Binary code, which has been the foundation of everyday computing, uses two states zero and one
to read and transmit data, while ternary code uses three states negative one, zero, and 1 or zero,
one, and two. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems depend greatly on
binary code to monitor and control industrial processes. The role of binary code and the potential
of ternary computing helps explain how SCADA operates fast and smoothly without any
interruptions in industrial environments.
To understand cybersecurity risks in everyday environments, it is necessary to understand how
data is interpreted and sent at the most basic level. Binary and ternary code represent two
different number systems used for computing. When applying these concepts to real world
systems like SCADA, it is clear why binary is dominant and why ternary is still greatly
experimental.
Binary code is a base-2 number system that is made up of only two possible values: zero and
one. These digital signals play hand in hand to OFF and ON states in electronic circuits, which
makes them a necessity for reliable hardware excecution. Binary is used by nearly all modern
computers for data storage, arithmetic operations, machine-level instructions, and digital
CHARLIE KIRKPATRICK
This is very off-topic. Relevance?
communication. Binary is efficient, easy to implement with electrical switches, and resistant to
noise—making it stable for mission-critical systems.
Ternary code is a base-3 number system that uses three values. Balanced ternary negative one,
zero, and one is often favored in mathematical applications for its symmetry. Researchers argue
that ternary logic can perform some calculations more efficiently than binary because it carries
more information per digit. However, it has not been widely adopted due to hardware
complexity, lack of standardization, and compatibility issues with binary-based systems.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used to monitor and control
industrial environments such as power grids, manufacturing plants, oil pipelines, and water
treatment facilities. SCADA systems typically include supervisory computers, programmable
logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and communication networks.
SCADA allows organizations to automate control processes and monitor operations across long
distances.
Binary is essential for SCADA because sensors send data as binary electrical signals. PLCs and
RTUs read binary inputs to enable actions. Protocols that deal with communications like Modbus
and DNP3 convey data in binary, and conditions are often binary decisions (0 = normal, 1 =
fault). Because SCADA systems require reliability and security, binary’s simplicity and noise
resistance make it ideal.
In theory, ternary computing could make SCADA data processing more efficient due to its ability
to encode more information per digit. However, current SCADA infrastructure is built entirely
on binary hardware and software. Switching to ternary would require new hardware for PLCs
and RTUs, redesign of communication protocols, rewriting of control logic, and enormous
financial investment. For now, ternary remains impractical for industrial systems.
Binary code remains the foundation of modern computing and industrial automation, including
SCADA systems. While ternary code presents potential advantages, unfortunately the
compatibility is not at par with current SCADA infrastructure. SCADA has a heavy reliance on
binary logic that ensures performance, stability, and security which play a key factor in
protecting critical infrastructure.
References
Inductive Automation. (n.d.). What is SCADA? Retrieved from
https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/what-is-scada
SCADA Systems. (n.d.). SCADA Systems. Retrieved from http://www.scadasystems.net