Improvements in or relating to electrical methods of and apparatus for the determination of the function values of functions of several independent variables

Abstract

Abstract 520,228. Calculating-apparatus. CONTRAVES AKT.-GES. Aug. 16, 1938, No. 24159. Convention date. May 25. [Class 106 (i)] [Also in Group XXXVIII] In a system for evaluating a function comprising multiplicative combinations and at least one addition of a number of independent variables, the variables are represented by the transfer ratios of a plurality of variable four- or eight-terminal constant impedance networks and the additions the performed over decoupling networks. The transfer ratio is defined as the outputinput potential ratio of the network. The Figure shows circuits for evaluating an expression such as x=ab sin α/sin # - c sin # cos γ, the transfer ratios of the variable networks 1-4 being made proportional to a, b, sin a, and 1/sin # and those of the variable networks 5, 6, 7 to c, sin # cos y, A potential UE is applied to a decoupling sixterminal network 9, the decoupling split outputs u<SP>1</SP>, u<SP>2</SP> being applied to the two groups of networks. The outputs of the groups are added in the six-terminal decoupling network 10. Proportionality in the transmission through the separate groups is maintained by a network 8 having a constant tranfer ratio in order that addition on the correct scale may be effected ; an amplifier also may be provided in one of the circuits. The output voltage UA is representative of the value x and may be read directly on an instrument. If the value of the supply volts UE is not constant or is unknown, a further variable-ratio four terminal network fed by the supply volts through a decoupling network may be provided and the outputs of the calculating network and the additional four-terminal network supplied to a null-reading comparison instrument separate sources may be used for the two evaluating paths. In another form three co-ordinates may be converted into different co-ordinates by a system of eight-terminal networks which may be each considered as an assembly of four-terminal and decoupling networks.

Inventors

No inventors recorded.

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