Clock multiplier is an integral component of every computer. Also known as a CPU multiplier or the bus-to-core ratio, clock multipliers are responsible for synchronization. Clock multiplier relies on PLL-based frequency multiplication.
PLL, short for phase locked loop, is a control circuit used in various electronic circuits. Before understanding the working principle of clock multipliers, it’s important to understand how phase locked loops work.
What a Clock Multiplier Does
So what exactly does a clock multiplier does? A clock multiplier sets the ratio of internal CPU clock rate to that of an external clock. For instance, a CPU configured with a 10x multiplier will have 10 internal cycles for every cycle of the external clock.
The external clock we’re talking about here is actually a clock generator which generates a clock signal. This clock signal is a specific signal that oscillates between high and low states, kind of like a metronome. This clock signal is essential to synchronize the actions of digital circuits running at different speeds.
So let’s say a CPU operates with a 100 MHz external clock and has a clock multiplier of 36x, the internal CPU clock will become 3.6 GHz. In simple words, a clock multiplier serves as the link between the external clock and the CPU.
How a Clock Multiplier Works
Computers have many interconnected devices running together, yet at different speeds. RAM, CPU, peripherals, etc. all run at different speeds. When communicating with each other, these devices rely on caches and internal buffers, a practice still common in computers.
However, ever since the introduction of Intel’s 80486DX2, was the first processor to use clock doubling. Using additional clock multiplier circuits, this processor was significantly popular and became very popular among gamers and PC enthusiasts during the early 90s.
Ever since then, every CPU introduced has utilized clock multipliers to run its internal logic at higher frequencies than the external bus while remaining synchronous with it.
What Is Overclocking
Although clock multiplier is fixed by the manufacturer in most CPUs, there are some that allow owners to change the clock multiplier through the BIOS menu.
Increasing the clock multipliers, i.e. overclocking, allows users to increase the CPU clock speed. However, the clock speed of other components remains the same. If you increase the external clock though, you can also increase the speed of RAM and other components.
However, it should also be kept in mind that careless overclocking can also damage the CPU or other components because of overheating or voltage breakdown.
Clock multipliers are not just used in CPUs. In fact, every electronic device, that has a processor linked up to other components such as a memory unit, utilizes a clock multiplier. You can even use it to make your own circuits.
In fact, ADSANTEC offers a huge collection of premium components such as clock multiplier, frequency synthesizer, phase detector, delay line, etc. If you’re looking to purchase a clock multiplier or any other clock processors and signal generator components, we offer them all at our online store.