Topics: Processors : Asynchronous

Synchronous processors have one central clock, which synchronizes and coordinates the progress of operations throughout a processor. Synonym: clocked. All parts and stages work to its unifying beat signal, at the same rate, in lock step, handing off work to the next stage as the clock ticks. Almost all computers made, and in use, are synchronous. Clock speed is a primary performance trait. For personal computers, it is used as an identifier and for marketing, shown in units of megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).