Output Signal Waveform
The shape of the electrical timing signal produced by the clock output.
Common clock waveforms are sine waves and square waves. Waveform is separate from frequency, amplitude, output impedance and duty cycle.
Output Signal Waveform — External Clock
For an External Clock, waveform helps determine whether an output is suitable for the receiving clock input. A receiver designed for one waveform should not be assumed to accept another merely because both signals have the same frequency.
A product may offer sine and square outputs on different sockets or provide a selectable waveform. Read the choice with the corresponding output. Descriptions such as TTL or CMOS identify square-wave logic outputs; an oscillator type alone does not establish the external waveform.
Compare the receiver’s accepted signal format with the clock’s output specification. Also check the required level and impedance. A sine wave is not superior to a square wave for every connection, and a 10 MHz label alone does not identify which waveform is supplied.