Description The DS3231 RTC module is a low-cost real-time clock that is commonly used with microcontrollers to keep track of real-world Date and Time. The module consists of two important ICs namely DS3231 and AT24C32 IC with a crystal oscillator, and a temperature sensor. The Time, Date and Temperature value from the module can be sent to a microcontroller like Arduino via I2C communication. The AT24C32 IC present on the module has 32KB EEPROM which can be used to save the data even after a power off. The module uses the RTC IC DS3231 as a timekeeping device. The module calculates and maintains the time as seconds, minutes, hours, days, date, month, and year. If the days present in a month is less than the 31 days, the data will automatically be adjusted. The module also incorporates a lithium cell, to provide power supply during power down. Normally module uses an external power supply but when there is no external power supply available, the module switches to use the onboard battery. This helps the module to keep track of the time and maintain accuracy even when the module is not in use. The clock operates in either 24 hours or 12 hrs format with AM and PM indications. Along with time and data calculation, the module can also be used to generate a square wave output of 1Hz frequency. battery. Specifications of the DS3231 RTC module: Operating voltage ranges from 3.3V to 5.5V Consumes only 500nA on battery backup I2C interface (maximum transferrable speed is 400KHz @ 5V supply voltage) Highly Accurate RTC Completely manages All Timekeeping Functions Low power Operations Extends battery-Backup Run Time Programmable Square-Wave Output Signal Digital temperature sensor with ±3ºC accuracy CR2032 battery backup with two to three year life Additional Resources: DS3231 Datasheet AT24C32 Datasheet Interfacing DS3231 with Arduino Interfacing DS3231 with PIC
