Ternary computer

A ternary computer is a computer that is based on its calculation instead of the more common conventional logic ( binary logic) with two possible values ​​, in a three-valued logic with three possible values.

History

One of the first calculating machine, which was made ​​entirely of wood in 1840 by the inventor Thomas Fowler, was a ternary computer. The only modern ternary computer, Zeitun, developed in 1958 by Nikolai Brussenzow at the Lomonosov University in Moscow and had compared to binary computers, some advantages such as lower energy consumption and lower production costs. 1970 Brussenzow developed an improved version of Zeitun computer called Zeitun -70.

Balanced ternary logic

Ternary data processing is often implemented on the basis of balanced ternary logic which allows the states 0, 1 and -1. The number of each counter balanced ternary number is determined by the exchange each -1 by 1 and found the reverse. Negative numbers can be represented as easily as positive numbers, as opposed to the decimal system is no negative sign must be noted. This fact makes some calculations in Ternärsystem efficient than the binary system.

The future

With the advent of mass production produced in binary components for computer ternary computers were a small footnote in computer history. Nevertheless, Donald Knuth predicted given the elegance and efficiency of the ternary logic a resurgence of ternary computers in the future. Possible ways in which the development of ternary computer might proceed in the future, is the combination of an optical computer with the Ternärsystem. A ternary computer using optical fibers could use dark than 0 and two orthogonal polarizations of light as 1 and -1. This future potential was also used by some companies, such as Hypres perceived that actively engaged in ternary computer technology. IBM also is irregularly out messages on ternary computer technology, although the company does not conduct research itself in this direction.