Description
The DS3231 Precision RTC Breakout is exactly what it says – an extremely accurate Real Time Clock. Unlike many of the cheaper RTCs, this Maxim DS3231 RTC is temperature compensated to ensure that it keeps time as accurately as possible. When operated between -40 to 85°C this clock will hold time to +/- 2 minutes per YEAR.
The RTC completely manages all timekeeping functions; it counts seconds, minutes, hours, date of the month, month, day of the week, and even has leap year compensation to the year 2100. To keep time while your project’s main power is off, this RTC has a battery backup that takes over as soon as external power is lost.
The DS3131 breakout connects over I2C and is very easy to hook up. The RTC can be powered from 2.3V to 5.5V power, you do not need a regulator or level shifter for 3.3V or 5V logic/power. To power the board, give it the same power as the logic level of your microcontroller (5V for most Arduino, 3.3V for the Raspberry Pi). As always, Adafruit has an excellent tutorial and documentation – we have listed this below!
This breakout uses a CR1220 battery. Due to shipping regulations, a battery is not included