July 2012

Doc ID 16253 Rev 2

1/23

AN3060

Application note

Applications guide for serial real-time clocks (RTCs)

By Doug Sams

Introduction

ST’s family of serial real-time clocks (RTCs) has been very popular with users. Over the

years, many topics associated with these devices have been addressed by the applications

groups supporting them. This document is a compilation of some of the most common

issues addessed ranging from layout considerations for crystals to proper software access

upon power-up. Readers will find this helpful in understanding some of the subtleties of

RTCs and what it takes to keep them running reliably.

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