Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to a book-sized, self-contained analog computer, organized to enable an inexperienced person to program readily a differential equation. In this computer permanent circuits are either exposed or indicated as solid lines. Connections between terminals available for patching by the user are shown as dashed lines, so that with the aid of an instruction manual even a beginner can implement quickly a differential equation at the first try. Being small in size, this computer can be placed beside a student's computation sheets to be used for checking solutions arrived at by other means. Because components are inserted by the user without soldering, a user can modify a circuit quickly to suit his needs. As an example, a summing amplifier can be modified to perform the functions of a modified differentiator, an absolute value circuit or a switching circuit, to name a few, enabling this computer to have the capacity of one having twice the number of computing components whose components are not modifiable. This computer also has been designed with features enabling it to be less dependent on an oscilloscope. A peak voltage detector and an oscillation counter enable a student to determine the damping ratio of an underdamped second order system without the assistance of an oscilloscope.

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First Claim