Linear and non-linear operational circuitry

Abstract

Digital computers allow mathematical operations to be performed to a very high standard of accuracy. The quantities involved are often continuous signals, for instance in the form of voltages, which in turn may be the analogs for some other measured quantities. In such cases the digital computer requires two additional units, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Such expenditure is only justified if the demand for accuracy is too high to be met by analog computer circuitry involving operational amplifiers. An upper limit for the accuracy of this kind of circuit is in the order of 0.1%.