Engineering English
State Machine
Electronics Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A state machine is a sequential logic model that transitions between a finite number of states based on inputs. It is used to design control systems and protocol handlers.
Example in context
“A finite state machine sequences through a set of states based on input signals.”
“Sonlu durum makinesi, giriş sinyallerine bağlı olarak bir dizi durumdan geçer.”
Where engineers use it
Models sequential logic behavior with states and transitions. Engineers use state diagrams and state tables to design controllers. Essential for protocol and sequence control.
Synonyms: finite state machine, FSM
Antonyms: combinational logic
Practice: can you use “State Machine” at work?
You need to implement a traffic light controller using a finite state machine. Determine the number of states and the transition conditions.
Show a model answer
“The state machine transitions on each clock edge based on current state and inputs.”
“State Machine” in 21 languages
| English | State Machine |
|---|---|
| Turkish | durum makinesi |
| French | machine d'états |
| German | Zustandsautomat |
| Spanish | máquina de estados |
| Chinese | 状态机 |
| Arabic | آلة الحالة |
| Portuguese | máquina de estados |
| Russian | автомат с состояниями |
| Japanese | ステートマシン |
| Italian | macchina a stati |
| Vietnamese | máy trạng thái |
| Hindi | अवस्था मशीन |
| Thai | เครื่องสถานะ |
| Indonesian | mesin keadaan |
| Korean | 상태 기계 |
| Bengali | অবস্থা মেশিন |
| Dutch | toestandsmachine |
| Swedish | tillståndsmaskin |
| Finnish | tilakone |
| Ukrainian | автомат зі станами |
Frequently asked questions
What does State Machine mean in engineering?
A state machine is a sequential logic model that transitions between a finite number of states based on inputs. It is used to design control systems and protocol handlers. In Electronics Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce State Machine?
State Machine is pronounced /steɪt məˈʃiːn/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is State Machine used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “A finite state machine sequences through a set of states based on input signals.”
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