Brown-out Detector
If the Brown-out Detector is not needed in the application, this module should be turned
off. If the Brown-out Detector is enabled by the BODEN Fuse, it will be enabled in all
sleep modes, and hence, always consume power. In the deeper sleep modes, this will
contribute significantly to the total current consumption. Refer to “Brown-out Detection”
on page 38 for details on how to configure the Brown-out Detector.
Internal Voltage Reference
The Internal Voltage Reference will be enabled when needed by the Brown-out Detec-
tor, the Analog Comparator or the ADC. If these modules are disabled as described in
the sections above, the internal voltage reference will be disabled and it will not be con-
suming power. When turned on again, the user must allow the reference to start up
before the output is used. If the reference is kept on in sleep mode, the output can be
used immediately. Refer to “Internal Voltage Reference” on page 40 for details on the
start-up time.
Watchdog Timer
If the Watchdog Timer is not needed in the application, this module should be turned off.
If the Watchdog Timer is enabled, it will be enabled in all sleep modes, and hence,
always consume power. In the deeper sleep modes, this will contribute significantly to
the total current consumption. Refer to “Watchdog Timer” on page 41 for details on how
to configure the Watchdog Timer.
Port Pins
When entering a sleep mode, all port pins should be configured to use minimum power.
The most important thing is then to ensure that no pins drive resistive loads. In sleep
modes where the both the I/O clock (clkI/O) and the ADC clock (clkADC) are stopped, the
input buffers of the device will be disabled. This ensures that no power is consumed by
the input logic when not needed. In some cases, the input logic is needed for detecting
wake-up conditions, and it will then be enabled. Refer to the section “Digital Input
Enable and Sleep Modes” on page 53 for details on which pins are enabled. If the input
buffer is enabled and the input signal is left floating or have an analog signal level close
to VCC/2, the input buffer will use excessive power.
34
ATmega8(L)
2486M–AVR–12/03
ATMEL [ ATMEL ]
