17.6.7.2.1 Dealing with Delay in the DFLL in Closed-Loop Mode

The time from selecting a new CLK_DFLL48M frequency until this frequency is output by the DFLL48M can be up to several microseconds. If the value in DFLLMUL.MUL is small, this can lead to instability in the DFLL48M locking mechanism, which can prevent the DFLL48M from achieving locks. To avoid this, a chill cycle, during which the CLK_DFLL48M frequency is not measured, can be enabled. The chill cycle is enabled by default, but can be disabled by writing a one to the DFLL Chill Cycle Disable bit (DFLLCTRL.CCDIS) in the DFLL Control register. Enabling chill cycles might double the lock time.

Another solution to this problem consists of using less strict lock requirements. This is called Quick Lock (QL), which is also enabled by default, but it can be disabled by writing a one to the Quick Lock Disable bit (DFLLCTRL.QLDIS) in the DFLL Control register. The Quick Lock might lead to a larger spread in the output frequency than chill cycles, but the average output frequency is the same.