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Using the Input Capture unit in any mode of operation when the TOP value (resolution) is actively
changed during operation, is not recommended.
Measurement of an external signal’s duty cycle requires that the trigger edge is changed after each
capture. Changing the edge sensing must be done as early as possible after the ICRn Register has been
read. After a change of the edge, the Input Capture Flag (ICFn) must be cleared by software (writing a
logical one to the I/O bit location). For measuring frequency only, the clearing of the ICFn Flag is not
required (if an interrupt handler is used).
19.7. Output Compare Units
The 16-bit comparator continuously compares TCNTn with the Output Compare Register (OCRnx). If
TCNT equals OCRnx the comparator signals a match. A match will set the Output Compare Flag
(OCFnx) at the next timer clock cycle. If enabled (OCIEnx = 1), the Output Compare Flag generates an
Output Compare interrupt. The OCFnx Flag is automatically cleared when the interrupt is executed.
Alternatively the OCFnx Flag can be cleared by software by writing a logical one to its I/O bit location. The
waveform generator uses the match signal to generate an output according to operating mode set by the
Waveform Generation mode (WGMn3:0) bits and Compare Output mode (COMnx1:0) bits. The TOP and
BOTTOM signals are used by the waveform generator for handling the special cases of the extreme
values in some modes of operation (See Modes of Operation.)
A special feature of Output Compare unit A allows it to define the Timer/Counter TOP value (i.e. counter
resolution). In addition to the counter resolution, the TOP value defines the period time for waveforms
generated by the waveform generator.
The figure below shows a block diagram of the Output Compare unit. The small “n” in the register and bit
names indicates the device number (n = n for Timer/Counter n), and the “x” indicates Output Compare
unit (A/B). The elements of the block diagram that are not directly a part of the Output Compare unit are
gray shaded.
Atmel ATmega32A [DATASHEET]
Atmel-8155I-ATmega32A_Datasheet_Complete-08/2016
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