32.3.2.5 Window Mode

Each AC (i.e., ACx) can be configured to work together with another comparator (i.e., ACy) in Window mode. In this mode, a voltage range (the window) is defined, and the selected comparator indicates whether an input signal is within this range or not.

The WINSEL bit field in the Control B (ACn.CTRLB) register selects which ACy instance is connected to the current comparator (ACx) to create the window comparator. The user is responsible for configuring the MUXPOS and MUXNEG bit fields in the MUX Control (ACn.MUXCTRL) register for ACx and ACy, so they match the setup in the figure below. Note that the MUXPOS bit field in the ACn.MUXCTRL register of both ACs must be configured to the same pin.

Figure 32-2. Analog Comparators in Window Mode

The status of the input signal is reported by the Window State (WINSTATE) flags in the Status (ACn.STATUS) register. The status can be:

  • Above window - the input signal is above the upper limit.
  • Inside window - the input signal is between the lower and upper limit.
  • Below window - the input signal is below the lower limit.
Writing to the INTMODE bit field in the Interrupt Control (INTCTRL) register selects one of these window modes for triggering an event or requesting an interrupt:
  • Above window - the interrupt/event is issued when the input signal is above the upper limit.
  • Inside window - the interrupt/event is issued when the input signal is between the lower and upper limit.
  • Below window - the interrupt/event is issued when the input signal is below the lower limit.
  • Outside window - the interrupt/event is issued when the input signal is not between the lower and upper limit.

The CMPSTATE bit is ‘1’ when the Window state matches the selected Interrupt Mode (INTMODE) bit field, and ‘0’ otherwise.

The window interrupt is enabled by writing a ‘1’ to the Analog Comparator Interrupt Enable (CMP) bit in the Interrupt Control (ACn.INTCTRL) register.