A Different Difference Engine
February 10th, 2006Jack Ganssle’s Embedded Muse newsletter had a very interesting link that describes a difference engine of a different sort, which I thought I’d write about as well. Andy Carol has built a Difference Engine similar to the one built by Charles Babbage, entirely from Lego blocks! In Andy’s words, “Babbage’s design could evaluate 7th order polynomials to 31 digits of accuracy. I set out to build a working Difference Engine using LEGO parts which could compute 2nd or 3rd order polynomials to 3 or 4 digits.”
The process of building the gargantuan number cruncher is nicely illustrated with pictures, along with a nice and concise explanation of the math and mechanics that combine to form a difference engine. Amazing, Andy!
Andy’s website is hosted on Steve Wozniak’s website.
