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also generate a synchronized bit pattern across the port pins. The high-resolution (hi-res) extension can be used to
increase the waveform output resolution by four or eight times by using an internal clock source running up to four times
faster than the peripheral clock.
A block diagram of the 16-bit timer/counter with extensions and closely related peripheral modules (in grey) is shown in
Figure 14-1. 16-bit timer/counter and closely related peripherals.
14.2.1 Definitions
The following definitions are used throughout the documentation:
Table 14-1. Timer/counter definitions.
In general, the term “timer” is used when the timer/counter clock control is handled by an internal source, and the term
“counter” is used when the clock control is handled externally (e.g. counting external events). When used for compare
operations, the CC channels are referred to as “compare channels.” When used for capture operations, the CC channels
are referred to as “capture channels.”
AWeX
Compare/Capture Channel D
Compare/Capture Channel C
Compare/Capture Channel B
Compare/Capture Channel A
Waveform
Generation
Buffer
Comparator
Hi-Re
s
Fault
Protection
Capture
Control
Base Counter
Counter
Control Logic
Timer Period
Prescaler
Dead-Time
Insertion
Pattern
Generation
clkPER4
POR
T
S
Event
System
clkPER
Timer/Counter
Name
Description
BOTTOM
The counter reaches BOTTOM when it becomes zero.
MAX
The counter reaches MAXimum when it becomes all ones.
TOP
The counter reaches TOP when it becomes equal to the highest value in the count sequence. The TOP value
can be equal to the period (PER) or the compare channel A (CCA) register setting. This is selected by the
waveform generator mode.
UPDATE
The timer/counter signals an update when it reaches BOTTOM or TOP, depending on the waveform generator
mode.