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Watchdog Timer Introduction
10-2
Watchdog Timer
10.1 Watchdog Timer Introduction
The primary function of the watchdog timer (WDT) module is to perform a
controlled system restart after a software problem occurs. If the selected time
interval expires, a system reset is generated. If the watchdog function is not
needed in an application, the module can be configured as an interval timer
and can generate interrupts at selected time intervals.
Features of the watchdog timer module include:
- Four software-selectable time intervals
- Watchdog mode
- Interval mode
- Access to WDT control register is password protected
- Control of RST/NMI pin function
- Selectable clock source
- Can be stopped to conserve power
The WDT block diagram is shown in Figure 10−1.
Note: Watchdog Timer Powers Up Active
After a PUC, the WDT module is automatically configured in the watchdog
mode with an initial ~32-ms reset interval using the DCOCLK. The user must
setup or halt the WDT prior to the expiration of the initial reset interval.