20.6.8.1 Always-On Mode

The Always-On mode is enabled by setting the Always-On bit in the Control A register (CTRLA.ALWAYSON=1). When the Always-On mode is enabled, the WDT runs continuously, regardless of the state of CTRLA.ENABLE. Once written, the Always-On bit can only be cleared by a power-on reset. The Configuration (CONFIG) and Early Warning Control (EWCTRL) registers are read-only registers while the CTRLA.ALWAYSON bit is set. Thus, the time period configuration bits (CONFIG.PER, CONFIG.WINDOW, EWCTRL.EWOFFSET) of the WDT cannot be changed.

Enabling or disabling Window mode operation by writing the Window Enable bit (CTRLA.WEN) is allowed while in Always-On mode, but note that CONFIG.PER cannot be changed.

The Interrupt Clear and Interrupt Set registers are accessible in the Always-On mode. The Early Warning interrupt can still be enabled or disabled while in the Always-On mode, but note that EWCTRL.EWOFFSET cannot be changed.

Table WDT Operating Modes With Always-On shows the operation of the WDT for CTRLA.ALWAYSON=1.