2.4 Using the Stopwatch
The stopwatch is useful for simple timing between program halts. Reach this window from Window>Debugging>Stopwatch.
To use the Stopwatch:
- Optional: Add breakpoint(s) to your program code.
- Select Window>Debugging>Stopwatch to open the window.
- Debug Run the program until it halts (breakpoints) or you halt it (Pause). Text in the window will state: Target halted. Stopwatch cycle count = cycles (time)
- Debug Run again until the next halt to see other times.
![](GUID-625211F0-B851-4D12-8334-78034634DAE8-high.png)
Instruction Cycles
The simulator counts instruction cycles between pausing (halts).
PIC MCUs and dsPIC30F/PIC24F devices use 4 clock cycles per instruction. dsPIC33F/PIC24H devices use 2 clock cycles per instruction.
Clear the stopwatch window contents by clicking the Clear History button.
Processor Frequency
This field, including Frequency units, will be set from File>Project Properties, “Simulator” category, “Oscillator Options” options category.
Window Icons
The stopwatch has the following icons on the left side of the window:
Icon | Icon Text | Description |
---|---|---|
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Properties | This option is not available for MPLAB X Simulator. |
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Reset Stopwatch on Run | Default option - always set. |
No Reset Stopwatch on Run | This option is not available for MPLAB X Simulator. | |
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Clear History | Clear the stopwatch window. |
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Clear Stopwatch | Reset the stopwatch value to zero. |