5.1.4 Reset Control

AVR and PIC32CM MCUs feature a Reset Controller that manages device resets, returns the MCU to a known initial state, and allows software to identify the source of the reset. Both controllers support multiple reset sources, including Power-on Reset (POR), Brown-out Detection (BOD), external reset pin, Watchdog Timer (WDT) reset, and software-initiated reset. They also provide status registers for software to determine the cause of the last reset, supporting robust system recovery and diagnostics. Table 5-6 shows a comparison of features between AVR and PIC32CM.

Table 5-6. AVR® and PIC32CM Reset Control Features
FeatureAVR® Reset Controller (RSTCTRL)PIC32CM Reset Controller (RSTC/PM)
IntegrationStand-alone RSTCTRL peripheral

Differs per device family:

Stand-alone RSTCTRL peripheral or integrated into the Power Manager (PM) peripheral

Power Reset Sources

Power-on Reset (POR)

Brown-out Detector (BOD)

POR

BOD

User Reset Sources

External Reset

Watchdog Timer

Software Reset

UPDI Reset

External Reset

Watchdog Timer

Software Reset

System Reset Request

CPU Lockup Reset

Reset Status RegisterSupportedSupported