Signal: Difference between revisions
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A '''signal''' is the movement of information through the [[Conway's Game of Life|Life]] [[universe]]. Signals can be carried by [[spaceship]]s, [[fuse]]s, [[drifter]]s, or [[conduit]]s. Spaceships can only transfer a signal at the speed of the spaceship, while fuses can transfer a signal at speeds up to the [[speed of light]]. | A '''signal''' is the movement of information through the [[Conway's Game of Life|Life]] [[universe]]. Signals can be carried by [[spaceship]]s, [[fuse]]s, [[drifter]]s, or [[conduit]]s. Spaceships can only transfer a signal at the speed of the spaceship, while fuses can transfer a signal at speeds up to the [[speed of light]]. | ||
In practice, many signals are encoded as the presence or absence of a [[glider]] (or other spaceship) at a particular point at a particular time. Such signals can be combined by the collision of gliders to form | In practice, many signals are encoded as the presence or absence of a [[glider]] (or other spaceship) at a particular point at a particular time. Such signals can be combined by the collision of gliders to form logic operations such as AND, OR, and NOT gates. Signals can be duplicated using [[glider duplicator]]s or other [[fanout]] devices, and can be used up by causing [[perturbation]]s on other parts of the Life object. | ||
Signals are used in [[pseudo-random]] | Signals are used in [[pseudo-random glider generator]]s, the [[unit Life cell]] and the [[Fermat prime calculator]], among others. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{LinkLexicon|lex_s.htm#signal}} | {{LinkLexicon|lex_s.htm#signal}} | ||
Revision as of 01:13, 30 May 2020
A signal is the movement of information through the Life universe. Signals can be carried by spaceships, fuses, drifters, or conduits. Spaceships can only transfer a signal at the speed of the spaceship, while fuses can transfer a signal at speeds up to the speed of light.
In practice, many signals are encoded as the presence or absence of a glider (or other spaceship) at a particular point at a particular time. Such signals can be combined by the collision of gliders to form logic operations such as AND, OR, and NOT gates. Signals can be duplicated using glider duplicators or other fanout devices, and can be used up by causing perturbations on other parts of the Life object.
Signals are used in pseudo-random glider generators, the unit Life cell and the Fermat prime calculator, among others.
External links
- Signal at the Life Lexicon