30. Low-power timer (LPTIM)

This section applies only to STM32L43xxx, STM32L44xxx, STM32L45xxx and STM32L46xxx microcontrollers.

30.1 Introduction

The LPTIM is a 16-bit timer that benefits from the ultimate developments in power consumption reduction. Thanks to its diversity of clock sources, the LPTIM is able to keep running in all power modes except for Standby mode. Given its capability to run even with no internal clock source, the LPTIM can be used as a “Pulse Counter” which can be useful in some applications. Also, the LPTIM capability to wake up the system from low-power modes, makes it suitable to realize “Timeout functions” with extremely low power consumption.

The LPTIM introduces a flexible clock scheme that provides the needed functionalities and performance, while minimizing the power consumption.

30.2 LPTIM main features

30.3 LPTIM implementation

Table 152 describes LPTIM implementation on STM32L43xxx/44xxx/45xxx/46xxx devices: the full set of features is implemented in LPTIM1. LPTIM2 supports a smaller set of features, but is otherwise identical to LPTIM1.

Table 152. STM32L43xxx/44xxx/45xxx/46xxx LPTIM features

LPTIM features (1)LPTIM1LPTIM2
Encoder modeX-
External input clockXX
Timer counter reset--
Repetition counter--
Wake-up from Stop(2)(3)
  1. 1. X = supported.
  2. 2. Wake-up supported from Stop 0, Stop 1 and Stop 2 modes.
  3. 3. Wake-up supported from Stop 0 and Stop 1 modes.

30.4 LPTIM functional description

30.4.1 LPTIM block diagram

Figure 337. Low-power timer block diagram

Low-power timer block diagram showing internal components like APB clock domain, LPTIM register interface, IRQ interface, Synchronization, Up/down, Encoder, Edge detector, Glitch filter, CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT, Mux trigger, 16-bit ARR, 16-bit counter, 16-bit compare, Prescaler, and CLKMUX. External pins include lptim_pclk, lptim_it, lptim_ker_ck, lptim_wakeup, lptim_in2, lptim_in1, lptim_ext_trigx, lptim_etr, and lptim_out.

The block diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the LPTIM. On the left, external pins are shown: lptim_pclk, lptim_it, lptim_ker_ck, and lptim_wakeup. The lptim_pclk connects to a 32-bit APB bus, which in turn connects to the LPTIM register interface and IRQ interface within the APB clock domain. The lptim_ker_ck connects to a CLKMUX. The lptim_wakeup connects to the Synchronization block. The LPTIM register interface and IRQ interface are connected to the Synchronization block. The Synchronization block connects to the Up/down block. The Up/down block contains an Encoder, Edge detector, Glitch filter, CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT, Mux trigger, 16-bit ARR, 16-bit counter, 16-bit compare, Prescaler, and CLKMUX. The 16-bit counter is connected to the 16-bit ARR and 16-bit compare blocks. The 16-bit counter output is connected to the lptim_out pin. The lptim_in2, lptim_in1, lptim_ext_trigx, and lptim_etr pins are connected to Glitch filters, which are then connected to the Edge detector blocks. The Edge detector blocks are connected to the Encoder and the CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT block. The CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT block is connected to the Mux trigger block. The Mux trigger block is connected to the 16-bit counter. The 16-bit counter is also connected to the Count mode block. The Count mode block is connected to the 16-bit compare block. The 16-bit compare block is connected to the 16-bit counter. The 16-bit counter is also connected to the 16-bit ARR block. The 16-bit ARR block is connected to the 16-bit counter. The 16-bit counter is also connected to the Prescaler block. The Prescaler block is connected to the CLKMUX block. The CLKMUX block is connected to the lptim_ker_ck pin. The CLKMUX block is also connected to the 16-bit counter. The 16-bit counter is also connected to the lptim_out pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the 16-bit counter. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the 16-bit compare block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the 16-bit ARR block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Prescaler block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the CLKMUX block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Count mode block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Mux trigger block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Edge detector block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Encoder block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Glitch filter block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the Synchronization block. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the APB clock domain. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the IRQ interface. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the LPTIM register interface. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the 32-bit APB bus. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_pclk pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_it pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_ker_ck pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_wakeup pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_in2 pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_in1 pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_ext_trigx pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the lptim_etr pin. The lptim_out pin is also connected to the MSv47459V4 label.

Low-power timer block diagram showing internal components like APB clock domain, LPTIM register interface, IRQ interface, Synchronization, Up/down, Encoder, Edge detector, Glitch filter, CNTSTRTR/SNGSTRT, Mux trigger, 16-bit ARR, 16-bit counter, 16-bit compare, Prescaler, and CLKMUX. External pins include lptim_pclk, lptim_it, lptim_ker_ck, lptim_wakeup, lptim_in2, lptim_in1, lptim_ext_trigx, lptim_etr, and lptim_out.

30.4.2 LPTIM pins and internal signals

The following tables provide the list of LPTIM pins and internal signals, respectively.

