Press Release

May 16, 2006

Epson Toyocom Announces the World's First Real Time Clock Module with Guaranteed Performance at High Temperatures

Epson Toyocom Corporation today announced the development of the RA-8565SA real time clock module^(*1) with a high-reliability built-in crystal unit for automotive and industrial machinery applications. The new clock module is the first in the world^(*2) capable of operating at high temperatures (up to 125 °C). Shipments will begin in July 2006.

Recently, cars come equipped with more and more new built-in electronic devices, making it essential to use the limited space available as effectively as possible. In a growing number of cases, manufacturers are installing electronic devices close to the engine chamber. Such layouts demand that onboard control systems and even accessories in the passenger area be able to work at high temperatures. In addition to automotive applications, factory and household equipment installed outdoors require devices that deliver stable long-term performance and resistance to severe fluctuations in temperature.

For markets such as these, Epson Toyocom recommends modules incorporating crystal units and clock control circuits, which result in a more reliable real time clock module. The RA-8565SA is a module combining a tuning-fork crystal unit newly developed by Epson Toyocom for high-temperature applications with a similarly newly developed IC. The module is guaranteed to operate over a wide temperature range, from −40 °C to +125 °C.

The module also uses an I²C-BUS^(*3) interface to control reading and writing calendar and other data over minimal signal lines, creating a module with high system compatibility.

Main specifications

Major functions

• 32.768 kHz built-in crystal unit (oscillating properties guaranteed): Frequency precision 5 ± 23 × 10^-6
• Interface: I²C-BUS interface F/S mode
• 32.768 kHz output function: Open drain output with output control function
• Real time clock function: Clock / calendar function, automatic leap year adjustment function, alarm interrupt function, fixed cycle timer interrupt function

1. Real time clock with built-in crystal unit
2. Based on Epson Toyocom study
3. I²C-BUS is a trademark of Philips Electronics N. V.