Binary = 2 bits. Ternary = 3 bits.
Binary = on-off. Ternary = on, maybe, off.
Binary = flip-flop. Ternary = flip, flap, flop.
But why Ternary?
Efficiency and Reliability and Speed.
Initiated by S. L. Sobolev, at that time, of Moscow State University, Setun and Setun 70 ternary computers were developed using vacuum tubes.
...the specimen of "Setun" was ready in Dec. 1958, i.e. in two years since the beginning
This remarkable considering the state of Soviet Sciences and the use of vacuum tubes and the use of (presumably) Soviet manufactured equipments and supplies.
A comprehensive site on Ternay/Trinary computing.
This Wiki page appears to be a current research.