Table 153. LPTIM input/output pins

NamesSignal typeDescription
LPTIM_IN1Digital inputLPTIM Input 1 from GPIO pin
LPTIM_IN2Digital inputLPTIM Input 2 from GPIO pin
LPTIM_ETRDigital inputLPTIM external trigger GPIO pin
LPTIM_OUTDigital outputLPTIM Output GPIO pin

Table 154. LPTIM internal signals

NamesSignal typeDescription
lptim_pclkDigital inputLPTIM APB clock domain
lptim_ker_ckDigital inputLPTIM kernel clock
lptim_in1Digital inputInternal LPTIM input 1
lptim_in2Digital inputInternal LPTIM input 2 (1)
lptim_ext_trigxDigital inputLPTIM external trigger input x
lptim_outDigital outputLPTIM counter output
lptim_itDigital outputLPTIM global interrupt
lptim_wakeupDigital outputLPTIM wake-up event

1. Only applies to LPTIM1

30.4.3 LPTIM trigger mapping

The LPTIM external trigger connections are detailed hereafter:

Table 155. LPTIM1 external trigger connection

TRIGSELExternal trigger
lptim_ext_trig0GPIO
lptim_ext_trig1RTC alarm A
lptim_ext_trig2RTC alarm B
lptim_ext_trig3RTC_TAMP1 input detection
lptim_ext_trig4RTC_TAMP2 input detection
lptim_ext_trig5RTC_TAMP3 input detection
lptim_ext_trig6COMP1_OUT
lptim_ext_trig7COMP2_OUT
Table 156. LPTIM2 external trigger connection
TRIGSELExternal trigger
lptim_ext_trig0GPIO
lptim_ext_trig1RTC alarm A
lptim_ext_trig2RTC alarm B
lptim_ext_trig3RTC_TAMP1 input detection
lptim_ext_trig4RTC_TAMP2 input detection
lptim_ext_trig5RTC_TAMP3 input detection
lptim_ext_trig6COMP1_OUT
lptim_ext_trig7COMP2_OUT

30.4.4 LPTIM reset and clocks

The LPTIM can be clocked using several clock sources. It can be clocked using an internal clock signal which can be any configurable internal clock source selectable through the RCC (see RCC section for more details). Also, the LPTIM can be clocked using an external clock signal injected on its external Input1. When clocked with an external clock source, the LPTIM may run in one of these two possible configurations:

Programming the CKSEL and COUNTMODE bits allows controlling whether the LPTIM will use an external clock source or an internal one.

When configured to use an external clock source, the CKPOL bits are used to select the external clock signal active edge. If both edges are configured to be active ones, an internal clock signal should also be provided (first configuration). In this case, the internal clock signal frequency should be at least four times higher than the external clock signal frequency.

30.4.5 Glitch filter

The LPTIM inputs, either external (mapped to GPIOs) or internal (mapped on the chip-level to other embedded peripherals), are protected with digital filters that prevent any glitches and noise perturbations to propagate inside the LPTIM. This is in order to prevent spurious counts or triggers.

Before activating the digital filters, an internal clock source should first be provided to the LPTIM. This is necessary to guarantee the proper operation of the filters.

The digital filters are divided into two groups:

Note: The digital filters sensitivity is controlled by groups. It is not possible to configure each digital filter sensitivity separately inside the same group.

The filter sensitivity acts on the number of consecutive equal samples that should be detected on one of the LPTIM inputs to consider a signal level change as a valid transition. Figure 338 shows an example of glitch filter behavior in case of a 2 consecutive samples programmed.

Figure 338. Glitch filter timing diagram

Figure 338. Glitch filter timing diagram. The diagram shows three waveforms: CLKMUX (a periodic square wave), Input (a signal with a glitch), and Filter out (the filtered signal). The Input signal has a short pulse that is filtered out. The Filter out signal is shown as a horizontal line. The diagram is labeled with '2 consecutive samples' and 'Filtered'. The source is MS32490V1.

The diagram illustrates the glitch filter behavior. The CLKMUX signal is a periodic square wave. The Input signal shows a short pulse (glitch) that is filtered out. The Filter out signal is shown as a horizontal line. The diagram is labeled with '2 consecutive samples' and 'Filtered'. The source is MS32490V1.

Figure 338. Glitch filter timing diagram. The diagram shows three waveforms: CLKMUX (a periodic square wave), Input (a signal with a glitch), and Filter out (the filtered signal). The Input signal has a short pulse that is filtered out. The Filter out signal is shown as a horizontal line. The diagram is labeled with '2 consecutive samples' and 'Filtered'. The source is MS32490V1.

Note: In case no internal clock signal is provided, the digital filter must be deactivated by setting the CKFLT and TRGFLT bits to '0'. In that case, an external analog filter may be used to protect the LPTIM external inputs against glitches.

30.4.6 Prescaler

The LPTIM 16-bit counter is preceded by a configurable power-of-2 prescaler. The prescaler division ratio is controlled by the PRESC[2:0] 3-bit field. The table below lists all the possible division ratios:

Table 157. Prescaler division ratios

programmingdividing factor
000/1
001/2
010/4
011/8
100/16
101/32
110/64
111/128

30.4.7 Trigger multiplexer

The LPTIM counter may be started either by software or after the detection of an active edge on one of the 8 trigger inputs.

