Asianometry Ternary Computing: Theoretically Better than Digital
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Dec 18, 2025 Explore the fascinating world of ternary computing, where trits take center stage over bits! Discover its theoretical advantages, such as improved efficiency and simplicity in comparisons. Delve into the intriguing history of early ternary machines like the Soviet SETUN and the challenges that led to its decline. Learn about modern advancements, including Huawei's innovative patents and exciting new materials like memristors and carbon nanotubes. This journey through computing's past and future reveals why ternary could transform technology!
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Trits Are Theoretically More Efficient
- Ternary (base-3) digits carry more information per digit than binary, so fewer digits and wires are needed for the same data.
- Euler's number is the continuous optimum, but base 3 is nearly optimal and beats binary in theoretical efficiency.
Native Negatives And Simpler Comparisons
- Balanced ternary natively represents negative values, avoiding extra sign bits required by binary.
- Ternary can express comparisons (less/equal/greater) in one step instead of multiple binary checks.
Setun: The Soviet Ternary Experiment
- The Setun ternary computer was developed at Moscow State University in the late 1950s and went into limited production.
- Designer N.P. Brusentioff still believes ternary better fits nature and receives global interest decades later.