding, the general pu4)ose components of the EAI Digital Operations Systems (DOS), flexible, accurate, and rapidly set function generators for the simulation of arbitrary functions of analog voltages. //| ilo:lbl FuilCt|otl VALUES Ar a"EAKPotxts f2 ( Xq r X5 ) IIULTIPLEXEO ANALO6 I NPUTS I ono.ou > VOLIAGE ourPurs J o-0,1,2,...,15 b0,tr2,...,t5 n-O1,2,,..,15 FIGUREl. GenerolChorocteristics of F(xy) Progromlor HYDAC L--- BENEFITS Several benefits are provided through this simulation technique. The DOS Function Generatorprogram is a general purpose HYDACprogramimplemented by the interconnection of a portion of the complement of components in the DOS. It is possible, then, to use those DOS components not used in the Function Generator program for additional logic control and computing ftrnctions. Added to this flexibility are the economics of time sharing the program which.make component to the analog or hybrid doubly attractive addition a simulation laboratory. *T ro d e Mo rk P ri n te d i n U .S .A . 464 I I I I I lmrl lrulrrf,dr I FIGURE2. Block Diogromof F(xy) Progrom @ El ec tr oni c As s oc i o l e s , I n c . , Al l R i ghts R es er v ed Bul l ei i n N o. ALH C 6 4 0 2 0 PROGRAM OERATION In the F(x,y) program, a curve is considered to be described by 15 straight line segments (Figure 3) that connect values of a function, f(x), defined at 16 evenly spaced values (breakpoints) of the variable, x. A function of two variables is defined by several curves, one for each breakpoint of the second variable, y (Figure 4). With suitable interpolation betlveen t'alues of the function at breakpoints, a funetion oftwovariables, f(x,y), defined by Y curves, can be represented by 16 Y data points, each of which defines the value of functions at breakpoints in X and Y. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the interpolation scheme used in the F(x,y) program. Linear interpolation is used for both one and two variable generation. FIGURg 3. F unc t ionof o SingleVor ioble FIGU R E 5. D i ogrom l l l ustroti ng F(xy) Interpol ol i on S c heme With additional buJfering and control circuitry, the F(x,y) program can be expanded to include the generation of Variable Break Points and Functions of Three Variables. FIGURE4 . Func iionof Two Vor iobles EAI' ELECTRONIC For complete details on the basic F(x,y) program, please write for Application Study 1.3.6h, Bulletin No. ALHC 6384-lab. ASSOCIATES, INC. tong Branch,New Jersel ADVANCED SYSTEMSANALYSISAND COMPUTATIONSERVICES/ANALOG COMPUTERS/HYBRID ANAI-OG-DIGITATCOMPUTATIONEQUIPMENT/SIMUI.ATION SYSTEMS/ SCIENTIFICAND TABORATORYINSTRUMENTS/INDUSTRIAL PROCESSCONTROT SYSTEMS/PHOTOGRAMMETRIC EQUIPMENT/RANGEINSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS/TEST AND CHECK-OUTSYSTEMS/MITITARY AND INDUSTRIATRESEARCH AND DEVETOPMENT ENGINEERINGAND EQUIPMENTMAINTENANCESERVICES. SERVICES/FIEI-D