k refers to a device that maintains and displays the time of day and perhaps the date. In the world of electronics, however, clock refers to a microchip that generates a clock signal, which is used to regulate the timing and speed of the components on a circuit board. This clock signal is a waveform that is generated either by a clock generator or the clock itself-the most common form of clock signal in electronics is a square wave. This type of clock is able to generate clock signals of different frequencies and phases as may be required by separate components within an electronic circuit or device. The following are some ex- amples showing the functions of a clock: Most sophisticated electronic devices require a clock signal for proper operation. These devices require that the clock signal delivered to them adheres to a core set of specifications. All electronics devices on an electronic circuit board communicate with each other to accom- plish certain tasks. Every device might require clock signals with a different specification; providing the needed signals allows these devices to interoperate with each other. In both cases, a clock device on the circuit board provides such signals. Use of the terms "master" and "slave" is ONLY in association with the official terminology used in industry specifications and standards, and in no way diminishes Pearson's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and challenging, countering and/or combating bias and stereotyping in the global population of the learners we serve. When discussing network synchronization or designing a timing distribution network, the timing signals need to travel much further than a circuit board. In this case, nodes must transfer clock sig- nal information across the network. To achieve this, the engineer designates a clock as either a mas- ter clock or a slave clock. The master clock is the source for the clock signals, and a slave clock then synchronizes or aligns its clock signals to that of the master. A clock signal relates t