Unlock P89C668 Microcomputer Encrypted Memory

PCA watchdog timer can play a very important role in the process of Unlock P89C668 Microcomputer Encrypted Memory.  An on-board watchdog timer is available with the PCA to improve the reliability of the system without increasing chip count. Watchdog timers are useful for systems that are susceptible to noise, power glitches, or electrostatic discharge.

Module 4 is the only PCA module that can be programmed as a watchdog. However, this module can still be used for other modes if the watchdog is not needed.
Below Figure shows a diagram of how the watchdog works. The user pre-loads a 16-bit value in the compare registers.

P89C668 Microcontroller PCA Watchdog Timer (Module 4 only)

P89C668 Microcontroller PCA Watchdog Timer (Module 4 only)

Just like the other compare modes, this 16-bit value is compared to the PCA timer value. If a match is allowed to occur, an internal reset will be generated after Unlock P89C668 Microcomputer Encrypted Memory. This will not cause the RST pin to be driven high.

Unlock P89C668 Microcomputer Encrypted Memory

Unlock P89C668 Microcomputer Encrypted Memory

In order to hold off the reset, the user has three options:
1. periodically change the compare value so it will never match the PCA timer,
2. periodically change the PCA timer value so it will never match the compare values, or
3. disable the watchdog by clearing the WDTE bit before a match occurs and then re-enable it.

The first two options are more reliable because the watchdog timer is never disabled as in option #3. If the program counter ever goes astray, a match will eventually occur and cause an internal reset. The second option is also not recommended if other PCA modules are being used to facilitate the process of Chip P89CV51RB2 Memory Data dumping. Remember, the PCA timer is the time base for all modules; changing the time base for other modules would not be a good idea. Thus, in most applications the first solution is the best option.