Microchip Technology PIC16C62B/72A Manual Download

Page: 25 / 123

PIC16C62B/72A



1998-2013 Microchip Technology Inc.

Preliminary

DS35008C-page 25

4.0

TIMER0 MODULE

The Timer0 module timer/counter has the following fea-
tures:

• 8-bit timer/counter

- Read and write

- INT on overflow

• 8-bit software programmable prescaler

• INT or EXT clock select

- EXT clock edge select

Figure 4-1 is a simplified block diagram of the Timer0
module.

Additional information on timer modules is available in
the PIC

MCU Mid-Range Reference Manual,

(DS33023).

4.1

Timer0 Operation

Timer0 can operate as a timer or as a counter.

Timer mode is selected by clearing bit T0CS
(OPTION_REG<5>). In timer mode, the Timer0 mod-
ule will increment every instruction cycle (without pres-
caler). If the TMR0 register is written, the increment is
inhibited for the following two instruction cycles. The
user can work around this by writing an adjusted value
to the TMR0 register.

Counter mode is selected by setting bit T0CS
(OPTION_REG<5>). In counter mode, Timer0 will
increment either on every rising or falling edge of pin
RA4/T0CKI. The incrementing edge is determined by
the Timer0 Source Edge Select bit T0SE
(OPTION_REG<4>). Clearing bit T0SE selects the ris-
ing edge. Restrictions on the external clock input are
discussed below.

When an external clock input is used for Timer0, it must
meet certain requirements. The requirements ensure
the external clock can be synchronized with the internal
phase clock (T

OSC

). Also, there is a delay in the actual

incrementing of Timer0 after synchronization.

Additional information on external clock requirements
is available in the Electrical Specifications section of
this manual, and in the PIC

MCU Mid-Range Refer-

ence Manual, (DS33023).

4.2

Prescaler

An 8-bit counter is available as a prescaler for the
Timer0 module, or as a postscaler for the Watchdog
Timer, respectively (Figure 4-2). For simplicity, this
counter is being referred to as “prescaler” throughout
this data sheet. There is only one prescaler available
which is shared between the Timer0 module and the
Watchdog Timer. A prescaler assignment for the
Timer0 module means that there is no prescaler for the
Watchdog Timer, and vice-versa.

The prescaler is not readable or writable.

The PSA and PS2:PS0 bits (OPTION_REG<3:0>)
determine the prescaler assignment and prescale ratio.

Clearing bit PSA will assign the prescaler to the Timer0
module. When the prescaler is assigned to the Timer0
module, prescale values of 1:2, 1:4, ..., 1:256 are
selectable.

Setting bit PSA will assign the prescaler to the Watch-
dog Timer (WDT). When the prescaler is assigned to
the WDT, prescale values of 1:1, 1:2, ..., 1:128 are
selectable.

When assigned to the Timer0 module, all instructions
writing to the TMR0 register (e.g.

CLRF 1, MOVWF 1,

BSF 1,x

....etc.) will clear the prescaler. When

assigned to WDT, a

CLRWDT

instruction will clear the

prescaler along with the WDT.

FIGURE 4-1:

TIMER0 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Note:

Writing to TMR0 when the prescaler is
assigned to Timer0 will clear the prescaler
count, but will not change the prescaler
assignment or ratio.