27.2 Architectural Overview

The timer module found in dsPIC33A family devices shares many features with a classic Type A timer. There is typically a single timer module implemented for each CPU core present in a device. Timers are useful for generating accurate time-based periodic interrupt events for software applications or real-time operating systems. Other uses include counting external pulses or accurate timing measurement of external events by using the timer’s gate feature.

The timers found in some dsPIC33A family devices include the following features:

• Asynchronous and Synchronous Operation
• Software-Selectable Internal or External Clock Sources
• Programmable Interrupt Generation and Priority
• Gated External Pulse Counter
• Operation During Sleep Mode
• Software Prescalers: 1:1, 1:8, 1:64 and 1:256

Figure 27-1 illustrates the block diagram of a Timer module.