Datasheet

Table Of Contents
16. External Interrupts
The External Interrupts are triggered by the INT0, INT1, and INT2 pins. Observe that, if enabled, the
interrupts will trigger even if the INT0:2 pins are configured as outputs. This feature provides a way of
generating a software interrupt. The external interrupts can be triggered by a falling or rising edge or a
low level (INT2 is only an edge triggered interrupt). This is set up as indicated in the specification for the
MCU Control Register – MCUCR – and MCU Control and Status Register – MCUCSR. When the external
interrupt is enabled and is configured as level triggered (only INT0/INT1), the interrupt will trigger as long
as the pin is held low. Note that recognition of falling or rising edge interrupts on INT0 and INT1 requires
the presence of an I/O clock, described in “Clock Systems and their Distribution” on page 25. Low level
interrupts on INT0/INT1 and the edge interrupt on INT2 are detected asynchronously. This implies that
these interrupts can be used for waking the part also from sleep modes other than Idle mode. The I/O
clock is halted in all sleep modes except Idle mode.
Note that if a level triggered interrupt is used for wake-up from Power-down mode, the changed level
must be held for some time to wake up the MCU. This makes the MCU less sensitive to noise. The
changed level is sampled twice by the Watchdog Oscillator clock. The period of the Watchdog Oscillator
is 1 μs (nominal) at 5.0V and 25°C. The frequency of the Watchdog Oscillator is voltage dependent as
shown in “Electrical Characteristics” on page 296. The MCU will wake up if the input has the required
level during this sampling or if it is held until the end of the start-up time. The start-up time is defined by
the SUT fuses as described in “System Clock and Clock Options” on page 25. If the level is sampled
twice by the Watchdog Oscillator clock but disappears before the end of the startup time, the MCU will still
wake up, but no interrupt will be generated. The required level must be held long enough for the MCU to
complete the wake up to trigger the level interrupt.
Related Links
Clock Systems and their Distribution on page 39
Electrical Characteristics on page 359
System Clock and Clock Options on page 39
16.1. Register Description
Atmel ATmega32A [DATASHEET]
Atmel-8155I-ATmega32A_Datasheet_Complete-08/2016
69