Clock plays a fundamental role in industrial systems that incorporate microcontroller units (MCUs), as the clock directly influences system performance. The execution speed of code within an MCU is directly proportional to the clock frequency, meaning that higher clock speeds result in faster processing and execution of instructions. Additionally, an increased clock frequency enhances data communication rates, enabling more efficient data transfer between interconnected devices.

Maintaining a stable clock frequency is critical for establishing reliable communication and accurate data exchange, especially in industrial applications where precision and timing are crucial. Many serial communication protocols depend on a consistent clock signal to facilitate error-free data transmission. However, as clock frequency increases, clock drift becomes more pronounced. The clock drift refers to the gradual deviation of a clock signal from the expected timing due to variations in oscillator stability, temperature fluctuations, and manufacturing tolerances. This drift can lead to synchronization issues, particularly in systems where multiple MCUs are deployed to perform coordinated tasks.