Datasheet

209
ATmega48/88/168 Automotive [DATASHEET]
7530K–AVR–07/14
21.3 Prescaling and Conversion Timing
Figure 21-3. ADC Prescaler
By default, the successive approximation circuitry requires an input clock frequency between 50kHz and 200kHz to get
maximum resolution. If a lower resolution than 10 bits is needed, the input clock frequency to the ADC can be higher than
200kHz to get a higher sample rate.
The ADC module contains a prescaler, which generates an acceptable ADC clock frequency from any CPU frequency above
100kHz. The prescaling is set by the ADPS bits in ADCSRA. The prescaler starts counting from the moment the ADC is
switched on by setting the ADEN bit in ADCSRA. The prescaler keeps running for as long as the ADEN bit is set, and is
continuously reset when ADEN is low.
When initiating a single ended conversion by setting the ADSC bit in ADCSRA, the conversion starts at the following rising
edge of the ADC clock cycle.
A normal conversion takes 13 ADC clock cycles. The first conversion after the ADC is switched on (ADEN in ADCSRA is set)
takes 25 ADC clock cycles in order to initialize the analog circuitry.
The actual sample-and-hold takes place 1.5 ADC clock cycles after the start of a normal conversion and 13.5 ADC clock
cycles after the start of an first conversion. When a conversion is complete, the result is written to the ADC data registers,
and ADIF is set. In single conversion mode, ADSC is cleared simultaneously. The software may then set ADSC again, and a
new conversion will be initiated on the first rising ADC clock edge.
When auto triggering is used, the prescaler is reset when the trigger event occurs. This assures a fixed delay from the trigger
event to the start of conversion. In this mode, the sample-and-hold takes place two ADC clock cycles after the rising edge on
the trigger source signal. Three additional CPU clock cycles are used for synchronization logic.
In free running mode, a new conversion will be started immediately after the conversion completes, while ADSC remains
high. For a summary of conversion times, see Table 21-1 on page 211.
7-Bit ADC Prescaler
ADC Clock Source
ADEN
START
CK
ADPS0
ADPS1
ADPS2
Reset
CK/2 CK/4 CK/8
CK/16 CK/32 CK/64
CK/128