DS3231 is a low-cost, extremely accurate I2C real-time clock (RTC), with an integrated temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and crystal. The device incorporates a battery holder, if you disconnect the main power supply it maintains accurate timekeeping. The integrated oscillator improves long-term accuracy of the device and reduces the number of components on the production line. The DS3231 is available in commercial and industrial temperature ranges, using a 16-pin 300mil SO package.

RTC maintains seconds, minutes, hours, day, date, month, and year information. If there's less than 31 days in the month the end date will be automatically adjusted, including corrections for leap year. The clock operates in either the 24 hour or 12 hour format with AM/PM indication. The chip provides two configurable alarm clocks and with calendar, the module can be set to a square wave output. Address and data are transferred serially through an I2C bidirectional bus.

A precision temperature-compensated voltage reference and comparator circuit monitors the status of VCC to detect power failures, provide a reset output, and if necessary automatically switch to the backup power supply. In addition, / RST pin is monitored as generating μP reset manually.

DS3231 also has some other features that extend the system a host of additional features and a range of options. The device integrates a very precise digital temperature sensor, accessed through the I2C interface. This temperature sensor accuracy is ± 3 ° C. On-chip power supply control circuit can automatically detect and manage the main and standby power (i.e., low-voltage battery) to switch between the power supply. If the mains power fails the device can continue to provide accurate timing and temperature, performance is not affected. When the mains power is restored or voltage value returns to within the allowable range, the on-ch