In the synchronous/reactive (SR) model of computation , the arcs represent data values that are aligned with global clock ticks. Thus, they are discrete signals, but unlike discrete time, a signal need not have a value at every clock tick. The entities represent relations between input and output values at each tick, and are usually partial functions with certain technical restrictions to ensure determinacy. Examples of languages that use the SR model of computation include Esterel, Signal, Lustre, and Argos.
SR models are excellent for applications with concurrent and complex control logic. Because of the tight synchronization, safety-critical real-time applications are a good match. However, also because of the tight synchronization, some applications are overspecified in the SR model, limiting the implementation alternatives. Moreover, in most realizations, modularity is compromised by the need to seek a global fixed point at each clock tick.
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