Tidskretser

Tidskretser, often translated as time circuits, are a conceptual or fictional component found in various works of science fiction, most notably in the "Back to the Future" film franchise. These devices are integral to the operation of time travel machines, allowing users to input specific dates and times for their journeys into the past or future. Typically, a time circuit display shows three distinct readouts: the destination time, the present time, and the last time departed.

The primary function of tidskretser is to control the temporal displacement of the vehicle. By setting the desired date and time on the input interface, the time machine's core mechanism is activated to initiate travel. The present time display serves as a reference point, indicating the current temporal location of the traveler. The last time departed readout logs the previous temporal coordinates, which can be useful for returning to a known point or for tracking the duration of a time jump.

While purely a fictional construct, the concept of tidskretser captures the imagination by providing a tangible interface for the abstract idea of time travel. The visual representation of the three date displays has become iconic, symbolizing the mechanics of temporal navigation within popular culture. In fictional narratives, the accuracy and reliability of these circuits are often crucial plot elements, with malfunctions or incorrect inputs leading to unintended consequences or perilous situations for the characters.