5.2 Clock Source Types

Clock sources can be classified as external or internal.

External clock sources rely on external circuitry for the clock source to function. Examples are: oscillator modules (ECH, ECM, ECL mode), quartz crystal resonators or ceramic resonators (LP, XT and HS modes).

Internal clock sources are contained within the oscillator module. The internal oscillator block has two internal oscillators that are used to generate internal system clock sources. The High-Frequency Internal Oscillator (HFINTOSC) can produce 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 32, 48 and 64 MHz clock. The frequency can be controlled through the OSCFRQ register. The Low-Frequency Internal Oscillator (LFINTOSC) generates a fixed 31 kHz frequency.

A 4x PLL is provided that can be used in conjunction with the external clock.

The system clock can be selected between external or internal clock sources via the NOSC bits. The system clock can be made available on the OSC2/CLKOUT pin for any of the modes that do not use the OSC2 pin. The clock out functionality is governed by the CLKOUTEN bit in the CONFIG1H register. If enabled, the clock out signal is always at a frequency of FOSC/4.