Start-of-Frame Detection

The USART start-of-frame detector can wake up the CPU when it detects a start bit. In standby sleep mode, the internal fast startup oscillator must be selected as the GCLK_SERCOMx_CORE source.

When a 1-to-0 transition is detected on RxD, the 8MHz Internal Oscillator is powered up and the USART clock is enabled. After startup, the rest of the data frame can be received, provided that the baud rate is slow enough in relation to the fast startup internal oscillator start-up time. Refer to Electrical Characteristics for details. The start-up time of this oscillator varies with supply voltage and temperature.

The USART start-of-frame detection works both in asynchronous and synchronous modes. It is enabled by writing ‘1’ to the Start of Frame Detection Enable bit in the Control B register (CTRLB.SFDE).

If the Receive Start Interrupt Enable bit in the Interrupt Enable Set register (INTENSET.RXS) is set, the Receive Start interrupt is generated immediately when a start is detected.

When using start-of-frame detection without the Receive Start interrupt, start detection will force the 8MHz Internal Oscillator and USART clock active while the frame is being received. In this case, the CPU will not wake up until the Receive Complete interrupt is generated.