21.3.2 Initialization

To start using the timer/counter in a basic mode, follow these steps:
  • Write a TOP value to the Period register (TCAn.PER)
  • Enable the peripheral by writing a '1' to the ENABLE bit in the Control A register (TCAn.CTRLA).

    The counter will start counting clock ticks according to the prescaler setting in the Clock Select bit field (CLKSEL) in TCAn.CTRLA.

  • Optional: By writing a '1' to the Enable Count on Event Input bit (CNTEI) in the Event Control register (TCAn.EVCTRL), event inputs are counted instead of clock ticks.
  • The counter value can be read from the Counter bit field (CNT) in the Counter register (TCAn.CNT).