Clock Output Level
The electrical signal level delivered by a clock output under its stated load conditions.
Clock level describes amplitude rather than frequency. Peak-to-peak voltage, RMS voltage and power in dBm are different ways of expressing level and must not be compared as identical numbers.
Clock Output Level — External Clock
For an External Clock, output level helps establish whether the timing signal fits the receiving input’s accepted range. More voltage is not automatically better; the signal must meet the input requirements.
Read each level with its waveform, frequency and specified load. A figure for a 10 MHz sine-wave output may differ from a word-clock output’s level. Selectable amplitude settings should remain associated with the output to which they apply.
Compare like-for-like units and conditions, including whether the voltage is specified into 50 Ω or 75 Ω. “TTL” without a voltage does not supply an exact amplitude. This entry concerns the clock signal, not the unit’s mains supply, DC power input or an audio output.