Progress of analog/hybrid computation

Solid-state circuits and the integrated circuits succeeding them are improving analog-computing-element reliability by an order of magnitude, speed by two orders of magnitude, and still reducing system cost. The effects of integrated-circuit technology on the price, reliability, and sophistication of digital computers are even more pronounced, and the resulting system-design tradeoffs shape the future course of hybrid-computer techniques. This review article discusses the design of fast analog/hybrid computer systems, including recent developments in integrated operational amplifiers, electronic mode-control switches, digital attenuators, and new packaging techniques.