analogue
<electronics> (US: "analog") A description of a continuously variable
signal or a circuit or device designed to handle such signals. The opposite is
"discrete" or "digital".
Analogue circuits are much harder to design and analyse than digital ones
because the designer must take into account effects such as the gain, linearity
and power handling of components, the resistance, capacitance and inductance of
PCB tracks, wires and connectors, interference between signals, power supply
stability and more. A digital circuit design, especially for high switching
speeds, must also take these factors into account if it is to work reliably, but
they are usually less critical because most digital components will function
correctly within a range of parameters whereas such variations will corrupt the
outputs of an analogue circuit.
See also analogue computer.
(1995-11-14)
Nearby terms:
an « analog « Analog Hardware Design Language « analogue
» analogue computer » Analogy Model » Analytical Engine
