Magnetic Drum Digital Differential Analyzer
Encyclopedia
Digital Differential Analyzer
A digital differential analyzer , also sometimes called a digital integrating computer, is a digital implementation of a differential analyzer...
(MADDIDA) was a computer built by Northrop Aircraft Corporation
Northrop Corporation
Northrop Corporation was a leading United States aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman in 1994. The company is known for its development of the flying wing design, although only a few of these have entered service.-History:Jack...
in 1950.
MADDIDA had 44 integrator
Integrator
An integrator is a device to perform the mathematical operation known as integration, a fundamental operation in calculus.The integration function is often part of engineering, physics, mechanical, chemical and scientific calculations....
s implemented using a magnetic drum with six storage tracks. The interconnections of the integrators were specified by writing an appropriate pattern of bits onto one of the tracks.