Description

DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module without Battery – For Arduino and Microcontrollers

The DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module is a reliable and cost-effective solution for keeping accurate time in your electronics projects. Designed for use with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32, and other microcontrollers, this module provides precise tracking of seconds, minutes, hours, days, dates, months, and years.

Unlike relying solely on a microcontroller’s internal clock, which resets every time the power is disconnected, the DS1302 RTC module ensures that your project can continue to keep track of time consistently. This particular version of the module comes without a built-in battery, which means you will need to attach an external CR2032 coin cell battery if you require timekeeping when power is off.

Compact, efficient, and widely supported in the maker community, the DS1302 is ideal for projects that require real-time tracking, alarms, scheduling, or data logging.

Key Features

• Real Time Clock (RTC): Tracks time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, dates, months, and years.

• Leap-Year Compensation: Automatically adjusts for months with fewer days, including leap years.

• Low Power Consumption: Designed for efficient power use when a backup battery is connected.

• 3-Wire Interface: Uses a simple serial communication interface for easy connection to microcontrollers.

• Expandable Memory: Includes 31 bytes of general-purpose RAM for user data storage.

• