The Watchdog Timer (WDT) is a system timer that generates a Reset event if the
firmware does not issue a CLRWDT instruction within the time-out
period. The Watchdog Timer is typically used to reset the processor in the event of a
software malfunction, but can also be used to wake the device when in Sleep mode.
The WDT has the following features:
- Selectable clock sources
- Multiple operating modes:
- WDT is always on
- WDT is off when in Sleep
- WDT is controlled by software
- WDT is always off
- Configurable time-out period from 1 ms to 256 seconds (nominal)
- Multiple Reset conditions
- Operation during Sleep
Figure 1. WDT Block Diagram
