The Other (Analog) Computer

이 글은 디지털 컴퓨터가 1940년대 후반 결정론적 부울 논리를 기반으로 한 단일 결정에 의해 주류가 되었으나, AI 시대에 확률적 계산을 직접 수행하는 아날로그 컴퓨터의 재등장이 주목받고 있음을 설명한다. 아날로그 컴퓨터는 물리 법칙을 이용해 낮은 에너지로 연산을 수행하지만, 노이즈와 범용성 문제로 1980년대 이후 주류에서 밀려났다. 1980년대 이후 아날로그 신경망 칩과 볼츠만 머신 같은 확률적 모델이 등장했으나, 학습 효율성 문제로 디지털 방식에 밀렸다. 최근 AI 워크로드가 확률적 계산 중심으로 전환되면서 아날로그 컴퓨팅의 가능성이 다시 부각되고 있다.

https://www.therml.ai/blog/two-tracks

#analogcomputing #digitalcomputing #ai #probabilisticcomputing #neuralnetworks

My current favourite introductory (undie-level) #textbooks on #QuantumComputing #QC are these:

• "Introduction to Quantum Computing: From a Layperson to a Programmer in 30 Steps"
— H Wong (EE), 2024, https://shorturl.at/1wdEz

• "Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computing" [FREE]
— T Wong (physicist), 2022, https://shorturl.at/rNjRw

Both books are aimed at college seniors majoring in CS or maths. While these texts may be a bit clunky for the physics or EE upperclassmen's liking, they could serve as a gentler introduction to #QuantumMechanics #QM for the freshmen in these disciplines.

I prefer H Wong's book, but T Wong's book is also superb (and it is free). I recommend the students read both. This sure is a rare case of two Wongs making one right.

Also, EE upperclassmen should read H Wong's other books:

• "Quantum Computing Architecture and Hardware for Engineers: Step by Step, Volume 1"
— H Wong, 2025, https://shorturl.at/4Fe1e

• "Quantum Computing Architecture and Hardware for Engineers: Step by Step, Volume 2" [FREE]
— H Wong, 2025, https://shorturl.at/WafIP

NB—QC maybe but a #hype, for the time being. It may yet grow into something practicable, in the near future. But then, it may not. Be that as it may, the concepts that sprang from Feynman's 1982 seminal paper on the physics of #ReversibleComputing are fascinating all their own, so the undergrads in physics, EE, CS, and maths should at least be familiar with them. After all, no substantive knowledge is ever superfluous. And more importantly, QC can be a springboard, an enticement even, for these kids to dive into the fascinating ocean of QM, or at least dip into an intriguing classical computing pond of #ProbabilisticComputing.