163
Timer Counter A (TCA)
Bit
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
TCA7
TCA6
TCA5
TCA4
TCA3
TCA2
TCA1
TCA0
Initial value
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Read/Write
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
TCA is an 8-bit read-only up-counter, which is incremented by internal clock input. The clock
source for input to this counter is selected by bits TMA3 to TMA0 in timer mode register A
(TMA). TCA values can be read by the CPU in active mode, but cannot be read in subactive
mode. When TCA overflows, the IRRTA bit in interrupt request register 1 (IRR1) is set to 1.
TCA is cleared by setting bits TMA3 and TMA2 of TMA to 11.
Upon reset, TCA is initialized to H'00.
9.2.3
Timer Operation
Interval Timer Operation: When bit TMA3 in timer mode register A (TMA) is cleared to 0,
timer A functions as an 8-bit interval timer.
Upon reset, TCA is cleared to H'00 and bit TMA3 is cleared to 0, so up-counting and interval
timing resume immediately. The clock input to timer A is selected by bits TMA2 to TMA0 in
TMA; any of eight internal clock signals output by prescaler S can be selected.
After the count value in TCA reaches H'FF, the next clock signal input causes timer A to
overflow, setting bit IRRTA to 1 in interrupt request register 1 (IRR1). If IENTA = 1 in interrupt
enable register 1 (IENR1), a CPU interrupt is requested.*
At overflow, TCA returns to H'00 and starts counting up again. In this mode timer A functions as
an interval timer that generates an overflow output at intervals of 256 input clock pulses.
Note: * For details on interrupts, see 3.3, Interrupts.
Real-Time Clock Time Base Operation: When bit TMA3 in TMA is set to 1, timer A functions
as a real-time clock time base by counting clock signals output by prescaler W.
The overflow period of timer A is set by bits TMA1 and TMA0 in TMA. A choice of four periods
is available. In time base operation (TMA3 = 1), setting bit TMA2 to 1 clears both TCA and
prescaler W to their initial values of H'00.