Real Time Clocks are in stock with same-day shipping at Mouser from industry leading manufacturers. Mouser is an authorized distributor for many real time clock manufacturers including Analog Devices, Epson, Microchip, Micro Crystal, NXP, Renesas Electronics, STMicroelectronics & more.
Real Time Clocks (RTCs) are integrated circuits designed to accurately track and maintain time, date, and calendar information independently of the main system processor. By utilizing a dedicated timing source and backup power capability, they continue keeping time during system shutdowns, power interruptions, or low-power operating states. These devices serve as essential timing components in electronic systems that require precise timekeeping, scheduling, logging, and synchronization functions.
Types: The most common real time clock types include standalone RTC ICs, I²C RTCs, SPI RTCs, battery-backed RTCs, temperature-compensated RTCs (TCRTCs), ultra-low-power RTCs, integrated RTC and calendar devices, and industrial-grade RTCs, each optimized for specific accuracy, power consumption, and environmental requirements.
Applications: Real time clocks are widely used in industrial automation systems, data logging equipment, smart utility meters, medical devices, communication systems, consumer electronics, embedded computing platforms, security systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications to maintain accurate time and date information.
Selection requirements: To choose real time clocks, evaluate timing accuracy, backup power support, interface compatibility, power consumption, integrated calendar functionality, operating temperature range, alarm and interrupt features, package type, and suitability for the intended electrical and environmental conditions.
