Projects   /   Clocks & Timers   /   PIC18F4550

How to use Timers in PIC18F4550 Microcontroller

Timers as the name suggests pertain to time-related operations. They are mostly used for exact delay generation. Timers are also used in various other operations like PWM signal generation, auto-triggering of several other peripherals etc. The working and configuration of PIC18F4550 Timers have been explained in this article.

Tags: #clock#signal#timer
Muhammad Bilal By Muhammad Bilal
Published
Updated

At a glance

CategoryClocks & Timers
PIC modelPIC18F4550
IncludesVideo
Reading time~8 min
Jump to a section
  1. Project Source Code
  2. Project Components
  3. Project Video
  4. Quick Solutions to Questions related to Timer0 1 second delay project:
  5. Related projects

Summary of How to use Timers in PIC18F4550 Microcontroller

Timers in PIC18F4550 handle time-related tasks like precise delays, PWM, and peripheral triggering. This article explains delay calculation (example: 1 s with 12 MHz crystal), details Timer0–Timer3 features, and describes Timer0 registers (T0CON, INTCON, TMR0H/TMR0L). It provides programming steps and example code to generate a 1 s delay using Timer0 to sequentially blink eight LEDs, plus project components and a demonstration video.

Parts used in the Timer0 1 second delay project:

  • PIC18F4550 microcontroller
  • LEDs (8)
  • 12 MHz crystal oscillator
  • Resistors for LEDs
  • Power supply (suitable for PIC18F4550)
  • Connecting wires and breadboard or PCB
Timers are the most essential peripheral for a microcontroller and every controller provides a provision for using them. Beginners are advised to go through the tutorial on Timers before going any further.
For basic Timer operations, refer the Tutorial on Timers. PIC18F4550 is equipped with four Timers namely, Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 and Timer3. Before going for the details of Timer configurations, it is important to learn how time delay is calculated by the timer since exact delay generation is the most common application of Timers.
 
Time Delay calculation with Timer:
Example: Given that a time delay of 1 sec is to be generated and a 12MHz crystal oscillator is connected with PIC. Please note that this example considers external clock source for the controller, however, PIC18F4550 has provision for both external as well as internal clock source.
 
Timer is related to the internal frequency which is always Fosc/4.
 
Clock source frequency (Crystal)
Fosc = 12 MHz = 12000000 Hz
 
Therefore, Timer frequency :
 
FTimer = Fosc / 4 = 12000000 / 4 = 3000000 Hz = 3 MHz
 
If Prescaler = 1:256, then
 
FTimer = 3000000 / 256 = 11718.75 Hz
 
So, the time interval :
 
TTimer = 1 / FTimer = 1 / 11718.75 = 85 us (microseconds)
 
This means that when Timer runs, it will take 85 ?secs to increment its value at every count.
To calculate the value to be filled in Timer rolling over register to generate 1 sec delay :
 
No. of count for 1 sec Delay = 1sec / 85 us = 11718.75 = 2DC6H
 
So the value to be filled in Timer’s 16 bit register                  =          FFFF – 2DC6
=         D239
 
These values are filled in the Timer register and it rolls over up to FFFF. The values are reloaded again to start timer for same delay. Before filling this value timer registers should be configured as we shall see.
 
Each of the four Timers of PIC18F4550 has certain special features some of which are explained below. The detailed list of these features can be obtained from PIC18F4550 datasheet.
 
Timer0:
·         Timer0 can work as Timer/Counter in both 8-bit and 16-bit modes
·         Dedicated 8-bit, software programmable prescaler
·         Selectable clock source (internal or external)
·         Interrupt on overflow
 
Timer1:
·         Timer1 can work as 16-bit timer or counter
·         Readable and writable 8-bit registers (TMR1H and TMR1L)
·         Selectable clock source (internal or external)
·         Alternate clock source can be provided at Timer1 oscillator pins (T1OSO & T1OSI) 
·         Interrupt on overflow
·         Timer1 can be multiplexed with other peripherals like ADC etc. and generates special event triggering for CCP (Capture, Compare and PWM) events.
 
