A method for detecting a timeout condition for a data item (e.g., a request) within the process (e.g., within an arbitration process) includes maintaining a current time as a first N-bit binary number (A). An event time of an occurrence of an event pertaining to the data item within the process is recorded and stored as a second N-bit binary number (B). A predetermined time limit, expressed as a non-negative integer K, is configured. K is less than N and K is a logarithm base 2 of the predetermined time limit. A timeout condition pertaining to the data item is detected when a difference between the current time and the event time exceeds the predetermined time limit. The detection of the timeout condition is performed utilizing a single-stage operation. This single stage operation may include computing A (current time)-B (event time) modulo 2ⁿ2^k.