RTC modules’ time stamp operates at low power
Clock functions in small electronics to factory automation equipment can store time information using the RX8111CE and RX4111CE. The real-time clock (RTC) modules have been added to the portfolio available from Seiko Epson.
They are supplied in a tiny 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.0mm package and are equipped with a time-stamp function. Equipment today demands a reduction in physical and environmental footprints and the need for RTC modules that consume less current and maintain accurate time over a wider temperature range.
Although small, the RX8111CE and RX4111CE RTC modules have a built-in frequency-adjusted 32.768kHz crystal unit and an automatic battery switchover function. They are also equipped with a time-stamp function that logs and stores time information. The function can be used, for example, to record the time of system software updates, battery replacements, and system alerts. Time-stamps are stored even when power is switched over to the alternative battery source. The new modules consume 100nA, a 67 per cent improvement on their predecessor, reports Epson. This reduction in current consumption makes it possible to use a smaller, cheaper secondary battery or capacitor. In addition, Epson has also expanded the interface options by offering an SPI-Bus interface in addition to an I2C-Bus interface.
The RX8111CE and RX4111CE RTC modules are suitable for use in factory automation equipment, office equipment, hand-held terminals, security equipment, and other small electronic products.
Epson will begin shipping samples of the RX8111CE in November 2019 and the RX4111CE in December 2019. Epson expects to commence volume production in March 2020.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group includes Epson Europe Electronics, a marketing, engineering and sales company and the European headquarters for electronic devices of Seiko Epson. Since 1989 Epson Europe Electronics has been headquartered in Munich, Germany and with European sales representatives and a European-wide network of distributors. Epson Europe Electronics provides value added services for semiconductors, sensors, sensing systems and timing devices for the industrial, automotive, medical, and communications markets.