Why binary and not ternary computing?

Question

Isn\'t a three state object immedately capable of holding more information and handling larger values? I know that processors currently use massive nets of XOR gates and th

Answer 1

There are also theories that suggest that fiber optics could use light frequencies (i.e.color) to differentiate states thereby allowing a near infinite (depending on resolution of the detection unit) number of base possibilities.

Logic gates are definitely feesible for any base but let's use trinary for an example:

For a trinary XOR gate, it could be exclusive to one (or any) of the three states it is comparing OR one of the other three states. It could also tie two of the three states together for a binary output. The possibilities increase literally exponentially. Of course, this would require more complex hardware and software but the complexity should decrease the size and more importantly the power (read heat). There is even talk of using trinary in a nano computing system where there is a microscopic "bump, a "hole" or "unchanged" to represent the three states.

Right now, we are in sort of a QWERTY type problem. Qwerty was designed to be inefficient because of a problem with typing mechanics that no longer exists but everyone who uses keyboards today learned to use the qwerty system and no one wants to change it. Trinary and higher bases will someday break through this issue when we reach the physical limitations of binary computing. Maybe not for another twenty years but we all know that we cannot continue doubling our capability every year and a half forever.