Real Time Clocks
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What is a Real Time Clock?
A Real Time Clock (RTC) is a computer clock which is usually in the form of an integrated circuit. They have been designed to keep track of time, in real time - hence the product name. A Real Time Clock is usually an integral part of the computer motherboard. More often than not, an RTC will also include a calendar and an alarm
How do Real Time Clocks work?
The memory on the clocks system stores system descriptions and set up values such as "Current Time Value". The information that is held in the RTC is read with a microprocessor, commonly over a serial interface which facilitates the performance of the software functions that are time dependant.
Designed to run on ultra-low power consumption, RTCs often run on a lithium battery source but can also run on normal power. This power source allows them to continue running and generating real time when a system is down. The newer models of RTC use super-capacitors as a source of power that can be recharged and soldered to the board. Some Real Time Clocks feature synchronisation to an external signal, such as a compensated power line frequency. It allows the device to provide an accurate result without having an on-board temperature compensation scheme.
RTC Time Values
- Year
- Month
- Date
- Hours
- Minutes
- Seconds
Related links
- NXP PCF8563TS/4,118, Real Time Clock (RTC) Serial-I2C, 8-Pin TSSOP
- Epson X1B000311000112, Real Time Clock (RTC), 32bit RAM Serial-I2C, 10-Pin
- STMicroelectronics M41T65Q6F, Real Time Clock (RTC), 16B RAM...
- STMicroelectronics M41T56M6F, Real Time Clock (RTC), 64B RAM...
- STMicroelectronics M41T94MQ6F, Real Time Clock (RTC), 44B RAM...
- Microchip MCP79400-I/MS, Real Time Clock (RTC) Serial-I2C, 8-Pin MSOP
- Maxim Integrated DS1685EN-3+, Real Time Clock (RTC), 128B RAM...
- Epson Q41454351000111, Real Time Clock (RTC) Serial, 14-Pin SOP