Clock generator

The output clock signal can range from a simple symmetrical square wave to more complex arrangements.

The basic parts that all clock generators share are a resonant circuit and an amplifier.

The clock generator in a motherboard is often changed by computer enthusiasts to control the speed of a CPU, FSB, GPU or RAM.

Typically the programmable clock generator is set by the BIOS at boot time to the selected value; although some systems have dynamic frequency scaling, which frequently re-programs the clock generator.

TSGs are clocks that are used throughout service-provider networks, frequently as the building integrated timing supply (BITS) for a central office.

Circuit diagram of a clock generator
A desktop PC clock generator, based on the chip ICS 952018AF and 14.3 MHz resonator (on the left)
A laptop PC clock generator, based on the Silego chip