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World’s Most Accurate Real Time Clocks

Grenchen, March 18th 2009: Micro Crystal announces two real time clocks (RTC) that it describes as the “world’s most accurate” in ceramic SMD package.  The new RV-3029-C2 and RV-3049-C2 are actually the smallest RTCs with embedded 32.768kHz crystal and integrated temperature compensation available on the market.

At room temperature the new RTCs achieve a time keeping accuracy of +/-3ppm max. This is equal to a time deviation of less than 2 sec per week. Over a temperature range of 0°C to +50°C, the frequency deviation is still within +/-5ppm max. The temperature compensation is even working over the extended range of -40°C to +125°C. Accuracy is the key parameter for frequency control products. A crystal with a frequency of 32.768kHz is mainly used to do accurate real time measurement in an application. The most efficient way of achieving this is by using a real time clock.  An RTC combines a 32.768kHz crystal and a clock oscillator IC as a single-module package. The RV-3029-C2 and the RV-3049-C2 are the first products to use Micro Crystal’s “Smart Temperature Compensation” (STC) technology. This Micro Crystal development allows maximum time accuracy, while keeping the current consumption at a minimum.

As many RTC applications require use of a backup-battery, the members of the RV-30x9-family have an integrated auto switch-over function.  A programmable trickle-charge circuit ensures that a rechargeable battery can be easily used together with the RTC. The device also has a separate interrupt output, in order to “wake up” applications from a power-saving sleep mode. A temperature sensor with digital output completes the integrated functions.

The RV-30x9-family is the ideal choice for automotive applications. A variant that is tested according to automotive standards is available on request. The extended temperature range of -40 to +125°C is an option from the beginning. As many of the ICs used in automotive electronics development possess an SPI-port for communication, the RV-3049-C2 with SPI-bus recommends itself in this area. The RV-3029-C2 communicates on an I²C-Bus to the outside world.

External dimensions of the standard ceramic package are 5 x 3.2 x 1.2mm. This makes the RV-30x9-family the smallest RTC-solution available with integrated temperature compensation. Like all Micro Crystal products, these RTCs are RoHS compliant and 100% lead free. Micro Crystal is committed to the protection of the environment by its choice of materials for its products.

Product status: Samples of the RTCs are available now. Production will start in March 2009. 

Applications: Energy Meters, Water Meters, Automotive Applications, Industrial Applications, Medical Applications, PC

Integrated functions: STC (smart temperature compensation),Temperature Sensor (digital output), Memory (RAM & EEPROM), Trickle charge circuit, Switch between main- & backup battery, Calendar, Clock, Timer, Interrupt output, Frequency output

Important Technical Data

About Micro Crystal AG

The technology leader in the quartz components industry has its headquarters located in Grenchen, Switzerland. Micro Crystal employs about 1000 persons worldwide, with large volume production in China, Thailand and Switzerland. A network of offices in Europa, Asia and North America ensures tight relationship to global customers and strong technical support.

www.microcrystal.com

About Swatch Group Electronic Systems

Micro Crystal is a member of the Swatch Group Electronics Systems (SGES). This group is formed by five daughter companies of the Swatch Group active in the electronics field. The synergies within the SGES supported the development of the RV-30x9-family. www.electronicsystems.swatchgroup.com