Differences Between Clock Buffers and Clock Generators

Jan. 09, 2026

To adapt to the new situation of the era of rapid technological development, in the design of electronic devices and systems, we prefer to adopt clock management technology to ensure the stable operation of digital systems. However, different application scenarios require different clock management technologies. Therefore, we usually classify clock management technologies into two different carriers according to their applications and performance: clock buffers and clock generators. Below, we will explore in detail the differences between clock buffers and clock generators for reference.

First, let's look at clock buffers. A clock buffer is an electronic device or circuit that can store a time signal for subsequent use. When the input clock signal changes, the clock buffer temporarily stores the current clock signal until a new clock signal arrives. In this way, if the input clock signal is unstable or lost, the clock buffer can provide a stable clock signal, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the system.

Saise's high-performance, low-noise, high-PSSR 3GHz, 10-channel differential fan-out buffer AC2301, developed for communication, radar, measurement, industrial control and other fields, can be used for high-frequency, low-jitter clock/data distribution and level conversion, and can also increase the timing margin in the system.

Next, let's look at clock generators. In contrast, the main function of a clock generator is to generate a new and accurate time signal. Regardless of whether the input clock signal is stable or lost, the clock generator can always generate an accurate time signal. This makes it very useful in many applications that require precise time control, such as computer hardware and communication systems.

However, as mentioned above, the disadvantage of the clock generator is that it cannot handle changes in the input clock signal. Therefore, if the input clock signal is unstable or lost, the clock generator may not be able to provide an accurate time signal, thereby affecting the normal operation of the system.

Saise's high-performance, low-noise clock generator AC1571 adopts ADPLL (All-Digital Phase-Locked Loop) technology to achieve the best high-frequency and low-phase-noise performance, and has low power consumption and high PSNR capabilities, achieving a phase jitter performance of less than 0.3pSRMS. It can output differential 100MHz, 125MHz, 156.25MHz and single-ended 33.33MHz CPU clocks, and simultaneously output 6 channels of 25MHz buffered reference clocks, suitable for communication, radar, measurement, industrial control and other fields.

In summary, both clock buffers and clock generators have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which product to use depends on the needs of the specific application scenario.

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