Digital computers for linear, real-time control systems

Abstract

A digital computer operating in a real-time control system is an information-processing device. Heretofore, special-purpose, general-purpose computers have been designed for use in these systems. This paper begins by considering the basic equation for discrete, linear, real-time control systems. The operations that must be performed are enumerated and described. Several methods for accomplishing each operation are discussed, pointing out the ad-advantages and disadvantages of each method. In conclusion the weighting-function computer is compared with the special-purpose, general-purpose computer and the digital-differential analyzer.