CEP

CEP is an acronym used in several fields, with different meanings in technology, geography, and science. It most commonly refers to Complex Event Processing in computer science, Brazil's postal code system known as Código de Endereçamento Postal, and Circular Error Probable in navigation. In physics, CEP often denotes the critical endpoint of a phase diagram, particularly in discussions of thermodynamics and quantum chromodynamics.

Complex Event Processing involves collecting and analyzing events from multiple data streams in real time to identify patterns, correlations, or anomalies. CEP engines apply rules and temporal windows to detect sequences of events and trigger responses, enabling applications such as fraud detection, network monitoring, supply-chain visibility, and process automation. Popular CEP systems include Esper, Drools Fusion, and similar streaming analytics tools.

The Brazilian CEP, or Código de Endereçamento Postal, designates postal zones for mail delivery. The code consists of eight digits, commonly written as five digits, a hyphen, and three digits (for example 12345-678). CEPs range from broad geographic areas to street-level locales and are used in address validation, logistics planning, and online shopping.

Circular Error Probable is a statistic used to assess the accuracy of navigation, positioning, or targeting systems. It describes the radius of a circle centered on the true position that contains a specified percentage of estimates, typically 50%. CEP is used to compare performance across systems such as GPS, inertial navigation, or sensor fusion setups.

In physics, CEP commonly refers to the critical endpoint, the point on a phase diagram where a line of first-order transitions ends and the transition becomes continuous. The location and nature of the CEP are active research topics in thermodynamics and quantum chromodynamics, with implications for matter under extreme temperatures and densities.