Beyond Binary Computing?

daksis writes "Non base two computing is nothing new. But it is an idea that, for various reasons, never really caught on. Embedded.com is running an op/ed piece that asks if hardware and software engineers are ready to move to ternary or quaternary logic. A move to multi-valued logic provides more computational capability without the standard increase in die size or transistor count. Is the need to make do with the current fabrication technology enough to drive the move to multi-valued logic? Or will Moore's law continue without the need for doing more with less silica based real estate?"

Comments

Survey ...

[BabyDave]

Do you think three-valued logic is a good idea?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Maybe

Ternary programming would rock!

[Dark Lord Seth]

#define FALSE 0
#define TRUE 1
#define MAYBE 2

Here, here!

[jemenake]

Well, if the word "bit" is a contraction of "binary digit", then I'm all for a move to "ternary digits". We need a lot more of those in this field.

Re:Ternary

[borgboy]

So, /. has done 3 stories on ternary logic?

Perfect for women

[marvin2k]

The quaternary system would be perfectly suited for women:

0 = No
1 = Yes
2 = No (But I mean yes)
3 = Yes (But I mean no)

Re:Truth Tables * n?

[b!arg]

Perhaps they would be Abort, Retry, Fail?

Re:Ternary system is the way to go

[Mechanik]

Here's a link to what you're talking about:

Third Base

There is just something funny about the concept of Slashdotters needing to follow a hyperlink in order to get to third base...


Mechanik