21.1 Overview

The Main Clock (MCLK) controls the synchronous clock generation of the device.

Using a clock provided by the Generic Clock Generator 0 Module (GCLK_MAIN), the Main Clock Controller provides synchronous system clocks to the CPU and the modules connected to the bus APB (Advanced Peripheral Bus), and AHB (Advanced High-performance Bus) fabric.

The synchronous system clocks are divided into a number of clock domains. Each clock domain can run at different frequencies, enabling the user to save power by running peripherals at a relatively low clock frequency, while maintaining high CPU performance or vice versa. In addition, the clock can be masked for individual modules, enabling the user to minimize power consumption.