What Is a Clock Cycle?

A clock generator generates a clock signal.

Unlike a standard wall clock isnt used to tell the time.

Instead, it continuously switches between a high and a low state.

The actual form of the clock is variable different systems use different types to accomplish the same goal.

The most typical form of a clock cycle would be a square wave with a fixed, constant frequency.

The clock is always in one of two states rising towards the peak or falling towards the trough.

Tip: The exception is systems with a double data rate, such as DDR RAM.

Types of Clock

There are different types of clocks.

The single-phase clock is the most common key in used in systems that rely on clock cycles.

Here, all clock signals are essentially transmitted via one single wire.

Naturally, there are alternatives to this.

The two wires are referred to as phases one and two, respectively.

The two different phases are always guaranteed to be inversely synchronized.

Creating a processor with this setup is more complex and sometimes not as high-performance as a single-phase clock.

The third option for clocks is a 4-phase clock.

Early on in processor development, four-phase logic was found in integrated circuits.

This logic featured four separate, non-overlapping clock signals.

This was more complicated than single-clock circuits.

Most modern microprocessors use a low-frequency clock instead of a high-frequency one.

This makes it possible for the computer to adjust the clock.

Most devices dont need the clock to stay at a constant speed all the time.

The only necessity is that it maintains a steady interval at all times.

Many devices have a variable clock speed that moves between a set minimum and maximum point as needed.