TRIGEN[1:0] is used to determine the LPTIM trigger source:

The external triggers are considered asynchronous signals for the LPTIM. So after a trigger detection, a two-counter-clock period latency is needed before the timer starts running due to the synchronization.

If a new trigger event occurs when the timer is already started it will be ignored (unless timeout function is enabled).

Note: The timer must be enabled before setting the SNGSTRT/CNTSTRT bits. Any write on these bits when the timer is disabled will be discarded by hardware.

Note: When starting the counter by software (TRIGEN[1:0] = 00), there is a delay of 3 kernel clock cycles between the LPTIM_CR register update (set one of SNGSTRT or CNTSTRT bits) and the effective start of the counter.

30.4.8 Operating mode

The LPTIM features two operating modes:

One-shot mode

To enable the one-shot counting, the SNGSTRT bit must be set.

A new trigger event will re-start the timer. Any trigger event occurring after the counter starts and before the counter reaches ARR will be discarded.

In case an external trigger is selected, each external trigger event arriving after the SNGSTRT bit is set, and after the counter register has stopped (contains zero value), will start the counter for a new one-shot counting cycle as shown in Figure 339 .

Figure 339. LPTIM output waveform, single counting mode configuration Figure 339: LPTIM output waveform in single counting mode. The top waveform shows the LPTIM_ARR Compare signal, which is a sawtooth wave starting at 0 and increasing linearly until it reaches a horizontal dashed line representing the ARR value, at which point it resets to 0. The bottom waveform shows the PWM output, which is a pulse that goes high when the counter reaches the ARR value and low otherwise. External trigger events, indicated by lightning bolt icons, are shown at the start of each counting cycle. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt icon labeled 'External trigger event'. The identifier MSv39230V2 is in the bottom right corner.
Figure 339: LPTIM output waveform in single counting mode. The top waveform shows the LPTIM_ARR Compare signal, which is a sawtooth wave starting at 0 and increasing linearly until it reaches a horizontal dashed line representing the ARR value, at which point it resets to 0. The bottom waveform shows the PWM output, which is a pulse that goes high when the counter reaches the ARR value and low otherwise. External trigger events, indicated by lightning bolt icons, are shown at the start of each counting cycle. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt icon labeled 'External trigger event'. The identifier MSv39230V2 is in the bottom right corner.

Set-once mode activated:

It should be noted that when the WAVE bit-field in the LPTIM_CFGR register is set, the Set-once mode is activated. In this case, the counter is only started once following the first trigger, and any subsequent trigger event is discarded as shown in Figure 340 .

Figure 340. LPTIM output waveform, Single counting mode configuration and Set-once mode activated (WAVE bit is set) Figure 340: LPTIM output waveform in single counting mode with Set-once mode activated. The top waveform shows the LPTIM_ARR Compare signal, which is a sawtooth wave starting at 0 and increasing linearly until it reaches a horizontal dashed line representing the ARR value, at which point it resets to 0. The bottom waveform shows the PWM output, which is a pulse that goes high when the counter reaches the ARR value and low otherwise. An external trigger event, indicated by a lightning bolt icon, starts the first counting cycle. A subsequent external trigger event, also indicated by a lightning bolt icon, occurs while the counter is still counting and is labeled 'Discarded trigger'. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt icon labeled 'External trigger event'. The identifier MSv39231V2 is in the bottom right corner.
Figure 340: LPTIM output waveform in single counting mode with Set-once mode activated. The top waveform shows the LPTIM_ARR Compare signal, which is a sawtooth wave starting at 0 and increasing linearly until it reaches a horizontal dashed line representing the ARR value, at which point it resets to 0. The bottom waveform shows the PWM output, which is a pulse that goes high when the counter reaches the ARR value and low otherwise. An external trigger event, indicated by a lightning bolt icon, starts the first counting cycle. A subsequent external trigger event, also indicated by a lightning bolt icon, occurs while the counter is still counting and is labeled 'Discarded trigger'. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt icon labeled 'External trigger event'. The identifier MSv39231V2 is in the bottom right corner.

In case of software start (TRIGEN[1:0] = '00'), the SNGSTRT setting will start the counter for one-shot counting.

Continuous mode

To enable the continuous counting, the CNTSTRT bit must be set.

In case an external trigger is selected, an external trigger event arriving after CNTSTRT is set will start the counter for continuous counting. Any subsequent external trigger event will be discarded as shown in Figure 341 .

In case of software start (TRIGEN[1:0] = '00'), setting CNTSTRT will start the counter for continuous counting.

