Electronics

What is a Microprocessor Clock?

The CPU clock dictates how fast the processor can process the data, and a microprocessor having a clock speed of 3 MHz means that it can process data internally 3 million times a second at every clock cycle.

The crystal quartz oscillator is the most appropriate frequency determining device in virtually all microprocessors, microcontrollers, PICs and CPUs; It is used to generate their clock waveforms. To generate a microprocessor clock, generally, all you need is crystal and two ceramic capacitors of values ranging 15 to 33 pF as demonstrated below:

Microprocessor oscillator
Figure 1.1 Microprocessor oscillator

Most microprocessors, microcontrollers and PICs have two oscillator pins labelled OSC1 and OSC2 to connect to an external quartz crystal, RC network or even a ceramic resonator. In this application, the crystal oscillator produces a train of continuous square wave pulses whose frequency is controlled by the crystal which in turn executes the instruction that control the device.

Also read: The Basic Principle of Operation of an Oscillator

John Mulindi

John Mulindi is an Industrial Instrumentation and Control Professional with a wide range of experience in electrical and electronics, process measurement, control systems and automation. In free time he spends time reading, taking adventure walks and watching football.

Recent Posts

Smart Home Devices and Embedded Systems: What Instrumentation Engineers Should Know

Image source: Pexels Smart homes are no longer futuristic. They are already here, changing how…

1 week ago

Thyristor Power Converters: Function, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages

Thyristors are semiconductor devices that tend to stay ‘ON’ once turned ON, and tend to…

1 week ago

The Future of Telecommunications: How 6G and IoT Are Redefining Connectivity

Image source: Freepik Introduction: The Evolution of Connectivity Telecommunications have come a long way since…

1 week ago

Precision Control in Industrial Heating: How Advanced Induction Systems Enhance Efficiency

Modern manufacturing demands smarter heat treatment. Specifically, factories seek greater precision, energy efficiency, and automation.…

2 weeks ago

Control Architectures for Smart EV Charging: Meeting NEC 2023, Demand Response, and Safety Standards

An Expert’s Guide to EV Load Management and NEC Compliance Smart EV charging control architectures…

1 month ago

How Residential Battery Backup Protects Your Home During Power Outages

Frequent power failures due to severe storms, aging grid infrastructure, and other unpredictable natural disasters…

1 month ago