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7734Q–AVR–02/12
AT90PWM81/161
In Interrupt mode, the WDT gives an interrupt when the timer expires. This interrupt can be used
to wake the device from sleep-modes, and also as a general system timer. One example is to
limit the maximum time allowed for certain operations, giving an interrupt when the operation
has run longer than expected. In System Reset mode, the WDT gives a reset when the timer
expires. This is typically used to prevent system hang-up in case of runaway code. The third
mode, Interrupt and System Reset mode, combines the other two modes by first giving an inter-
rupt and then switch to System Reset mode. This mode will for instance allow a safe shutdown
by saving critical parameters before a system reset.
The “Watchdog Timer Always On” (WDTON) fuse, if programmed, will force the Watchdog Timer
to System Reset mode. With the fuse programmed the System Reset mode bit (WDE) and Inter-
rupt mode bit (WDIE) are locked to 1 and 0 respectively. To further ensure program security,
alterations to the Watchdog set-up must follow timed sequences. The sequence for clearing
WDE and changing time-out configuration is as follows:
1.
In the same operation, write a logic one to the Watchdog change enable bit (WDCE)
and WDE. A logic one must be written to WDE regardless of the previous value of the
WDE bit.
2.
Within the next four clock cycles, write the WDE and Watchdog prescaler bits (WDP) as
desired, but with the WDCE bit cleared. This must be done in one operation.
The following code example shows one assembly and one C function for turning off the Watch-
dog Timer. The example assumes that interrupts are controlled (for example by disabling
interrupts globally) so that no interrupts will occur during the execution of these functions.