WDT_A Introduction
636
SLAU367P – October 2012 – Revised April 2020
Copyright © 2012–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Watchdog Timer (WDT_A)
24.1 WDT_A Introduction
The primary function of the watchdog timer (WDT_A) module is to perform a controlled system restart
after a software problem occurs. If the selected time interval expires, a system reset is generated. If the
watchdog function is not needed in an application, the module can be configured as an interval timer and
can generate interrupts at selected time intervals.
Features of the watchdog timer module include:
•
Eight software-selectable time intervals
•
Watchdog mode
•
Interval mode
•
Password-protected access to Watchdog Timer Control (WDTCTL) register
•
Selectable clock source
•
Can be stopped to conserve power
•
Clock fail-safe feature
The watchdog timer block diagram is shown in
.
NOTE:
Watchdog timer powers up active.
After a PUC, the WDT_A module is automatically configured in the watchdog mode with an
initial approximately 32-ms reset interval using the SMCLK. The user must set up or halt the
WDT_A before the initial reset interval expires.