Real-time clock module touts ultralow current use

Epson Toyocom Corp. has developed the RX-8571 series real-time clock module, which the company says has the world's lowest current consumption.

The product, according to Epson Toyocom, leverages the low leakage current of an integrated IC based on the CMOS process and the advantages of a monolithic crystal structure in an optimized combination of crystal unit and oscillator circuit to achieve a current consumption of 200nA (typical), about 30 percent lower than conventional products.

Main specifications include a clock power supply voltage from 1.3-5.5V and an I?C bus. In addition to a calendar function with alarm, its suite of functions include a 128bit RAM, a 65,000hr timer, low-power detection, and an output-enabled 32.768kHz output.

The embedded tuning-fork crystal unit developed with QMEMS technology ensures ultralow current consumption in a compact size, says Epson Toyocom. Three types are available, the LC package (3.6mm x 2.8mm x 1.2mm), NB (6.3mm x 5mm x 1.3mm), and SA (10.1mm x 7.4mm x 3.2mm).

Sample shipments will commence this month.