44.6.2.2.2 Single-Shot

Single-shot operation is selected by writing COMPCTRLn.SINGLE to '1'. During single-shot operation, the comparator is normally idle. The user starts a single comparison by writing '1' to the respective Start Comparison bit in the write-only Control B register (CTRLB.STARTx). The comparator is enabled, and after the start-up time has passed, a single comparison is done and STATUSA is updated. Appropriate peripheral events and interrupts are also generated. No new comparisons will be performed.

Writing '1' to CTRLB.STARTx also clears the Comparator n Ready bit in the Status B register (STATUSB.READYx). STATUSB.READYx is set automatically by hardware when the single comparison has completed.

A single-shot measurement can also be triggered by the Event System. Setting the Comparator n Event Input bit in the Event Control Register (EVCTRL.COMPEIx) enables triggering on incoming peripheral events. Each comparator can be triggered independently by separate events. Event-triggered operation is similar to user-triggered operation; the difference is that a peripheral event from another hardware module causes the hardware to automatically start the comparison and will not clear STATUSB.READYx.

To detect an edge of the comparator output in single-shot operation for the purpose of interrupts, the result of the current measurement is compared with the result of the previous measurement (one sampling period earlier). An example of single-shot operation is shown in the following figure.

For low-power operation, event-triggered measurements can be performed during sleep modes. When the event occurs, the Power Manager will start GCLK_AC. The comparator is enabled, and after the startup time has passed, a comparison is done and appropriate peripheral events and interrupts are also generated. The comparator and GCLK_AC are then disabled again automatically, unless configured to wake up the system from sleep.