The Unbelievable Zombie Comeback of Analog Computing
The resurgence of analog computing is remarkable not only for its Venn-diagram-defying appeal to both hobbyists and tech industry professionals, but also for its potential to upend years of digital hegemony.
For the last several decades, digital computing has been the uncontested leader in both the consumer and industrial realms. But as we’ve become increasingly reliant on computation, the limitations of digital technology have become more evident. In particular, power consumption and heat generation are two major concerns that have led some to explore the potential of analog alternatives.
There are many reasons why analog computing is making a comeback. For one, it’s more energy-efficient than digital. This is because digital systems need to constantly refresh their memory, which consumes a lot of power. Analog systems, on the other hand, can maintain a charge for extended periods of time.
Another advantage of analog is that it generates less heat. This is due to the fact that digital systems have to constantly switch between transistors, which creates a lot of heat. Analog systems, on the other hand, use continuous currents, which are much cooler.
Finally, analog systems are often more resilient to radiation. This is because digital systems rely on transistors, which are susceptible to radiation. Analog systems, on the other hand, use vacuum tubes, which are much more resistant to radiation.
All of these advantages make analog computing an appealing option for a variety of applications. And while there are still some limitations to analog technology, it’s clear that it has a bright future.
