Editing Analog computer (section)

=== Construction ===
An analog computing machine consists of several main components:<ref>
(1) Truitt, T. D., and A. E. Rogers. Basics of Analog Computers (New York: John F. Rider, Inc., 1960).
</ref><ref>
(2) Johnson, C. L. Analog Computer Techniques (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1956).
</ref><ref>
(3) Howe, R. M. Design Fundamentals of Analog Computer Components (Princeton,
N.J.: D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc. , 1960).
</ref><ref>connect
(4) Ashley, J. R. Introduction to Analog Computation (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , 1963).
</ref>

*'''Signal sources:''' These are blocks that generate analog signals, such as voltage or current, to represent input data and operations.
*'''[[Amplifier]]s:''' Amplifiers are used to boost analog signals and maintain their amplitudes throughout the system. They amplify weak input signals and compensate for signal losses during transmission.
*'''[[Filter (signal processing)|Filter]]s:''' Filters are used to modify the spectrum of signals by suppressing or amplifying specific frequencies. They allow the isolation or suppression of certain signal components depending on the computational requirements.
*'''[[Modulator]]s and [[demodulator]]s:''' Modulators convert information into analog signals that can be transmitted through a communication channel, and demodulators perform the reverse transformation, recovering the original data from modulated signals.
*'''[[Adder (electronics)|Adder]]s, [[Analog multiplier|multiplier]]s, [[Log amplifier|log converters]], and other calculation stages:''' These perform arithmetic operations on analog signals. They can be used for mathematical operations such as addition, multiplication, exponentiation, integration, and differentiation.
*'''Storage and [[memory]]:''' Analog computing machines can use various forms of information storage, such as capacitors or inductors, to store intermediate results and memory.
*'''Feedback and control:''' Feedback and control blocks are used to maintain the stability and accuracy of the analog computing machine. They may include regulation systems and error correction.
*'''[[Patch panel]]:''' Analog computing machines also feature a patch panel or patch field. A patch panel is a physical structure on which connectors or contacts are placed to interconnect various components and modules within the system.

On the patch panel, various connections and routes can be set and switched to configure the machine and determine signal flows. This allows users to flexibly configure and reconfigure the analog computing system to perform specific tasks.

Patch panels are used to control [[data flow]]s, connect and disconnect connections between various blocks of the system, including signal sources, amplifiers, filters, and other components. They provide convenience and flexibility in configuring and experimenting with analog computations.

Patch panels can be presented as a physical panel with connectors or, in more modern systems, as a software interface that allows virtual management of signal connections and routes.

*'''[[Hardware interface]]s:''' Interfaces provide means of interaction with the machine, for example, for parameter control or data transmission.
*'''[[Output device]]:''' this device is designed to present the results of analog computations in a convenient form for the user or to transmit the obtained data to other systems.

Output devices in analog machines can vary depending on the specific goals of the system. For example, they could be graphical indicators, [[oscilloscope]]s, graphic recording devices, [[TV connection module]], [[voltmeter]], etc. These devices allow for the visualization of analog signals and the representation of the results of measurements or mathematical operations.

*'''[[Power supply|Power source]] and [[Voltage stabilizer|stabilizer]]s.'''

These are just general blocks that can be found in a typical analog computing machine. The actual configuration and components may vary depending on the specific implementation and the intended use of the machine.