Processor clock generation and distribution

Abstract

The clock is a periodic synchronization signal used as a time reference for data transfers in synchronous digital systems. Since the clock plays a central role in the operation of a synchronous system, significant effort is invested in the design, optimization and verification of high-performance clock distribution schemes. Because the clock edges determine the state updates in a synchronous system, higher clock frequencies are generally (but not always) associated with a higher system performance. Clock frequency for mainstream microprocessors has increased significantly over time, driven by the process technology scaling, aggressive circuit design techniques and deeper pipelines. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.