Figure 341. LPTIM output waveform, Continuous counting mode configuration

Figure 341: LPTIM output waveform, Continuous counting mode configuration. The diagram shows two waveforms over time. The top waveform, labeled 'LPTIM_ARR Compare', is a sawtooth wave representing the counter value. It starts at 0, increases linearly to a peak at LPTIM_ARR, and then resets to 0. The bottom waveform, labeled 'PWM', is a square wave. It is low when the counter is below the compare value and goes high when the counter exceeds the compare value, returning to low at the LPTIM_ARR reset. External trigger events, indicated by lightning bolt symbols, are shown. The first trigger starts the counter. Subsequent triggers occurring while the counter is still running (before it reaches LPTIM_ARR) are labeled 'Discarded triggers'. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt symbol next to the text 'External trigger event'. The code MSv39229V2 is visible in the bottom right corner of the diagram area.
Figure 341: LPTIM output waveform, Continuous counting mode configuration. The diagram shows two waveforms over time. The top waveform, labeled 'LPTIM_ARR Compare', is a sawtooth wave representing the counter value. It starts at 0, increases linearly to a peak at LPTIM_ARR, and then resets to 0. The bottom waveform, labeled 'PWM', is a square wave. It is low when the counter is below the compare value and goes high when the counter exceeds the compare value, returning to low at the LPTIM_ARR reset. External trigger events, indicated by lightning bolt symbols, are shown. The first trigger starts the counter. Subsequent triggers occurring while the counter is still running (before it reaches LPTIM_ARR) are labeled 'Discarded triggers'. A legend at the bottom left shows a lightning bolt symbol next to the text 'External trigger event'. The code MSv39229V2 is visible in the bottom right corner of the diagram area.

SNGSTRT and CNTSTRT bits can only be set when the timer is enabled (The ENABLE bit is set to '1'). It is possible to change "on the fly" from One-shot mode to Continuous mode.

If the Continuous mode was previously selected, setting SNGSTRT will switch the LPTIM to the One-shot mode. The counter (if active) will stop as soon as it reaches ARR.

If the One-shot mode was previously selected, setting CNTSTRT will switch the LPTIM to the Continuous mode. The counter (if active) will restart as soon as it reaches ARR.

30.4.9 Timeout function

The detection of an active edge on one selected trigger input can be used to reset the LPTIM counter. This feature is controlled through the TIMEOUT bit.

The first trigger event will start the timer, any successive trigger event will reset the counter and the timer will restart.

A low-power timeout function can be realized. The timeout value corresponds to the compare value; if no trigger occurs within the expected time frame, the MCU is waked-up by the compare match event.

30.4.10 Waveform generation

Two 16-bit registers, the LPTIM_ARR (autoreload register) and LPTIM_CMP (compare register), are used to generate several different waveforms on LPTIM output

The timer can generate the following waveforms:

The above described modes require that the LPTIM_ARR register value be strictly greater than the LPTIM_CMP register value.

The LPTIM output waveform can be configured through the WAVE bit as follow:

The WAVPOL bit controls the LPTIM output polarity. The change takes effect immediately, so the output default value will change immediately after the polarity is re-configured, even before the timer is enabled.

Signals with frequencies up to the LPTIM clock frequency divided by 2 can be generated.

Figure 342 below shows the three possible waveforms that can be generated on the LPTIM output. Also, it shows the effect of the polarity change using the WAVPOL bit.

Figure 342. Waveform generation

Timing diagram showing LPTIM output waveforms for different modes and polarities. The diagram includes LPTIM_ARR and Compare signals, and output waveforms for PWM, One shot, and Set once modes for Pol = 0 and Pol = 1. The diagram is labeled MS32467V2.

The figure is a timing diagram illustrating the output waveforms generated by the LPTIM. At the top, two sawtooth-like waveforms represent the LPTIM_ARR and Compare signals. Below these, the output waveforms are shown for different modes and polarities. The diagram is divided into two main sections: Pol = 0 and Pol = 1. For Pol = 0, the output waveforms are PWM, One shot, and Set once. For Pol = 1, the output waveforms are also PWM, One shot, and Set once. The PWM waveforms show a periodic switching between high and low states. The One shot waveforms show a single pulse followed by a constant state. The Set once waveforms show a single pulse followed by a constant state. The diagram is labeled MS32467V2 in the bottom right corner.

Timing diagram showing LPTIM output waveforms for different modes and polarities. The diagram includes LPTIM_ARR and Compare signals, and output waveforms for PWM, One shot, and Set once modes for Pol = 0 and Pol = 1. The diagram is labeled MS32467V2.

30.4.11 Register update

The LPTIM_ARR register and LPTIM_CMP register are updated immediately after the APB bus write operation, or at the end of the current period if the timer is already started.

The PRELOAD bit controls how the LPTIM_ARR and the LPTIM_CMP registers are updated:

The LPTIM APB interface and the LPTIM kernel logic use different clocks, so there is some latency between the APB write and the moment when these values are available to the

counter comparator. Within this latency period, any additional write into these registers must be avoided.

The ARROK flag and the CMPOK flag in the LPTIM_ISR register indicate when the write operation is completed to respectively the LPTIM_ARR register and the LPTIM_CMP register.

After a write to the LPTIM_ARR register or the LPTIM_CMP register, a new write operation to the same register can only be performed when the previous write operation is completed. Any successive write before respectively the ARROK flag or the CMPOK flag be set, will lead to unpredictable results.

