1. A state machine comprising: means for storing a current data set including a current machine state, a current output state, and a current timing state; means for generating a next data set, the next data set being a function of the current machine state and of a current input state; and means for monitoring the current input state and for producing a state change signal a variable time following a change in the current input state, said state change signal causing the storing means to store the next data set in place of the current data set, whereby said variable time is a function of the current timing state.