Timing

/ˈklɒk ˈsaɪkəl/

noun — "the fundamental timing interval of a synchronous system."

A Clock Cycle is the smallest repeating unit of time that governs operation in a synchronous digital system. It is defined by a clock signal, typically a periodic electrical waveform, that coordinates when components are allowed to change state. Each clock cycle represents one complete period of this signal, and it serves as the heartbeat that synchronizes computation, data movement, and control throughout a system.

/ˌsɪŋkrənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun — "coordination of concurrent execution."

Synchronization is the set of techniques used in computing to coordinate the execution of concurrent threads or processes so they can safely share resources, exchange data, and maintain correct ordering of operations. Its primary purpose is to prevent race conditions, ensure consistency, and impose well-defined execution relationships in systems where multiple units of execution operate simultaneously.

/ˈrɪəl taɪm ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/

noun — "an operating system that treats deadlines as correctness."

Real-Time Operating System is an operating system specifically designed to provide deterministic behavior under strict timing constraints. Unlike general-purpose operating systems, which aim to maximize throughput or user responsiveness, a real-time operating system is built to guarantee that specific operations complete within known and bounded time limits. Correctness is defined by both what the system computes and when the result becomes available.

/ˈrɪəl taɪm ˈsɪstəmz/

noun — "systems where being late is the same as being wrong."

Real-Time Systems are computing systems in which the correctness of operation depends not only on logical results but also on the time at which those results are produced. A computation that produces the right answer too late is considered a failure. This timing requirement distinguishes real-time systems from conventional computing systems, where performance delays are typically undesirable but not incorrect.

/ˌɛs ˌsiː ˈɛl/

noun — "the clock line that keeps serial data in step."

SCL (Serial Clock) is the timing signal used in serial communication protocols, most prominently in I²C (I2C) interfaces, to synchronize the transmission and reception of data on the SDA (Serial Data) line. The SCL line ensures that each bit of data is sampled at the correct moment, allowing reliable communication between devices over a shared bus.

/klɑːk ˈsɪɡnəl/

noun — "a timing pulse that synchronizes operations across digital circuits."

/tiː ɑːr ˈpiː/

n. — "Row close-to-next-open delay—DRAM's precharge housekeeping timer."

/tiː ɑːr siː ˈdiː/

n. — "Row activation to CAS delay—DRAM's 'kitchen ready' timer."

/peɪdʒ/

n. — "Open row's data latched in sense amps, primed for fast CAS column grabs."

/roʊ/

n. — "DRAM's horizontal data platter that must activate before CAS can serve column snacks."