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Hitachi 505 Digital Analog Hybrid Computer

Article published 27 October 2018

Analog computers were all the rage back in the day. Hybrid computers were made all the way into the 1990s, however the Hitachi 505 dates to 1966. The Hitachi 505 furnishes a number of functions that permit efficiency and flexibility over a wide range of applications. Routine simulations as well as complex and difficult computations requiring high speeds, unique function generation capabilities and precision can be solved on the 505 by the engineer, researcher or scientist.

Hitachi 505 desktop hybrid computer

What is a Hybrid Computer?

Hybrid computers combine the best of digital and analog computers to solve difficult equations. In mathematical terms, hyrbid computers are best suited to solving a class of problems using differential equations. Hybrid computers are great for solving problems quickly.

Analog hybrid computers are an unusual type of computer that is heavily focused towards analog calculations, such as multi-variable differential equations, perfect for scientific calculations. Input variables and results can be recorded to digital memory for future recall. These hybrid computers had a reputations for using lots of electrical power to run the power amplifiers in each of the function modules.

Analog Computer Advantages

Analog computers are amazingly fast. In simple terms, an analog computer is a signal generator that creates a line or a point. In this respect, analog computing operates at the speed of the electrons passing through a circuit. An interesting implementation of the circuit computer was advertised at the GENIAC computer. The GENIAC analog computer was advetised with the tag line, Can you think faster than this machine? Twiddle those knobs and dials and the answer will zero in as fast as you can input the variables. The main limit to using analog computers is the level of precision in the result. Users may only achieve, say, three or four digits of precision.

Hitatchi 505 Hybrid Computer Operation

The computer basically consists of solid-state D.C. amplifiers provided with FET chopper circuits. These amplifiers have a 100 volt 20 ma output with low drift and high S/N ratio for high accuracy. Iterative computations are facilitated by special Compiled Operation Modules containing networks used in automatic parameter changing, boundary value problems and other functions necessary in iterative operations.

Function Generator

A large selection of function generators is available for special purposes, including: 3 different fixed breakpoint function generators; 1 variable breakpoint function generator; 2 log function generators; 2X2 function generators; and a new two-variable function generator. The two-variable function generator, in particular, is a novel silicon transistor device featuring 25 non-interacting fixed breakpoints. The completely shielded, color coded patchboard has been designed with the programmer in mind. Most connections may be made with low capacity bottle plugs. Also, a unique method for temporary labeling of the potentiometers is provided.

Programming the Hitatchi 505

FIVE STEPS IN ANALYSIS OF
PROBLEMS USING THE HITACHI 505

Hitachi 505 desktop setup
Hitachi 505 desktop setup
Hitachi 505 desktop setup
Hitachi 505 desktop setup
Hitachi 505 desktop setup

Readout of solutions is obtained with a 4 digit DVM or a 3 channel 9” oscilloscope. The solutions are also available externally for a X-Y plotter or other monitoring devices. The Hitachi 505 furnishes a number of functions that permit efficiency and flexibility over a wide range of applications. A three-channel 9” oscilloscope provides a continuous display of solutions, and is arranged so that 3 solutions may be observed simultaneously.

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