30.4.12 Counter mode

The LPTIM counter can be used to count external events on the LPTIM Input1 or it can be used to count internal clock cycles. The CKSEL and COUNTMODE bits control which source will be used for updating the counter.

In case the LPTIM is configured to count external events on Input1, the counter can be updated following a rising edge, falling edge or both edges depending on the value written to the CKPOL[1:0] bits.

The count modes below can be selected, depending on CKSEL and COUNTMODE values:

In this configuration, the LPTIM has no need for an internal clock source (except if the glitch filters are enabled). The signal injected on the LPTIM external Input1 is used as system clock for the LPTIM. This configuration is suitable for operation modes where no embedded oscillator is enabled.

For this configuration, the LPTIM counter can be updated either on rising edges or falling edges of the input1 clock signal but not on both rising and falling edges.

Since the signal injected on the LPTIM external Input1 is also used to clock the LPTIM kernel logic, there is some initial latency (after the LPTIM is enabled) before the counter is incremented. More precisely, the first five active edges on the LPTIM external Input1 (after LPTIM is enable) are lost.

30.4.13 Timer enable

The ENABLE bit located in the LPTIM_CR register is used to enable/disable the LPTIM kernel logic. After setting the ENABLE bit, a delay of two counter clock is needed before the LPTIM is actually enabled.

The LPTIM_CFGR and LPTIM_IER registers must be modified only when the LPTIM is disabled.

30.4.14 Encoder mode

This mode allows handling signals from quadrature encoders used to detect angular position of rotary elements. Encoder interface mode acts simply as an external clock with direction selection. This means that the counter just counts continuously between 0 and the auto-reload value programmed into the LPTIM_ARR register (0 up to ARR or ARR down to 0 depending on the direction). Therefore LPTIM_ARR must be configured before starting the counter. From the two external input signals, Input1 and Input2, a clock signal is generated to clock the LPTIM counter. The phase between those two signals determines the counting direction.

The Encoder mode is only available when the LPTIM is clocked by an internal clock source. The signals frequency on both Input1 and Input2 inputs must not exceed the LPTIM internal clock frequency divided by 4. This is mandatory in order to guarantee a proper operation of the LPTIM.

Direction change is signalized by the two Down and Up flags in the LPTIM_ISR register. Also, an interrupt can be generated for both direction change events if enabled through the DOWNIE bit.

To activate the Encoder mode the ENC bit has to be set to '1'. The LPTIM must first be configured in Continuous mode.

When Encoder mode is active, the LPTIM counter is modified automatically following the speed and the direction of the incremental encoder. Therefore, its content always represents the encoder's position. The count direction, signaled by the Up and Down flags, correspond to the rotation direction of the encoder rotor.

According to the edge sensitivity configured using the CKPOL[1:0] bits, different counting scenarios are possible. The following table summarizes the possible combinations, assuming that Input1 and Input2 do not switch at the same time.

Table 158. Encoder counting scenarios

Active edgeLevel on opposite signal (Input1 for Input2, Input2 for Input1)Input1 signalInput2 signal
RisingFallingRisingFalling
Rising EdgeHighDownNo countUpNo count
LowUpNo countDownNo count
Falling EdgeHighNo countUpNo countDown
LowNo countDownNo countUp
Both EdgesHighDownUpUpDown
LowUpDownDownUp

The following figure shows a counting sequence for Encoder mode where both-edge sensitivity is configured.

Caution: In this mode the LPTIM must be clocked by an internal clock source, so the CKSEL bit must be maintained to its reset value which is equal to '0'. Also, the prescaler division ratio must be equal to its reset value which is 1 (PRESC[2:0] bits must be '000').

Figure 343. Encoder mode counting sequence

Timing diagram showing the counting sequence in encoder mode. It displays three waveforms: T1, T2, and Counter. T1 and T2 are square waves. The Counter is a staircase-like signal that increments when T1 is high and T2 has a falling edge, and decrements when T1 is low and T2 has a falling edge. The sequence is divided into three segments labeled 'up', 'down', and 'up' with brackets. The diagram is labeled MS32491V1.
Timing diagram showing the counting sequence in encoder mode. It displays three waveforms: T1, T2, and Counter. T1 and T2 are square waves. The Counter is a staircase-like signal that increments when T1 is high and T2 has a falling edge, and decrements when T1 is low and T2 has a falling edge. The sequence is divided into three segments labeled 'up', 'down', and 'up' with brackets. The diagram is labeled MS32491V1.

30.4.15 Debug mode

When the microcontroller enters debug mode (core halted), the LPTIM counter either continues to work normally or stops, depending on the DBG_LPTIM_STOP configuration bit in the DBG module.

30.5 LPTIM low-power modes

Table 159. Effect of low-power modes on the LPTIM

ModeDescription
SleepNo effect. LPTIM interrupts cause the device to exit Sleep mode.
StopIf the LPTIM is clocked by an oscillator available in Stop mode, LPTIM is functional and the interrupts cause the device to exit the Stop mode (refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation ).
StandbyThe LPTIM peripheral is powered down and must be reinitialized after exiting Standby mode.

