In a computer, the clock cycle is the time between two adjacent pulses of the
oscillator that sets the tempo of the computer processor. The number of these pulses per second is known as the
clock speed, which is generally measured in
Mhz (megahertz, or millions of pulses per second) and
lately even in
Ghz (gigahertz, or billions of pulses per second). The clock speed is determined by a quartz-crystal circuit, similar to those used in radio communications equipment.
Some processors execute only one instruction per clock cycle. More advanced processors, described as superscalar, can perform more than one instruction per clock cycle. The latter type of processor gets more work done at a given clock speed than the former type. Similarly, a computer with a 32-bit bus will work faster at a given clock speed than a computer with a 16-bit bus. For these reasons, there is no simple, universal relation among clock speed, "bus speed," and millions of instructions per second (MIPS).
This was last updated in May 2001
Dig Deeper
-
Take a step back to reflect on where you’ve been and where your career is going. Annual self-assessment can boost your professional profile and help prepare you for an uncertain future.
-
We’ve compiled our top IT career tips of 2011 as a treat to our readers. You’ll learn about various methods you can use to improve your career trajectory -- and save money at the same time.
-
Proper preparation for IT certification exams doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Get the lowdown on inexpensive options and where to find them.
-
People who read this also read...