29.6.2.4.2 Single-Shot

Single-shot operation is selected by writing COMPCTRLx.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 x Ready bit in the Status B register (STATUSB.READYx). STATUSB.READYx is set automatically by hardware when the single comparison has completed.

To remove the need for polling, an additional means of starting the comparison is also available. A read of the Status C register (STATUSC) will start a comparison on all comparators currently configured for single-shot operation. The read will stall the bus until all enabled comparators are ready. If a comparator is already busy with a comparison, the read will stall until the current comparison is compete, and a new comparison will not be started.

A single-shot measurement can also be triggered by the Event System. Setting the Comparator x 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 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 figure below.

For low-power operation, event-triggered measurements can be performed during sleep modes. When the event occurs, the Power Manager will start CLK_AC_DIG. 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 CLK_AC_DIG are then disabled again automatically, unless configured to wake up the system from sleep.