STMicroelectronics has announced a combined crystal and real-time clock (RTC) IC for time, calendar and alarm functions. The package size is 3.2mm x 1.5mm. The M41T62 is suited to the needs of battery-powered designs. By operating at voltages from 1.3V to 4.4V, it can be driven directly from a Li-ion battery and draws 350nA. Unlike designing with microcontrollers, or discrete solutions, this integrated solution takes care of the required and sometimes troublesome matching of the crystal and the RTC.

The device produces a stable 32kHz signal on start-up, which ensures reliable starting from many of today's processors and subsystems such as Bluetooth modules. Additional features enhancing design and system performance include oscillator failure detection (OFD), which helps the system detect power faults. Actions such as power-down time stamping, low-battery detection, or switch-over to a back-up battery can be done without any additional external components.

The device is also UL certified and has a built-in reverse diode. The M41T62 improves the performance of systems whose functions rely on data logging, time stamping, interval monitoring or synchronization. These can be found in SLR digital cameras, GPS receivers, portable multimedia players, card readers, portable medical monitors such as glucose meters.

The chip is entering into volume production now in the LCC8 leadless package, priced at approximately $1.50 in quantities of 1000 units. Alternative pricing options are available for larger order quantities.