Timing vectors are used to pass execution of time-dependent operations from firmware/software to a hardware component (e.g., a state machine). These vectors may be stored as a vector table in a data memory that is accessible by both the firmware/software and the hardware component. Based on the processing being performed in the system, the firmware/software will determine that one or more operations will need to be performed at a certain time. The firmware/software stores a reference to that time and a reference to the operation(s) in a vector. The hardware component continually monitors time in the system. In addition, the hardware component will monitor each vector to determine whether the current time matches the time associated with a given vector. When there is match, the hardware component causes the operation(s) associated with the vector to be performed. The system also may perform different operations at a given time depending on the operating condition (e.g., state) of the system.