Timer2:
·         8-bit Timer and Period registers (TMR2 and PR2, respectively)
·         Software programmable prescaler (1:1, 1:4 and 1:16)
·         Software programmable postscaler (1:1 – 1:16)
·         Interrupt on TMR2 to PR2 match
·         Optional use as the shift clock for the MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) module
 
Timer3:
·         Timer3 can work as 16-bit timer or counter
·         Readable and writable 8-bit registers (TMR3H and TMR3L)
·         Selectable clock source (internal or external)
·         Alternate clock source can be provided at Timer1 oscillator pins (T1OSO & T1OSI) 
·         Interrupt on overflow
·         Timer3 can be multiplexed with other peripherals like ADC etc. and generates special event triggering for CCP (Capture, Compare and PWM) events.
 
PIC18F4550 Timer0 Registers:
Every Timer has certain registers related to it which must be configured for desired operations. The registers of Timer0 have been explained below.
 
1. T0CON (Timer0 Control Register)
 
Bit 7
Bit 6
Bit 5
Bit 4
Bit 3
Bit 2
Bit 1
Bit 0
TMR0ON
T08BIT
T0CS
T0SE
PSA
T0PS2
T0PS1
T0PS0

Fig. 2: Bit Configuration of PIC18F4550 Timer0

 
T0PS2: T0PS0: These are prescaler selection bits. The bits setting is shown in the following table to choose desired prescaler.
 
T0PS2:T0PS0
Prescale Value
000
1:256
001
1:128
010
1:64
011
1:32
100
1:16
101
1:8
110
1:4
111
1:2
 
Fig. 3: Bit Configuration of T0PS2: T0PS0 prescaler selection bits for configuring Timer in PIC18F4550 
 
PSA: This bit is set to high if there is no need to assign a prescaler value.
        1 = Timer0 prescaler is not assigned. Timer0 clock input bypasses prescaler.
0 = Timer0 prescaler is assigned. Timer0 clock input comes from prescaler output.
 
T0SE: This bit is used when external source is selected for the Timer. This bit is used to select external clock edge to increment the Timer.
1 = Increment on high-to-low transition on T0CKI pin (Pin6)
0 = Increment on low-to-high transition on T0CKI pin (Pin6)
 
T0CS: This bit is used to select the proper clock source for Timer0.
1 = Transition on T0CKI pin (Pin6)
0 = Internal instruction cycle clock (CLKO)
T08BIT: This bit selects the Timer mode.
1 = Timer0 is configured as an 8-bit timer/counter.
0 = Timer0 is configured as a 16-bit timer/counter.
 
TMR0ON: This bit is set to high (1) to enable the Timer0 and set to low (0) to stop it.
 
2. INTCON (Interrupt Control Register)
 
Bit 7
Bit 6
Bit 5
Bit 4
Bit 3
Bit 2
Bit 1
Bit 0
GIE/GIEH
PEIE/GIEL
TMR0IE
INT0IE
RBIE
TMR0IF
INT0IF
RBIF

 Fig. 4: Bit Configuration of Interrupt Control Register in PIC18F4550

 
 TMR0IE: This bit is used to enable/disable the Timer0 overflow interrupt.
1 = Enables the Timer0 overflow interrupt
0 = Disables the Timer0 overflow interrupt
 
TMR0IF: This is Timer0 overflow flag bit. This bit is set when TMR0 register overflows. This bit cleared by the software.
 
3. TMR0 (Timer0 Register)
This register is divided into registers TMR0H and TMR0L. Both registers are accessible separately thus Timer0 can work in both 8-bit and 16-bit modes. In these registers, pre-calculated value for delay is filled.
 
Objective:
To configure the Timer0 and generate 1 second delay.
 
Programming Steps:
1.         Select the Prescaler, Clock option, Mode of Timer0 with the T0CON register.
2.         Fill the higher byte of Timer value in TMR0H and then fill lower byte value in TMR0L register.
3.         Set the TMR0ON bit to start the timer.
4.         Wait until the TMR0IF flag gets high.
5.         As TMR0IF gets high, set it to zero and stop the timer by clearing the TMR0ON bit.
6.         To start the Timer0 again repeat the process from step2.
 
The time delay has been demonstrated by glowing a set of 8 LEDs one by one with a delay of 1 sec which can be seen the adjoining video. The circuit diagram and code for the same is also given.

