comparator

comparator

Instrument for comparing something with a similar thing or with a standard measure, in particular to measure small displacements in mechanical devices. In astronomy, the blink comparator is used to examine photographic plates for signs of moving bodies. Machinists use comparators or visual gauges to centre or align work in machine tools.

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comparator

A device that compares two quantities and determines their equality.

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comparator [kəm′par·əd·ər]

(analytical chemistry)

An instrument used to determine the concentration of a solution by comparing the intensity of color with a series of standard colors.

(computer science)

A device that compares two transcriptions of the same information to verify the accuracy of transcription, storage, arithmetical operation, or some other process in a computer, and delivers an output signal of some form to indicate whether or not the two sources are equal or in agreement.

(control systems)

A device which detects the value of the quantity to be controlled by a feedback control system and compares it continuously with the desired value of that quantity.

(engineering)

A device used to inspect a gaged part for deviation from a specified dimension, by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or optical means.