23.3.1 Definitions
The following definitions are used throughout the documentation:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BOTTOM | The counter reaches BOTTOM when it becomes all zeros |
| MAX | The counter reaches MAXimum when it becomes all ones |
| TOP | The counter reaches TOP when it becomes equal to the highest value in the count sequence |
| UPDATE | The update condition is met when the timer/counter reaches BOTTOM or TOP, depending on the Waveform Generator mode. Buffered registers with valid buffer values will be updated unless the Lock Update (LUPD) bit in the Control E (TCEn.CTRLE) register has been set. |
| CNT | Counter register value |
| CMP | Compare register value |
| PER | Period register value |
In general, the term timer is used when the timer/counter is counting periodic clock ticks. The term counter is used when the input signal has sporadic or irregular ticks. The latter can be the case when counting events.