Information theory: two theories in one
Alexey Viktorovich Platonov · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2013
The goal of the paper is a discussion of benefits and fields of application of the optimal analog feedback communication systems (AFCS) and comparison of the approaches to their and digital communication systems (DCS) optimization. There is shown a deep difference between the mathematical tools used for the analysis and optimization of AFCS and DCS which permits to consider the approaches to their optimization as independent directions of research in information theory. The main reason of differences is qualitative difference of the sources of signals transmitted by the systems. Both analog and digital systems solve similar task but in completely different way. The results of analysis show that digital CS are irreplaceable for digital signals transmission. However, in all cases, where optimal AFCS can be applied, they transmit analog signals with the greater power-bandwidth efficiency than DCS designed for the same applications. The paper is based on previous author’s research and researches in AFCS theory carried out in the 1950-1960s.