Epson’s New Low-Current Real-Time Clock Module

Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, “Epson”) today introduces the industry’s lowest power real-time clock (RTC) module*1. With typical current consumption of just 130 nA*2, Epson’s RX6110SA current consumption level is 35% lower than that of the RX-8571SA, Epson’s existing lowest-current RTC product*3.

Epson’s RX6110SA enables the reduction of hazardous substances by allowing electronic device makers to replace batteries with supercapacitors. With a 0.33F supercapacitor, Epson’s RX6110SA can operate for 16 weeks. Epson’s RX6110SA achieves an operating current one half of leading competitors by employing special low-power circuit design techniques and Epson’s unique low-leakage IC process technology. Compared to microcontroller implementations, Epson’s RX6110SA can operate eight times longer.

The RX6110SA also includes a diode-less power-supply switching circuit which allows it to operate and charge from power supplies ranging from 5 V down to as low as 1.1V. By operating at a lower voltage than competition, Epson’s RX6110SA further extends battery life.

In addition to keeping time, real-time clocks are used to log power-loss events and save system state when power is lost. Epson’s RX6110SA offers a rich feature set to support these needs, including a 32.768 kHz output, alarms and timers, and RAM. The RX6110SA supports both SPI-bus*4 and I2C-bus*5 interfaces.

See the attachment for the main product specifications: http://global.epson.com/newsroom/2013/pdf/131203.pdf PDF(9KB)

See the link below for further details about this product:
http://www5.epsondevice.com/en/quartz/product/rtc/serial_i2c/rx6110sa.html New window

*1: Real-time clock module
Epson’s real-time clock modules are single-package products that have a real-time clock IC with clock, calendar, and other functions and an integrated 32,768-kHz crystal unit. These modules not only benefit users by eliminating the need to design oscillator circuits and adjust clock accuracy, their small size and level of integration also allow customers to use their board space more efficiently.

*2: When operating at 3.0 V

*3: Lowest current consumption as of December 3, 2013

*4: Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus
A type of serial bus that connects devices within a computer to one another.

*5: I2C-bus
A bi-directional two-wire bus for inter-IC communications. I2C-bus is a registered trademark of NXP Semiconductors.

About Epson
Epson is a global innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and printing systems, 3LCD projectors and industrial robots to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 94 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.
http://global.epson.com/