What is the physical form of binary data in a computer processor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical representation of binary data in computer processors, exploring how binary digits (1 and 0) are manifested in microprocessor circuits. It touches on various types of circuits, including traditional digital logic and potential quantum computing mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that binary data in microprocessors is represented by high and low voltage levels in circuits.
  • Others propose that on/off currents could also represent binary data, although this is contested in the context of typical digital logic circuits.
  • There is mention of quantum computers potentially using excited and de-excited states of atoms to represent binary data, though some participants note that there is currently no operational quantum computer processor.
  • One participant points out that processors may also use the presence or absence of connectors or diodes to represent binary data in addition to voltage levels.
  • Current is discussed as a problematic means of encoding data, as it depends on both the sender and receiver, with some suggesting that current could correspond to data in analog circuits.
  • Questions arise regarding the specific mechanisms used by D-Wave's quantum processors, particularly in relation to their flux qubits and the direction of current flow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the representation of binary data, particularly regarding the use of voltage versus current in digital and analog circuits. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of terms like "current" and "voltage" in this context, as well as the specific mechanisms of quantum computing that remain unclear. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the operational status of quantum processors.

greswd
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This a general, layman question. Computer processors work with binary digits, 1 and 0. Of course, computer processors can be seen as microscopic forms of Babbage's analytic engine. So in reality, in the circuits of a microprocessor, what physical form do binary digits take?
 
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High and low voltage in circuits.
 
mfb said:
High and low voltage in circuits.

what about on/off currents? Though, I've heard that binary in newfangled quantum computers corresponds to excited and de-excited states of atoms.
 
greswd said:
what about on/off currents?

No, not in typical digital logic circuits. Voltage levels are used to encode the binary data.
 
greswd said:
Though, I've heard that binary in newfangled quantum computers corresponds to excited and de-excited states of atoms.
Quantum computers will use different mechanisms, right. There is no quantum computer processor yet.
Current is problematic to control (it would always depend on sender AND receiver of data).
 
mfb said:
Quantum computers will use different mechanisms, right. There is no quantum computer processor yet.
Current is problematic to control (it would always depend on sender AND receiver of data).

what about the one from D-Wave?
 
berkeman said:
No, not in typical digital logic circuits. Voltage levels are used to encode the binary data.

the sort of digital logic circuits found in most PCs? what sort of circuits use current?
 
Processors also include "tables" of data for certain operations, so in addtion to voltage levels, binary data is represented by the presence or absence of connectors or diodes used to change a set of voltage inputs into a particular combination for output from a table.
 
greswd said:
what about the one from D-Wave?
Is that more than an announcement?
Their flux qubits would use the direction of current flow (or, equivalently, the direction of a magnetic field) to decode 0, 1 and superpositions of those.

the sort of digital logic circuits found in most PCs?
In all.

what sort of circuits use current?
Well, current can correspond to data in analog circuits.
 

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