30.6 LPTIM interrupts

The following events generate an interrupt/wake-up event, if they are enabled through the LPTIM_IER register:

Note: If any bit in the LPTIM_IER register (Interrupt Enable Register) is set after that its corresponding flag in the LPTIM_ISR register (Status Register) is set, the interrupt is not asserted.

Table 160. Interrupt events

Interrupt eventDescription
Compare matchInterrupt flag is raised when the content of the Counter register (LPTIM_CNT) matches the content of the compare register (LPTIM_CMP).
Auto-reload matchInterrupt flag is raised when the content of the Counter register (LPTIM_CNT) matches the content of the Auto-reload register (LPTIM_ARR).
External trigger eventInterrupt flag is raised when an external trigger event is detected
Auto-reload register update OKInterrupt flag is raised when the write operation to the LPTIM_ARR register is complete.
Compare register update OKInterrupt flag is raised when the write operation to the LPTIM_CMP register is complete.
Direction changeUsed in Encoder mode. Two interrupt flags are embedded to signal direction change:
  • – UP flag signals up-counting direction change
  • – DOWN flag signals down-counting direction change.

30.7 LPTIM registers

Refer to Section 1.2: List of abbreviations for registers for a list of abbreviations used in register descriptions.

The peripheral registers can only be accessed by words (32-bit).

30.7.1 LPTIM interrupt and status register (LPTIM_ISR)

Address offset: 0x000

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWNUPARR
OK
CMP
OK
EXT
TRIG
ARRMCMPM
rrrrrrr

Bits 31:7 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 6 DOWN : Counter direction change up to down

In Encoder mode, DOWN bit is set by hardware to inform application that the counter direction has changed from up to down. DOWN flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the DOWNCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation .

Bit 5 UP : Counter direction change down to up

In Encoder mode, UP bit is set by hardware to inform application that the counter direction has changed from down to up. UP flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the UP CF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation .

Bit 4 ARROK : Autoreload register update OK

ARROK is set by hardware to inform application that the APB bus write operation to the LPTIM_ARR register has been successfully completed. ARROK flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the ARROKCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Bit 3 CMPOK : Compare register update OK

CMPOK is set by hardware to inform application that the APB bus write operation to the LPTIM_CMP register has been successfully completed. CMPOK flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the CMPOKCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Bit 2 EXTTRIG : External trigger edge event

EXTTRIG is set by hardware to inform application that a valid edge on the selected external trigger input has occurred. If the trigger is ignored because the timer has already started, then this flag is not set. EXTTRIG flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the EXTTRIGCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Bit 1 ARRM : Autoreload match

ARRM is set by hardware to inform application that LPTIM_CNT register's value reached the LPTIM_ARR register's value. ARRM flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the ARRMCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

Bit 0 CMPM : Compare match

The CMPM bit is set by hardware to inform application that LPTIM_CNT register value reached the LPTIM_CMP register's value. CMPM flag can be cleared by writing 1 to the CMPMCF bit in the LPTIM_ICR register.

30.7.2 LPTIM interrupt clear register (LPTIM_ICR)

Address offset: 0x004

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWNCFUPCFARROKCFCMPOKCFEXTTRIGCFARRMCFCMPMCF
wwwwwww

Bits 31:7 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 6 DOWNCF : Direction change to down clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clear the DOWN flag in the LPTIM_ISR register.

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation.

Bit 5 UPCF : Direction change to UP clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clear the UP flag in the LPTIM_ISR register.

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation.

Bit 4 ARROKCF : Autoreload register update OK clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clears the ARROK flag in the LPTIM_ISR register

Bit 3 CMPOKCF : Compare register update OK clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clears the CMPOK flag in the LPTIM_ISR register

Bit 2 EXTTRIGCF : External trigger valid edge clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clears the EXTTRIG flag in the LPTIM_ISR register

Bit 1 ARRMCF : Autoreload match clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clears the ARRM flag in the LPTIM_ISR register

Bit 0 CMPMCF : Compare match clear flag

Writing 1 to this bit clears the CMPM flag in the LPTIM_ISR register

30.7.3 LPTIM interrupt enable register (LPTIM_IER)

Address offset: 0x008

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWNIEUPIEARROKIECMPOKIEEXTTRIGIEARRMIECMPMIE
rwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:7 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 6 DOWNIE : Direction change to down Interrupt Enable

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation.

Bit 5 UPIE : Direction change to UP Interrupt Enable

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation.

