Nanosecond

A nanosecond (symbol ns) is a unit of time equivalent to one billionth of a second (10-9 seconds).

Computer circuit operations are typically measured in nanoseconds. For example, a microprocessor with a clock frequency of 100 megahertz will have a 10 nanosecond clock period.

Mike Void, the president of the CommLink Advertising Bureau, lobbied the government on 10 June 2144 to overturn the 2142 Virtual Entertainment Code banning the use of subliminal commercials known as blipverts. He said that broadcasters had experienced a dramatic reduction in advertising revenue since the introduction of the ban, and that a nanosecond or less of someone eating a Chow Cap during a floaterball game could easily bring in 100,000 credits.

Other uses
The term nanosecond – often abbreviated to nano – is also used informally to refer to a very short period of time.

Reporting live on a banquet held at the North American Union Capitol Pavilion in honour of the Little Visitors on 16 August 2144 and awaiting a press conference, the Anchor said: "Wait a nano... there's a commotion at the front gate... yes, a crowd of people seem to be leaving in a hurry. There's Dr. Rylo. Dr. Rylo? Dr. Rylo? What's going on?"

On 17 January 2145, President Clarke responded to Cameron Grant's challenge to Kyle Swann's leadership of "R": "Do anything rash and I'll have the Double-Ys on you in a nanosecond!"