Difference between revisions of "Minion"
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The '''Minion mode''' allows the connection of two or more [[The Analog Thing]]s together in a '''Minion chain''' to realize a | The '''Minion mode''' allows the connection of two or more [[The Analog Thing]]s together in a '''Minion chain''' to realize a | ||
| − | bigger analog computer for more complex tasks or simulations which need more | + | bigger analog computer for more complex tasks or simulations which need more computing |
| − | elements than a single device provides. There is no | + | elements than a single device provides. There is no limit to the number of THATs working |
| − | together. The connection is made with a small flat cable (ribbon cable) from the | + | together in this way. The connection is made with a small flat cable (ribbon cable) from the port named <code>MASTER</code> to |
| − | the next device | + | the next device's <code>MINION IN</code> port. If more than two THAT are needed, the next one is to be connected |
| − | connected to the second and so on. | + | connected to the second one, and so on. |
| − | The | + | The THAT furthest to the left in a minion chain is the chain's MASTER. It controls all remaining THATs of that chain, which must all be switched to MINION mode. The speed (OP TIME) and all modes are controlled from the MASTER. In the |
| − | + | COEFFICIENT mode, the values for the eight coefficients on any device can be setup separately | |
| − | COEFFICIENT mode the values for the eight coefficients on any device can be setup separately | + | while IC/OP/HALT/REP/REPF modes are controlled only from the MASTER. Computing elements of different THATs in the same minion chain can be connected with patch cables in the same way connections are patched on a single THAT. |
| − | while IC/OP/HALT/REP/REPF modes are controlled only from the | ||
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== Theory and Terminology == | == Theory and Terminology == | ||
| − | + | THATs in a minion chain form a ''singly linked list''. This way of connecting THATs is also referred to | |
| − | as ''daisy chaining''. The concept of | + | as ''daisy chaining'' or as creating a ''minion chain''. The concept of a single controller (MASTER) with one or more |
| − | controlled entities ( | + | controlled entities (MINIONS) was conventionally referred to as a ''master/slave model''. As this choice of terms has fallen out of favor, the term ''MINION'' is used. For further |
| − | |||
| − | of | ||
reading, see for instance [https://www.vice.com/en/article/8x7akv/masterslave-terminology-was-removed-from-python-programming-language] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master/slave_(technology)#Terminology_concerns]. | reading, see for instance [https://www.vice.com/en/article/8x7akv/masterslave-terminology-was-removed-from-python-programming-language] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master/slave_(technology)#Terminology_concerns]. | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | File:THAT MINION 4.jpg|Two | + | File:THAT MINION 4.jpg|Two THE ANALOG THINGs connected in a Minion Chain |
File:THAT MINION 2.jpg|The same setup including a single [[Oscilloscope]] | File:THAT MINION 2.jpg|The same setup including a single [[Oscilloscope]] | ||
File:Cta bg.jpg|closeup | File:Cta bg.jpg|closeup | ||
Latest revision as of 16:59, 12 August 2021
The Minion mode allows the connection of two or more The Analog Things together in a Minion chain to realize a
bigger analog computer for more complex tasks or simulations which need more computing
elements than a single device provides. There is no limit to the number of THATs working
together in this way. The connection is made with a small flat cable (ribbon cable) from the port named MASTER to
the next device's MINION IN port. If more than two THAT are needed, the next one is to be connected
connected to the second one, and so on.
The THAT furthest to the left in a minion chain is the chain's MASTER. It controls all remaining THATs of that chain, which must all be switched to MINION mode. The speed (OP TIME) and all modes are controlled from the MASTER. In the COEFFICIENT mode, the values for the eight coefficients on any device can be setup separately while IC/OP/HALT/REP/REPF modes are controlled only from the MASTER. Computing elements of different THATs in the same minion chain can be connected with patch cables in the same way connections are patched on a single THAT.
Theory and Terminology
THATs in a minion chain form a singly linked list. This way of connecting THATs is also referred to as daisy chaining or as creating a minion chain. The concept of a single controller (MASTER) with one or more controlled entities (MINIONS) was conventionally referred to as a master/slave model. As this choice of terms has fallen out of favor, the term MINION is used. For further reading, see for instance [1] or [2].
Daisy-Chaining gallery
Two THE ANALOG THINGs connected in a Minion Chain
The same setup including a single Oscilloscope
closeup
