The history of analog computing: introduction to the special section

Abstract

This special issue is one in a series of occasional issues of IEEE Control Systems Magazine dedicated to history. The present issue continues the previous contributions by focusing on the development and impact of a pivotal technology. Analog computers played a key role in enabling the simulation of control systems for several decades, leading to a better understanding of theory and better designs in practice. Here we take a closer look at analog-computer technology in its historical context. a collection of eight articles - an analog-simulation tutorial, four personal histories, and three reports of current activities - written by well-known authors in the fields of analog computing and history.