kellatsükli

Kellatsükli is a term of Estonian origin that translates to "clock cycle" in English. It refers to the fundamental unit of time in synchronous digital circuits. A clock cycle is the period between two consecutive pulses of a clock signal. The speed at which a processor can execute instructions is often measured in clock cycles per second, also known as Hertz (Hz).

In a synchronous digital system, all operations are synchronized by a clock signal. This signal acts like a metronome, dictating when different parts of the circuit should perform their actions. The clock signal is a repetitive waveform, typically a square wave, that oscillates between a high and a low voltage. Each transition from low to high, or high to low, marks the beginning of a new clock cycle.

The duration of a clock cycle is inversely proportional to the clock frequency. A higher clock frequency means shorter clock cycles and thus faster operation. For example, a processor with a clock frequency of 3 GHz has clock cycles that are 1/3 of a nanosecond long. The number of clock cycles required to complete a specific task depends on the complexity of the task and the architecture of the processor. Some instructions can be executed in a single clock cycle, while others may require multiple cycles. Understanding the concept of a clock cycle is crucial for comprehending the performance characteristics of digital hardware.