20.3.2 Initialization

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

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

  • Optional: By writing a '1' to the Enable Count on Event Input bit (CNTEI) in the Event Control register (TCA.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 (TCA.CNT).