Difference between revisions of "AVR Timer programming"
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*'''External Counter''': In this mode the unit is used to count events on a specific external pin on a MCU. | *'''External Counter''': In this mode the unit is used to count events on a specific external pin on a MCU. | ||
*'''Pulse width Modulation(PWM) Generator''': PWM is used in speed control of motors and various other applications. | *'''Pulse width Modulation(PWM) Generator''': PWM is used in speed control of motors and various other applications. | ||
| + | [[File:Timer Block Diagram.jpg|right|framed|Timer/Counter Unit]] | ||
=Timers/Counters in AVR= | =Timers/Counters in AVR= | ||
Revision as of 11:21, 18 November 2014
Basics
Timers come in handy when you want to set some time interval like your alarm. This can be very precise to a few microseconds. Timers/Counters are essential part of any modern MCU. Remember it is the same hardware unit inside the MCU that is used either as Timers or Counter. Timers/counters are an independent unit inside a micro-controller. They basically run independently of what task CPU is performing. Hence they come in very handy, and are primarily used for the following:
- Internal Timer: As an internal timer the unit, ticks on the oscillator frequency. The oscillator frequency can be directly feed to the timer or it can be pre-scaled. In this mode it used generate precise delays. Or as precise time counting machine.
- External Counter: In this mode the unit is used to count events on a specific external pin on a MCU.
- Pulse width Modulation(PWM) Generator: PWM is used in speed control of motors and various other applications.
Timer/Counter Unit