RTC Integrated Circuit: Temperature Range -40°C to +85°C

Component Specifications

Definition

A Real-Time Clock (RTC) integrated circuit is a low-power semiconductor device designed to track time and date with high precision. It typically includes a quartz crystal oscillator, counter registers for seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, and years, and often features alarm functions, temperature compensation, and battery backup support. RTC ICs communicate with host systems via serial interfaces like I²C or SPI and are essential for applications requiring time-stamping, scheduling, or chronological data logging.

Working Principle

The RTC IC operates by using a 32.768 kHz quartz crystal oscillator as a timebase reference. This frequency is divided down through internal counters to generate one-second pulses. Time and date registers are updated accordingly, with leap-year compensation. During main power loss, a backup battery (typically lithium coin cell) powers the circuit to maintain timekeeping. Communication with the host microcontroller occurs through digital interfaces, allowing reading/writing of time data and configuration settings.

Materials

Silicon semiconductor substrate with CMOS technology, quartz crystal (usually 32.768 kHz), ceramic or plastic package (e.g., SOIC, TSSOP), gold or copper bonding wires, epoxy molding compound.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Interface	I²C/SPI
Backup Voltage	1.3V to 5.5V
Operating Voltage	1.8V to 5.5V
Temperature Range	-40°C to +85°C
Current Consumption	300nA to 1μA (backup mode)
Timekeeping Accuracy	±2ppm to ±20ppm

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 8601, IEC 60747, JEDEC JESD22

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Real-Time Clock Module

A hardware component that provides precise timekeeping functionality for synchronization systems.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Crystal oscillator failure due to mechanical shock
Battery leakage contaminating PCB
Time drift due to temperature extremes
Interface communication errors
Electrostatic discharge damage

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Quartz crystal fracture from vibration
Failure: Complete timekeeping failure
Mitigation: Use shock-resistant crystal packages and proper mounting techniques

Trigger: Backup battery depletion
Failure: Time loss during power interruptions
Mitigation: Implement battery voltage monitoring and scheduled replacement protocols

Trigger: EMI/RFI interference on communication lines
Failure: Corrupted time data transmission
Mitigation: Apply proper shielding, filtering, and PCB layout practices for signal integrity

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Timekeeping accuracy typically ±5ppm at 25°C, meeting most industrial timing requirements

Test Method

Time accuracy verification per manufacturer datasheets, backup current measurement, interface protocol validation, temperature cycling tests

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of RTC Integrated Circuit

Manufacturer profiles associated with RTC Integrated Circuit.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical backup battery life for an RTC IC?

With a standard 3V lithium coin cell (e.g., CR2032), RTC ICs can maintain timekeeping for 5-10 years in backup mode, depending on circuit design and environmental conditions.

How does temperature affect RTC accuracy?

Temperature variations cause frequency drift in the quartz crystal. Higher-end RTC ICs include temperature compensation circuits that adjust oscillator frequency to maintain accuracy across operating ranges.

Can RTC ICs be used in automotive applications?

Yes, automotive-grade RTC ICs are available with extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +125°C) and enhanced reliability testing per AEC-Q100 standards.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

RTC Integrated Circuit