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Glite Dictionary
synchronous operation

synchronous operation

5.9
An operation that follows a regular clock so events happen at expected times
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪŋkrənəs ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : operación síncrona
  • The system relies on synchronous operation to ensure all components function in harmony with the clock signal.

Examples

  • Once all data has been sent to the CAP for asynchronous processing, the DAC enters a state in which it may again accept synchronous operations.

    Academic text (1999)

  • If the DAC is busy, the CAP will wait for services until the synchronous operation has completed.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The synchronous operation of a pair is checked every cycle.

    Academic text (1997)

  • If the DAC is busy with a request from the CAP, the DAC will reject all synchronous operations from the processor with a busy (inhibit) status.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Within asynchronous operations, the CAP will request services of the DAC to perform functions such as hashing, DES encryption, random number generation, and other synchronous operations.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The challenge for the SCM chip was to use the same existing signals as any other chip, but to interpret them in a way that allows synchronous operation with no data integrity exposure at a frequency that may not be an integer divisor of the REFOSC signal.

    Academic text (1999)

  • In digital circuits, synchronous operations are essential for coordinating data transfer between devices.

  • For the project to succeed, we implemented synchronous operations that aligned perfectly with the timing requirements.

Synonyms

synchronization
vssynchronous operation
  • US
12 4.7

The state of things happening at the same time

is coordinated by a clock to ensure predictable timing
simultaneous operation
vssynchronous operation
4.4

Two or more things working at the same time

is coordinated by a clock to ensure predictable timing

Antonyms

asynchronous operation
  • Specialized
7.0

An action that runs without waiting for other tasks so the program keeps working

How Synchronous

synchronous operation
  • Specialized
5.9
asynchronous operation
  • Specialized
7.0

Surface Forms

synchronous operation singular
synchronous operations plural

Morphology

synchronous + operation

The meaning is directly compositional: 'synchronous' (occurring at the same time or coordinated by a clock) modifies 'operation' (a process or functioning), so the phrase denotes an operation coordinated in time. Although somewhat technical, this adjective+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically familiar, so a B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The term synchronous operation links synchronous, meaning doing things at the 'same time', and operation, meaning an 'action'. Imagine a group of people following a ticking 'clock' so they all clap together. That's why it means actions are started and kept to a steady 'clock' for predictable timing.