Close Menu
  • Analog Design
    • Latest Analog Layout Interview Questions (2025)
  • Digital Design
    • Digital Electronics Interview Question(2025)
    • Top VLSI Interview Questions
  • Physical Design
    • Physical Design Interview Questions for VLSI Engineers
  • Verilog
    • Verilog Interview Questions(2024)
  • Forum
Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn WhatsApp
SiliconvlsiSiliconvlsi
Ask Questions Register in Forum Login in Forum
Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn WhatsApp
  • Analog Design
    • Latest Analog Layout Interview Questions (2025)
  • Digital Design
    • Digital Electronics Interview Question(2025)
    • Top VLSI Interview Questions
  • Physical Design
    • Physical Design Interview Questions for VLSI Engineers
  • Verilog
    • Verilog Interview Questions(2024)
  • Forum
SiliconvlsiSiliconvlsi
Home»Digital Design»Difference between Clock Signal and Triggering
Digital Design

Difference between Clock Signal and Triggering

siliconvlsiBy siliconvlsiJune 22, 2023Updated:June 24, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Email WhatsApp
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Difference between Clock Signal and Triggering

A clock signal is a periodic waveform that switches between high and low voltages, usually in the form of a square wave. You use it to control the timing of operations in digital circuits.

Triggering, on the other hand, is how a circuit responds to the clock signal. You can activate a circuit either by the level of the clock (high or low) or by the edge (rising or falling). So, while the clock gives you the timing, triggering decides when your circuit should respond to that timing.

What is a clock signal?

A clock signal is a periodic signal that can have different ON and OFF times. When the ON time and OFF time are equal, it is represented by a square wave. The clock signal alternates between logic high (5V) and logic low (0V) levels. It repeats with a specific time period, which is equal to twice the ON time or OFF time.

Types of Triggering

There are two types of triggering in sequential circuits:  Level triggering and Edge triggering.

Level Triggering

Level triggering is based on the levels of the clock signal, either logic high or logic low. The circuit is activated only when the clock pulse is at a specific level. There are two types of level triggering:

Positive Level Triggering

In positive-level triggering, the circuit is activated when the clock signal is at a logic high level.

Negative Level Triggering

In negative-level triggering, the circuit is activated when the clock signal is at a logic-low level.

Edge Triggering

Edge triggering is based on the transitions of the clock signal, either from logic low to logic high or from logic high to logic low.

Positive Edge Triggering

In positive edge triggering, the circuit is activated when there is a transition from logic low to logic high in the clock signal.

Negative Edge Triggering

In negative edge triggering, the circuit is activated when there is a transition from logic high to logic low in the clock signal.

In summary, a clock signal is a periodic signal with varying ON and OFF times. It can be represented by a square wave. Triggering in sequential circuits can be either level triggering, based on the levels of the clock signal, or edge triggering, based on the transitions of the clock signal. Positive and negative variations exist for both level triggering and edge triggering.

Related topics

  • Bi-Directional Counter
  • Difference between Straight and Twisted Ring Counter
  • Types of Sequential Circuits
  • Clock Signal and Triggering
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

Difference Between Clipper and Clamper

June 22, 2025

Understanding the Difference Between RAM Bandwidth and Clock Speed

December 1, 2024

Why is Frequency Planning so important in Module Design?

September 2, 2024
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 Siliconvlsi.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.