21.5.2.6 Leading Zero Optimization

Leading zero optimization can reduce the time it takes to complete a division by skipping leading zeros in the DIVIDEND (or leading ones in signed mode). Leading zero optimization is enabled by default and can be disabled by the Disable Leading Zero bit in the Control A register (CTRLA.DLZ). When CTRLA.DLZ is zero, 16-bit division completes in 2-8 cycles and 32-bit division completes in 2-16 cycles, depending on the dividend value. If deterministic timing is required, setting CTRLA.DLZ to one forces 16-bit division to always take 8 cycles and 32-bit division to always take 16 cycles.