desfase

Desfase is a noun used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote a lack of alignment or synchronization between two elements. It can refer to a delay, lag, gap, or misalignment in time, space, or reference frames. The term is used in everyday language as well as in technical fields such as physics, engineering, and communications.

In temporal contexts, desfase describes a time difference between events or processes. In scheduling or logistics, a desfase may indicate that one component arrives later than planned, creating a mismatch with dependent activities. In timekeeping and geography, desfase horario (time-zone difference) describes the offset between clocks in different regions.

In signal processing and electronics, desfase (or desfase de fase) denotes a phase difference between two waveforms. It is measured in degrees of phase shift or in units of time, and it affects synchronization, e.g., the misalignment between audio and video streams (lip-sync error) or between transmitter and receiver.

In mechanical or optical systems, desfase can refer to spatial misalignment or to offset between parts that should be aligned, such as gears, sensors, or optical axes. In all uses, desfase implies a mismatch that can impair performance or coordination.