STMicroelectronics' world's smallest crystal-embedded RTC,
Implementation of miniaturization of portable electronic devices and battery life optimization

Integrated real-time clock/crystal in the smallest industry-standard package,
Simplification of portable device design

Korea, August 1, 2011 – As miniaturization becomes a key factor in the design of high-tech devices, STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com ), a world-leading integrated semiconductor company, announced the world's smallest integrated crystal and real-time clock (RTC) IC for time, calendar, and alarm functions. By integrating a real-time clock IC and a matched oscillator crystal into a package the same size as the industry's smallest standalone crystal, ST has realized the world's smallest integrated RTC/crystal IC with ultra-low power consumption, measuring only 3.2 x 1.5 mm.

The M41T62 is optimized to meet the requirements of battery-powered designs. Operating under low-voltage conditions between 1.3V and 4.4V, it can be directly powered by a lithium-ion battery and consumes only 350nA of current. While many integrated microcontrollers provide on-chip RTC functionality, they generally offer limited capabilities and always require an external crystal. The M41T62 RTC/crystal integrated IC resolves the issue of matching crystals with RTCs without the need to design with an MCU or discrete solution.

Francesco Italia, General Manager of the Sensors and Microactuators business unit within ST’s MEMS, Sensors and High Performance Analog division, explained, “Advanced RTCs embedded in small crystal packages can be the perfect solution for all types of products. They reduce space, optimize power consumption, and can be powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. This turnkey solution resolves the difficulties designers face in correctly matching crystals to RTC silicon.”

Furthermore, the M41T62 simplifies product design. By generating a stable 32kHz signal during startup, the M41T62 ensures reliable startup for most modern processors and subsystems such as Bluetooth modules. As an additional feature to enhance design and system performance, it includes oscillator failure detection (OFD), which enables the system to detect power failures. Actions such as power-down time stamping and low battery detection can be executed without the need to add external components required by the microcontroller RTC. The M41T62 is also UL certified and features a built-in reverse diode.

The M41T62 improves the performance of systems equipped with functions that rely on data logging, time stamping, interval monitoring, or synchronization. Examples of such systems include SLR digital cameras, GPS receivers, portable multimedia players, card readers, and portable medical monitors such as blood glucose meters.

Key features of the M41T62
• 3.2 mm x 1.5 mm x 0.9 mm lead-free ceramic package
• Provides integrated RTC and crystal in the same size as the industry's smallest crystal products
• Supports ultra-low power consumption of 350nA under 3V conditions
• Low operating voltage: 1.3V – 4.4V
• Provides stable 32kHz in power-up state
• Supports oscillator fault detection function to ensure safe operation
• Supports time recording function at 1.0V or below
• Supports programmable alarm and watchdog functions

The M41T62 is currently in mass production as an LCC8 leadless package, and the price per unit is approximately $1.50 based on a supply volume of 1,000 units. Separate pricing conditions are available for bulk orders.