X1226_06 Datasheet, PDF (22/25 Pages) Intersil Corporation – Real Time Clock/Calendar with EEPROM

X1226
The best way to analyze the RTC circuit is to power it
up and read the real time clock as time advances, or if
the chip has the PHZ output, look at the output of that
pin on an oscilloscope (after enabling it with the con-
trol register, and using a pullup resistor for an open-
drain output). Alternaltively, the X1226 device has an
IRQ- output which can be checked by setting an alarm
for each minute. Using the pulse interrupt mode set-
ting, the once-per-minute interrupt functions as an
indication of proper oscillation.
Backup Battery Operation
Many types of batteries can be used with the Intersil
RTC products. 3.0V or 3.6V Lithium batteries are
appropriate, and sizes are available that can power a
Intersil RTC device for up to 10 years. Another option
is to use a supercapacitor for applications where Vcc
may disappear intermittently for short periods of time.
Depending on the value of supercapacitor used,
backup time can last from a few days to two weeks
(with >1F). A simple silicon or Schottky barrier diode
can be used in series with Vcc to charge the superca-
Table 8. Battery Backup Operation
1. Example Application, Vcc=5V, Vback=3.0V
Condition
Vcc
a. Normal Operation
5.00
b. Vcc on with no battery
5.00
c. Backup Mode
0–1.8
pacitor, which is connected to the Vback pin. Do not
use the diode to charge a battery (especially lithium
batteries!).
Figure 16. Supercapactor charging circuit
2.7-5.5V
V_CC
V_back
V_SS
Supercapacitor
Since the battery switchover occurs at Vcc = Vback-
0.1V (see Figure 16), the battery voltage must always
be lower than the Vcc voltage during normal operation
or the battery will be drained.
The summary of conditions for backup battery opera-
tion is given in Table 8:
Vback
3.00
0
1.8-3.0
Vtrip
4.38
4.38
4.38
Iback
<<1µA
0
<2µA
Notes
Timekeeping only
2. Example Application, Vcc=3.3V,Vback=3.0V
Condition
Vcc
Vback
a. Normal Operation
3.30
3.00
b. Vcc on with no battery
3.30
0
c. Backup Mode
0–1.8
1.8–3.0*
d. UNWANTED - Vcc ON, Vback
powering
2.65 - 3.30
> Vcc
*since Vback>2.65V is higher than Vtrip, the battery is powering the entire device
Vtrip
2.65
2.65
2.65
2.65
Iback
<<1µA
0
<2µA*
up to 3mA
Timekeeping only
Internal
Vcc = Vback
22
FN8098.3
May 8, 2006