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XMEGA A3BU [DATASHEET]
8362F–AVR–02/2013
13.
WDT – Watchdog Timer
13.1
Features
Issues a device reset if the timer is not reset before its timeout period
Asynchronous operation from dedicated oscillator
1kHz output of the 32kHz ultra low power oscillator
11 selectable timeout periods, from 8ms to 8s
Two operation modes:
Normal mode
Window mode
Configuration lock to prevent unwanted changes
13.2
Overview
The watchdog timer (WDT) is a system function for monitoring correct program operation. It makes it possible to recover
from error situations such as runaway or deadlocked code. The WDT is a timer, configured to a predefined timeout
period, and is constantly running when enabled. If the WDT is not reset within the timeout period, it will issue a
microcontroller reset. The WDT is reset by executing the WDR (watchdog timer reset) instruction from the application
code.
The window mode makes it possible to define a time slot or window inside the total timeout period during which WDT
must be reset. If the WDT is reset outside this window, either too early or too late, a system reset will be issued.
Compared to the normal mode, this can also catch situations where a code error causes constant WDR execution.
The WDT will run in active mode and all sleep modes, if enabled. It is asynchronous, runs from a CPU-independent clock
source, and will continue to operate to issue a system reset even if the main clocks fail.
The configuration change protection mechanism ensures that the WDT settings cannot be changed by accident. For
increased safety, a fuse for locking the WDT settings is also available.