Let's start by understanding what a clock is. The clock is the core component of a microcontroller, acting as the heartbeat that synchronizes all internal circuits. Think of it like the rhythm in a radio broadcast during morning exercises — when you hear "1, 2, 3, 4," everyone moves together in sync. The faster the beat, the quicker your movements; the slower the beat, the more relaxed your actions. Similarly, the microcontroller operates based on the frequency of its clock signal.
What are internal and external clocks? Many PIC microcontrollers allow you to choose between an internal RC oscillator or an external crystal, such as a 4MHz quartz. Some models even support multiple clock frequencies, offering flexibility for different applications.
Take the PIC18LF1823 as an example. It can operate with an internal clock ranging from 31kHz up to 32MHz. This wide range allows for power optimization. While sleep modes are commonly used to reduce power, the CPU remains inactive. However, by lowering the clock frequency, the CPU can still perform tasks while consuming less power — a great strategy for energy-conscious designs.
How do you configure the clock? Clock settings typically involve two main components: the configuration word and the oscillator control register (OSCCON). Let's look at the PIC18LF1823 as a case study.
The configuration word includes bits like FOSC (Oscillator Select) and PLLEN (PLL Enable). The OSCCON register controls the internal clock frequency. If you're using an external clock, this register may be ignored. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the OSCCON register from the datasheet:

Example: Setting the clock to 8MHz using the internal oscillator
Development environment: MPLAB X IDE
Chip model: PIC18LF1823
#include <xc.h>
__CONFIG(FOSC_INTOSC & WDTE_OFF & PWRTE_ON & MCLRE_OFF & CP_ON & CPD_OFF & BOREN_ON &
CLKOUTEN_OFF & IESO_ON & FCMEN_ON);
__CONFIG(PLLEN_OFF & LVP_OFF); // Set FOSC to INTOSC
void init_fosc(void) {
OSCCON = 0x70; // Set internal clock to 8MHz
}
int main(int argc, char** argv) {
init_fosc();
while(1);
}
What is the PLL used for? The PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) is used to multiply the clock frequency. For instance, it can take an 8MHz signal and multiply it by 4 to produce 32MHz. Note that this only works with an 8MHz input — other frequencies cannot be used.
Example: Setting the clock to 32MHz using the internal oscillator
Development environment: MPLAB X IDE
Chip model: PIC18LF1823
#include <xc.h>
__CONFIG(FOSC_INTOSC & WDTE_OFF & PWRTE_ON & MCLRE_OFF & CP_ON & CPD_OFF & BOREN_ON &
CLKOUTEN_OFF & IESO_ON & FCMEN_ON);
__CONFIG(PLLEN_ON & LVP_OFF); // Set FOSC to INTOSC, enable PLL
void init_fosc(void) {
OSCCON = 0xF0; // Set internal clock to 8MHz and enable 4X PLL
}
int main(int argc, char** argv) {
init_fosc();
while(1);
}
Understanding how to set and use the clock in microcontrollers is essential for optimizing performance and power consumption. Whether you're working with internal or external oscillators, knowing the configuration options gives you greater control over your design.
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