Datasheet
M41T81 Clock operation
Doc ID 7529 Rev 10 17/29
Figure 13. Backup mode alarm waveform
3.5 Watchdog timer
The watchdog timer can be used to detect an out-of-control microprocessor. The user
programs the watchdog timer by setting the desired amount of time-out into the watchdog
register, address 09h. Bits BMB4-BMB0 store a binary multiplier and the two lower order bits
RB1-RB0 select the resolution, where 00 = 1/16 second, 01 = 1/4 second, 10 = 1 second,
and 11 = 4 seconds. The amount of time-out is then determined to be the multiplication of
the five-bit multiplier value with the resolution. (For example: writing 00001110 in the
watchdog register = 3*1, or 3 seconds). If the processor does not reset the timer within the
specified period, the M41T81 sets the WDF (watchdog flag) and generates a watchdog
interrupt.
The watchdog timer can be reset by having the microprocessor perform a WRITE of the
watchdog register. The time-out period then starts over.
Should the watchdog timer time-out, a value of 00h needs to be written to the watchdog
register in order to clear the IRQ
/FT/OUT/SQW pin. This will also disable the watchdog
function until it is again programmed correctly. A READ of the flags register will reset the
watchdog flag (bit D7; register 0Fh).
The watchdog function is automatically disabled upon power-up and the watchdog register
is cleared. If the watchdog function is set, the frequency test function is activated, and the
SQWE bit is '0,' the watchdog function prevails and the frequency test function is denied.
Table 3. Alarm repeat modes
RPT5 RPT4 RPT3 RPT2 RPT1 Alarm setting
1 1 1 1 1 Once per second
1 1 1 1 0 Once per minute
1 1 1 0 0 Once per hour
1 1 0 0 0 Once per day
1 0 0 0 0 Once per month
0 0 0 0 0 Once per year
V
CC
IRQ/FT/OUT/SQW
ABE and AFE Bits
AF Bit in Flags
Register
HIGH-Z
V
SO
trec
AI05663