ncycles

Ncycles is a term used in computing and engineering to denote the number of cycles for a process, measurement, or loop. The prefix n suggests a variable length, and cycles can refer to clock cycles, waveform periods, or iterative steps. As a parameter, ncycles is typically a non-negative integer and is often determined by user input, configuration, or algorithmic parameters.

In programming, ncycles is commonly used as the bound of a loop. For example, a loop might execute for i from 0 to ncycles-1, performing a task on each iteration. It can also specify a delay loop that counts a given number of clock cycles. The exact duration represented by ncycles depends on the system’s clock rate or the particular cycle being counted, making it device- or context-dependent.

In electronics and digital design, a cycle often refers to one clock period. Counting ncycles allows precise timing, pacing of state machines, or generation of timed events. In simulations, ncycles can control how many steps a model advances, effectively setting the runtime or resolution of the simulated process.

In mathematics or signal processing, a cycle can denote a full period of a periodic function. Here, ncycles describes how many complete periods are included in a calculation, observation window, or data segment. The term does not have a single universal definition; its meaning varies across fields and implementations.

See also: clock cycle, loop counter, delay loop, period, iteration.