3 ms·
>From an information theory perspective, holding two states is the most efficient way of computing. Assuming the cost of operations on each digit is a multiple
by mrob 7y ago
>From an information theory perspective, holding two states is the most efficient way of computing.
Assuming the cost of operations on each digit is a multiple of its number of states, the most efficient base for computing with arbitrary numbers is 3, which is the closest integer to the optimal base e:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radix_economy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radix_economy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternary_computer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternary_computer
- seamyb88 7y agoYes, you are correct. I said it all wrong. From a physical perspective, holding two states is the most efficient way of computing. I.e. the electronics required to compute in bases other than 2 involve higher power and present difficult challenges.