Bit 4 ARROKIE : Autoreload register update OK Interrupt Enable

Bit 3 CMPOKIE : Compare register update OK Interrupt Enable

Bit 2 EXTTRIGIE : External trigger valid edge Interrupt Enable

Bit 1 ARRMIE : Autoreload match Interrupt Enable

Bit 0 CMPMIE : Compare match Interrupt Enable

Caution: The LPTIM_IER register must only be modified when the LPTIM is disabled (ENABLE bit reset to '0')

30.7.4 LPTIM configuration register (LPTIM_CFGR)

Address offset: 0x00C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

3130292827262524232221201918   1716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.ENCCOUNT MODEPRELOADWAVPOLWAVETIMOUTTRIGEN[1:0]Res.
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw
15   14   131211   10   987   654   32   10
TRIGSEL[2:0]Res.PRESC[2:0]Res.TRGFLT[1:0]Res.CKFLT[1:0]CKPOL[1:0]CKSEL
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:30 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 29 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 28:25 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 24 ENC : Encoder mode enable

The ENC bit controls the Encoder mode

0: Encoder mode disabled

1: Encoder mode enabled

Note: If the LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation .

Bit 23 COUNTMODE : counter mode enabled

The COUNTMODE bit selects which clock source is used by the LPTIM to clock the counter:

0: the counter is incremented following each internal clock pulse

1: the counter is incremented following each valid clock pulse on the LPTIM external Input1

Bit 22 PRELOAD : Registers update mode

The PRELOAD bit controls the LPTIM_ARR and the LPTIM_CMP registers update modality

0: Registers are updated after each APB bus write access

1: Registers are updated at the end of the current LPTIM period

Bit 21 WAVPOL : Waveform shape polarity

The WAVPOL bit controls the output polarity

0: The LPTIM output reflects the compare results between LPTIM_CNT and LPTIM_CMP registers

1: The LPTIM output reflects the inverse of the compare results between LPTIM_CNT and LPTIM_CMP registers

Bit 20 WAVE : Waveform shape

The WAVE bit controls the output shape

0: Deactivate Set-once mode

1: Activate the Set-once mode

Bit 19 TIMOUT : Timeout enable

The TIMOUT bit controls the Timeout feature

0: A trigger event arriving when the timer is already started will be ignored

1: A trigger event arriving when the timer is already started will reset and restart the counter

Bits 18:17 TRIGEN[1:0] : Trigger enable and polarity

The TRIGEN bits controls whether the LPTIM counter is started by an external trigger or not. If the external trigger option is selected, three configurations are possible for the trigger active edge:

00: software trigger (counting start is initiated by software)

01: rising edge is the active edge

10: falling edge is the active edge

11: both edges are active edges

Bit 16 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 15:13 TRIGSEL[2:0] : Trigger selector

The TRIGSEL bits select the trigger source that will serve as a trigger event for the LPTIM among the below 8 available sources:

See Section 30.4.3: LPTIM trigger mapping for details.

Bit 12 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 11:9 PRESC[2:0] : Clock prescaler

The PRESC bits configure the prescaler division factor. It can be one among the following division factors:

Bit 8 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 7:6 TRGFLT[1:0] : Configurable digital filter for trigger

The TRGFLT value sets the number of consecutive equal samples that should be detected when a level change occurs on an internal trigger before it is considered as a valid level transition. An internal clock source must be present to use this feature

Bit 5 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 4:3 CKFLT[1:0] : Configurable digital filter for external clock

The CKFLT value sets the number of consecutive equal samples that should be detected when a level change occurs on an external clock signal before it is considered as a valid level transition. An internal clock source must be present to use this feature

00: any external clock signal level change is considered as a valid transition

01: external clock signal level change must be stable for at least 2 clock periods before it is considered as valid transition.

10: external clock signal level change must be stable for at least 4 clock periods before it is considered as valid transition.

11: external clock signal level change must be stable for at least 8 clock periods before it is considered as valid transition.

Bits 2:1 CKPOL[1:0] : Clock polarity

If LPTIM is clocked by an external clock source:

When the LPTIM is clocked by an external clock source, CKPOL bits is used to configure the active edge or edges used by the counter:

00: the rising edge is the active edge used for counting.

If the LPTIM is configured in Encoder mode (ENC bit is set), the encoder sub-mode 1 is active.

01: the falling edge is the active edge used for counting

If the LPTIM is configured in Encoder mode (ENC bit is set), the encoder sub-mode 2 is active.

10: both edges are active edges. When both external clock signal edges are considered active ones, the LPTIM must also be clocked by an internal clock source with a frequency equal to at least four times the external clock frequency.

If the LPTIM is configured in Encoder mode (ENC bit is set), the encoder sub-mode 3 is active.

11: not allowed

Refer to Section 30.4.14: Encoder mode for more details about Encoder mode sub-modes.

Bit 0 CKSEL : Clock selector

The CKSEL bit selects which clock source the LPTIM will use:

0: LPTIM is clocked by internal clock source (APB clock or any of the embedded oscillators)

1: LPTIM is clocked by an external clock source through the LPTIM external Input1

Caution: The LPTIM_CFGR register must only be modified when the LPTIM is disabled (ENABLE bit reset to '0').

30.7.5 LPTIM control register (LPTIM_CR)

Address offset: 0x010

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
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Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.CNT
STRT
SNG
STRT
ENA
BLE
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Bits 31:3 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 2 CNTSTRT : Timer start in Continuous mode

This bit is set by software and cleared by hardware.

