Spread spectrum clock generator

AI Thread Summary
Spread spectrum clock generators modulate the clock frequency to reduce electromagnetic interference, but concerns arise about their impact on data transfer and CPU speed consistency. The variation in frequency could introduce jitter, affecting synchronization among system components that rely on a stable clock. While the overall emission power remains constant, the technique spreads it across a wider frequency range, potentially lowering interference in specific bands. Understanding the balance between reduced interference and the implications for digital circuit performance is crucial. The effectiveness of spread spectrum techniques in digital applications remains a topic of debate.
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I was reading an article on spread spectrum clock generator here - http://www.maxim-ic.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/1995
Wouldn't spreading the frequency from the center frequency affect the data transfer?
In case of a CPU, the speed would vary too.
I understand spread spectrum in communication, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself this would work in digital circuits.
Isn't this somewhat equivalent to jitter?
 
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Usually, the system clock is fluctuated, and all the peices of the system run off the same clock. Therefore, they're all synched and the clock jumps about enough that the test facility gets a lower reading when performing interference tests.
The emission power is the same, it's just spread about so that less shows up within any narrow bandwidth.
 

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