Project Source Code

###


// Program to use Timer0 of PIC18F4550 Microcontroller

void T0_init();
void main()
{
TRISB=0; // COnfigure PortB as output Port.
LATB=0x01;
T0CON=0x07; // Prescaler= 1:256, 16-bit mode, Internal Clock
while(1)
{
T0_init(); // Initialize Timer0
LATB=(LATB<<1)|(LATB>>7); // Circular right shift at PortB
}
}

void T0_init()
{
TMR0H=0xD2; // Values calculated for 1 second delay with 12MHz crystal
TMR0L=0x39;
T0CON.TMR0ON=1; // Timer0 On
while(INTCON.TMR0IF==0); // Wait until TMR0IF gets flagged
T0CON.TMR0ON=0; // Timer0 Off
INTCON.TMR0IF=0; // Clear Timer0 interrupt flag
}

###

Project Components

Project Video

Source: How to use Timers in PIC18F4550 Microcontroller

  • What is the timer internal frequency used for delay calculation?
    The timer uses the internal instruction cycle frequency Fosc/4.
  • How is a 1 second delay calculated with a 12 MHz crystal?
    Fosc/4 = 3 MHz; with prescaler 1:256 FTimer = 3000000/256 = 11718.75 Hz, TTimer = 85 µs, counts needed = 11718.75, load value = FFFF - 2DC6 = D239.
  • Can Timer0 operate in both 8-bit and 16-bit modes?
    Yes, Timer0 can work as an 8-bit or 16-bit timer/counter.
  • How is the prescaler assigned or bypassed for Timer0?
    Set PSA = 0 to assign the prescaler to Timer0; set PSA = 1 to bypass the prescaler.
  • How do you select the Timer0 clock source?
    Use the T0CS bit: 1 selects external T0CKI pin, 0 selects internal instruction cycle clock.
  • What steps are required in software to generate 1 second using Timer0?
    Select prescaler and mode in T0CON, load TMR0H/TMR0L, set TMR0ON, wait for TMR0IF, clear TMR0ON and TMR0IF, then reload to repeat.
  • Which register indicates Timer0 overflow?
    TMR0IF in the INTCON register is the Timer0 overflow flag.
  • What value is loaded into TMR0H and TMR0L for 1 second delay with 12 MHz and 1:256 prescaler?
    The article loads TMR0H = 0xD2 and TMR0L = 0x39.
  • Does Timer0 provide interrupt on overflow?
    Yes, Timer0 can generate an interrupt on overflow when TMR0IE is enabled.
Beginner Tutorials · PIC18F4550

PICDEM FS USB CDC Evaluation Board using PIC18F4550 with Proteus Simulation

Introduction The PICDEM FS USB CDC Evaluation Board is a practical microcontroller project built around the PIC18F4550, designed to demonstrate USB communication...

 Peripheral Tutorials · PIC18F4550

PICDEM FS USB Mass Storage Device using PIC18F4550 with Proteus Simulation

Introduction This microcontroller project demonstrates how to simulate a USB Mass Storage Device (MSD) using the PIC18F4550 in a Proteus simulation environment....

 Development Boards & Kits · PIC18F2550

Pinguino Project: A PIC Microcontroller Based Arduino

This is a complete tutorial to make a PIC Microcontroller based Arduino. This is a complete tutorial to make PIC microcontroller based...

 Clocks & Timers

Adaptive Alarm Clock: Build a Smart, User-Centric wake-Up system

Project Overview The goal of this ambitious undergraduate project was to develop a novel alarm clock capable of analyzing a person's unique...

 Clocks & Timers

Designing Your Ideal Alarm Clock: An Introduction to PIC18

Within this laboratory session, you'll employ the C language to create an alarm clock, delving into the implementation of "C" programs on...

 Clocks & Timers

Building your Dream Alarm Clock Using the PIC18

Objective: In this laboratory session, your objective is to create an alarm clock using the C programming language. You will gain proficiency...
Muhammad Bilal

Muhammad Bilal

I am a highly skilled and motivated individual with a Master's degree in Computer Science. I have extensive experience in technical writing and a deep understanding of SEO practices.