Digital Computers in Continuous Control Systems

The use of digital computers in continuous control systems is discussed. A comparison is made of the two major types of digital machines, namely the GP (general purpose) and the DDA (digital differential analyzer), and characteristic features of each are considered. Certain advantages and limitations of each type are described, together with their indicated areas of application. Methods of processing input data from analog and digital sensing elements are described, as well as means of supplying control signals to output servos.