Datasheet

The ADC generates a 10-bit result which is presented in the ADC Data Registers, ADCH and ADCL. By
default, the result is presented right adjusted, but can optionally be presented left adjusted by setting the
ADC Left Adjust Result bit ADMUX.ADLAR.
If the result is left adjusted and no more than 8-bit precision is required, it is sufficient to read ADCH.
Otherwise, ADCL must be read first, then ADCH, to ensure that the content of the Data Registers belongs
to the same conversion: Once ADCL is read, ADC access to Data Registers is blocked. This means that if
ADCL has been read, and a second conversion completes before ADCH is read, neither register is
updated and the result from the second conversion is lost. When ADCH is read, ADC access to the
ADCH and ADCL Registers is re-enabled.
The ADC has its own interrupt which can be triggered when a conversion completes. When ADC access
to the Data Registers is prohibited between reading of ADCH and ADCL, the interrupt will trigger even if
the result is lost.
Related Links
Power Management and Sleep Modes on page 56
Power Reduction Register on page 59
25.3. Starting a Conversion
A single conversion is started by writing a '0' to the Power Reduction ADC bit in the Power Reduction
Register (PRR.PRADC), and writing a '1' to the ADC Start Conversion bit in the ADC Control and Status
Register A (ADCSRA.ADSC). ADCS will stay high as long as the conversion is in progress, and will be
cleared by hardware when the conversion is completed. If a different data channel is selected while a
conversion is in progress, the ADC will finish the current conversion before performing the channel
change.
Alternatively, a conversion can be triggered automatically by various sources. Auto Triggering is enabled
by setting the ADC Auto Trigger Enable bit (ADCSRA.ADATE). The trigger source is selected by setting
the ADC Trigger Select bits in the ADC Control and Status Register B (ADCSRB.ADTS). See the
description of the ADCSRB.ADTS for a list of available trigger sources.
When a positive edge occurs on the selected trigger signal, the ADC prescaler is reset and a conversion
is started. This provides a method of starting conversions at fixed intervals. If the trigger signal still is set
when the conversion completes, a new conversion will not be started. If another positive edge occurs on
the trigger signal during conversion, the edge will be ignored. Note that an interrupt flag will be set even if
the specific interrupt is disabled or the Global Interrupt Enable bit in the AVR Status Register (SREG.I) is
cleared. A conversion can thus be triggered without causing an interrupt. However, the Interrupt Flag
must be cleared in order to trigger a new conversion at the next interrupt event.
Atmel ATmega644A [DATASHEET]
Atmel-42716C-ATmega644A_Datasheet_Complete-10/2016
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