Configurable Timer (CT) Developer Guide#

Overview#

The Configurable Timer (CT) on the Silicon Labs SiWx917 device provides a flexible, high-performance timing solution for precision control, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and event measurement.

This guide explains how to configure and use the CT peripheral to implement reliable, deterministic timing in SiWx917-based applications.

Purpose#

The Configurable Timer enables precise, high-frequency timing for performance-critical SiWx917 applications.
By following this guide, you can learn to:

  • Configure timer channels and modes for specific tasks.

  • Use PWM, capture, and event operations effectively.

  • Integrate the timer with direct memory access (DMA), general-purpose input/output (GPIO), and interrupt systems.

  • Balance timing precision with system power efficiency.

You’ll find implementation steps, code examples, configuration details, and debugging tips that support real-world embedded development.

Scope#

This guide explains how to integrate and use the CT peripheral in SiWx917-based applications. It focuses on practical configuration steps, short code examples, and verified operation sequences so that you can implement timer functionality quickly and reliably.

Prerequisites#

Before starting, make sure that you:

  • Are familiar with the SiWx917 Software Development Kit (SDK), its build system, and board configuration process.

  • Understand timer fundamentals such as counting modes, PWM generation, and capture/compare operations

  • Have access to configuration tools in Simplicity Studio for enabling CT functionality and assigning timer pins

Hardware and Software Requirements#

To complete the examples in this guide, you need:

  • SiWx917 System-on-Chip (SoC) or evaluation board

  • Silicon Labs evaluation kits or modules

  • Simplicity Studio IDE

  • WiSeConnect SDK

  • Serial console for log output

  • Logic analyzer or oscilloscope for signal tracing and validation

Note: Most configuration steps are demonstrated using Simplicity Studio and the WiSeConnect SDK environment.

Common Use Cases#

You can use the Configurable Timer to:

  • Generate PWM signals for motor control, LED dimming, and actuator management.

  • Schedule periodic timing events or software triggers.

  • Capture and measure external signal characteristics such as pulse width or frequency.

  • Trigger interrupts at defined intervals for recurring tasks.

  • Generate custom waveforms for application-specific timing.

  • Count external pulses or digital events for system monitoring.

Where to Find More Information#

For more details, see the following sections and references: