Electronic systems are becoming more complex, demanding additional features, user interfaces and functions. All these requirements are desired at the user’s “click”. These requirements drive internal components to operate at higher processing rates demanding faster clocking. In addition, system designers demand higher system flexibility and faster design cycles requiring clock components to offer more flexibility. At the same time, system quality requirements are becoming more and more stringent. Traditionally, the most popular way to generate clock is obtained by using 3rd overtone or SAW-based crystal oscillators. Those solutions have been acceptable for simple systems that require low frequency clock generation with frequencies below 50 MHz. However, as frequencies increase, the 3rd overtone and SAW crystal oscillators have physical limitations, creating a manufacturing challenge, potential reliability concerns and becoming very costly solutions. This presentation will compare traditional clock generation with more advanced onsemi silicon based solutions.