In case of software start (TRIGEN[1:0] = '00'), setting this bit starts the LPTIM in Continuous mode.

If the software start is disabled (TRIGEN[1:0] different than '00'), setting this bit starts the timer in Continuous mode as soon as an external trigger is detected.

If this bit is set when a single pulse mode counting is ongoing, then the timer will not stop at the next match between the LPTIM_ARR and LPTIM_CNT registers and the LPTIM counter keeps counting in Continuous mode.

This bit can be set only when the LPTIM is enabled. It will be automatically reset by hardware.

Bit 1 SNGSTRT : LPTIM start in Single mode

This bit is set by software and cleared by hardware.

In case of software start (TRIGEN[1:0] = '00'), setting this bit starts the LPTIM in single pulse mode.

If the software start is disabled (TRIGEN[1:0] different than '00'), setting this bit starts the LPTIM in single pulse mode as soon as an external trigger is detected.

If this bit is set when the LPTIM is in continuous counting mode, then the LPTIM will stop at the following match between LPTIM_ARR and LPTIM_CNT registers.

This bit can only be set when the LPTIM is enabled. It will be automatically reset by hardware.

Bit 0 ENABLE : LPTIM enable

The ENABLE bit is set and cleared by software.

0:LPTIM is disabled

1:LPTIM is enabled

30.7.6 LPTIM compare register (LPTIM_CMP)

Address offset: 0x014

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
CMP[15:0]
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Bits 31:16 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 15:0 CMP[15:0] : Compare value

CMP is the compare value used by the LPTIM.

Caution: The LPTIM_CMP register must only be modified when the LPTIM is enabled (ENABLE bit set to '1').

30.7.7 LPTIM autoreload register (LPTIM_ARR)

Address offset: 0x018

Reset value: 0x0000 0001

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
ARR[15:0]
rwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrwrw

Bits 31:16 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 15:0 ARR[15:0] : Auto reload value

ARR is the autoreload value for the LPTIM.

This value must be strictly greater than the CMP[15:0] value.

Caution: The LPTIM_ARR register must only be modified when the LPTIM is enabled (ENABLE bit set to '1').

30.7.8 LPTIM counter register (LPTIM_CNT)

Address offset: 0x01C

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

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Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
CNT[15:0]
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Bits 31:16 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bits 15:0 CNT[15:0] : Counter value

When the LPTIM is running with an asynchronous clock, reading the LPTIM_CNT register may return unreliable values. So in this case it is necessary to perform two consecutive read accesses and verify that the two returned values are identical.

It should be noted that for a reliable LPTIM_CNT register read access, two consecutive read accesses must be performed and compared. A read access can be considered reliable when the values of the two consecutive read accesses are equal.

30.7.9 LPTIM1 option register (LPTIM1_OR)

Address offset: 0x020

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.OR_1OR_0
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Bits 31:2 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 1 OR_1 : Option register bit 1

Bit 0 OR_0 : Option register bit 0

30.7.10 LPTIM2 option register (LPTIM2_OR)

Address offset: 0x020

Reset value: 0x0000 0000

31302928272625242322212019181716
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
1514131211109876543210
Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.OR_1OR_0
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Bits 31:2 Reserved, must be kept at reset value.

Bit 1 OR_1 : Option register bit 1

Bit 0 OR_0 : Option register bit 0

Note: When both OR_1 and OR_0 are set, LPTIM2 input 1 is connected to (COMP1_OUT OR COMP2_OUT).

30.7.11 LPTIM register map

The following table summarizes the LPTIM registers.

Table 161. LPTIM register map and reset values

OffsetRegister name313029282726252423222120191817161514131211109876543210
0x000LPTIM_ISRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWN (1)
Reset value0UP (1)0ARROK0CMPOK0EXTRIG
0x004LPTIM_ICRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWNCF (1)
Reset value0UPCF (1)0ARROKCF0CMPOKCF0EXTRIGCF
0x008LPTIM_IERRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.DOWNIE (1)
Reset value0UPIE (1)0ARROKIE0CMPOKIE0EXTRIGIE
0x00CLPTIM_CFGRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.ENC (1)COUNTMODEPRELOADWAVEPOLWAVETIMEOUTTRIGENRes.Res.Res.Res.TRIGSEL[2:0]Res.Res.PRESCRes.Res.TRGFLTRes.Res.Res.CKFLTRes.CKPOLCKSEL
Reset value000000000000000000000000
0x010LPTIM_CRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.CNTSTRTSNGSTRT
Reset value00
0x014LPTIM_CMPRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
Reset value
0x018LPTIM_ARRRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
Reset value
0x01CLPTIM_CNTRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
Reset value
0x020LPTIM1_ORRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
Reset value
0x020LPTIM2_ORRes.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.Res.
Reset value
  1. 1. If LPTIM does not support encoder mode feature, this bit is reserved. Please refer to Section 30.3: LPTIM implementation .

Refer to Section 2.2 on page 70 for the register boundary addresses.