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Why binary is represented by two bits 0 and 1 and not three bits?
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tip.can19:
I was wondering if digital systems work in binary 0 and 1, why is it so? Why not have 0, 1 and 2 (or some other constant/variable to make it three) and let three numbers represent a digital system?

Is there a specific reason behind this? Just curious.

Thank you,
sleemanj:
Google ternary computing (trits are usually represented -1, 0, 1).
tszaboo:
On a very abstract level, digital system represents a bunch of switches. The switch is either on or off. It is the minimum number of states to represent any number. And it makes designing circuits easy.

What you describe is, for example fuzzy logic, where any variable can be 0, 1 or anything in-between. But if you are just learning electronics, learn basic digital, since it is the basis of every computer.
Raj:
Cause it's easier that way.
it's harder to define your logic levels on multi logic level circuits. They did have analogue computers back in the days,mainly for ballistic measurements but they were disposed of asap due to digital being better.
 Btw cheap Solid state hard drives do store more than just on/off or 0/1 per cell, they are like 0/1/2/3 per cell. They do have additional circuitry next to the storage chip to convert them back into zeros/ones.
tip.can19:
I just glanced this more and had a theory about it, maybe this might not be the exact case but just sharing. I will further research your suggestions and inputs. Thank you all.

A - It does not make sense to have a 3rd bit for some systems. For example a Geyser type electrical system with a two way switch or any threshold system. Having a threshold of say 180V 1A, anything below would be off and above would turn it on. So a third level will not make sense as it will lie on either side. anything <180V will be off and >180 will be on. This might be the case for many.

B - Like as @NANDBlog suggested it might be minimum and efficient to use 3 bits rather than a third variable in case system works on 3 levels like maybe a rotary fan with three levels. Here it needs some kind of third level from transistors which is less efficient than using two levels in two bits. Eg - 000, 001, 010 2 bits (0 and 1) better than 0 ,1 2 (two at 3rd level). I guess ternary is not preferred maybe because of this reason. Thanks @Sleemanj, I never explored that, will look into ternary systems.

@Raj, thanks for that. Is there any further resources on those? I suppose you are talking transistor level 0/1/2/3 per cell?
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