Clock/Timing - Real Time Clocks

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
DS1557WP-120+

DS1557WP-120+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 34-PCM

112760

DS1315S-5+T&R

DS1315S-5+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC PHANTOM PAR 16-SOIC

3000

DS1302S+T&R

DS1302S+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR SER 8-SOIC

1796

DS1340C-3#

DS1340C-3#

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR I2C 16-SOIC

7820

DS1340Z-33+

DS1340Z-33+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR I2C 8-SOIC

572

DS17887-3IND+

DS17887-3IND+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 24-EDIP

50126

DS1308U-33+T

DS1308U-33+T

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR I2C 8-UMAX

1507

DS1343E-3+T&R

DS1343E-3+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR SPI 20-TSSOP

1571

DS1343D-33+T&R

DS1343D-33+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CAL SPI 14TDFN

1339

DS17887-5+

DS17887-5+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 24-EDIP

28308

DS1244Y-70+

DS1244Y-70+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC PHANTOM PAR 28-DIP

481

DS1343E-18+

DS1343E-18+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR SPI 20-TSSOP

0

DS1511W+

DS1511W+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 28-EDIP

471

DS1744P-70+

DS1744P-70+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 34-PCM

0

DS1685EN-5+T&R

DS1685EN-5+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR PAR 24-TSSOP

0

DS1678S+

DS1678S+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC EVENT REC I2C 8-SOIC

2394928

DS1338U-33+

DS1338U-33+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR I2C 8-USOP

1082

DS1315E-33+

DS1315E-33+

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC PHANTOM PAR 20-TSSOP

38444

DS1670E+T&R

DS1670E+T&R

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC SYSTEM CTRLR SER 20-TSSOP

0

DS1340C-18#

DS1340C-18#

Maxim Integrated

IC RTC CLK/CALENDAR I2C 16-SOIC

5618280

Clock/Timing - Real Time Clocks

1. Overview

Real-Time Clocks (RTCs) are integrated circuits designed to maintain accurate timekeeping in electronic systems, even during power interruptions. They provide critical time-of-day, date, and alarm functions through battery-backed or capacitor-powered circuits. RTCs are essential for applications requiring precise temporal synchronization in embedded systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and automotive systems.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Parallel Interface RTCs8/16-bit parallel data buses, fast accessIndustrial controllers, legacy systems
I2C/SPI Interface RTCsSerial communication, low pin countSmartphones, IoT devices
Embedded Crystal RTCsIntegrated crystal oscillator, reduced footprintWearables, medical devices
Low-Power RTCsSub-1 A standby current, extended battery lifeEnergy harvesting systems, sensors

3. Structure and Components

Typical RTC architecture includes:

  • 32.768kHz crystal oscillator circuit
  • Binary counter with BCD/time registers
  • Power supply monitoring and switching circuitry
  • Communication interface (I2C, SPI, etc.)
  • Alarm and interrupt generation modules
  • Temperature compensation circuitry (for high-precision variants)

Common packaging: 8-24 pin DIP/SOP/TSSOP, with optional integrated crystal in QFN packages.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportanceTypical Values
Timekeeping AccuracyDetermines cumulative error over time 2ppm (0 C-40 C), 20ppm industrial
Supply CurrentImpacts battery life800nA-2 A @ 3V
Operating TemperatureDefines environmental reliability-40 C to +85 C standard
Interface SpeedLimits system communication bandwidth400kHz I2C, 10MHz SPI
Timekeeping VoltageDetermines minimum operation threshold1.3V-3.7V

5. Application Areas

Key industries and equipment:

  • Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, Set-top boxes, Digital cameras
  • Industrial Automation: PLCs, SCADA systems, Data loggers
  • Medical Devices: Patient monitors, Infusion pumps, Diagnostic equipment
  • Automotive: Telematics units, ADAS, In-vehicle infotainment
  • Smart Energy: Smart meters, Grid sensors, Energy storage systems

Case Study: DS3231 RTC in solar inverters maintains time-stamped energy production logs during grid outages.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerProduct SeriesKey Features
Analog DevicesADT74x 0.5ppm accuracy, I2C interface
Maxim IntegratedDS3231Integrated TCXO, 2ppm
STMicroelectronicsM41T82Auto-calibration, 256Hz output
NXP SemiconductorsPCF8523Low-cost I2C, 1.8V operation
Texas InstrumentsRV-8263-C33V lithium-backed, alarm functions

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Accuracy requirements ( 2ppm vs 20ppm)
  • Interface compatibility (I2C vs SPI vs parallel)
  • Power budget (active vs standby current)
  • Environmental conditions (temperature, vibration)
  • Package size vs PCB space limitations
  • Battery backup vs capacitor-based solutions
  • Additional features (alarms, square wave outputs)

Example: For wearables: prioritize ultra-low power (M41T94 @ 600nA) with small TSSOP package.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

  • Integration with MEMS oscillators replacing traditional crystals
  • Advancements in temperature compensation algorithms ( 0.1ppm achievable)
  • System-in-Package (SiP) solutions combining RTC with sensors
  • Increased adoption in edge computing devices for timestamped data processing
  • Automotive-grade RTCs for autonomous vehicle synchronization

Market drivers: Growth in IoT devices (projected 12% CAGR 2023-2030) and industrial automation systems.

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