Conventional Computing
For over two centuries, computers have been used in various forms and stages. We are currently in the fourth generation of computers that are based on conventional computing which is based on the classical phenomenon of electrical circuits being in a single state at a given time, either on or off. This generation follows the vacuum tubes, transistors and integrated circuits.
Quantum Computing
The fifth generation of computers is currently under development, with quantum computing or quantum computers being the most popular. Quantum computers are drastically different from conventional computers as they are based on the phenomenon of Quantum Mechanics, which allows them to be in more than one state at a time.
Difference
Conventional Computing
- Conventional computing relies on electrical circuits being in a single binary state, either “on” or “off”, at any given time.
- Bit, the basis of information storage and manipulation, is determined by the voltage or charge: a low voltage or charge is assigned a 0 and a high voltage or charge is assigned a 1.
- The circuit’s behavior is determined by the laws of classical physics.
- Conventional computing uses binary codes, consisting of bits 0 and 1, to encode and store information.
- CMOS transistors serve as the fundamental components of traditional computing systems.
- In conventional computers, data is processed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which consists of an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), processor registers, and a control unit.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing utilizes the principles of Quantum Mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, which allow for a system to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
Quantum computing uses Quantum Bits (qubits) to store and manipulate data, which are based on the spin of an electron or the polarization of a single photon.
The behavior of the circuit is determined by the principles of quantum mechanics.
Quantum computing utilizes Qubits, which are quantum bits that can represent the values 0, 1, and also a superposition state of both 0 and 1, in order to represent information.
Quantum Computers are constructed from the fundamental components of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) and Quantum Transistors.
Data processing in quantum computers is accomplished through a Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) consisting of multiple interconnected qubits.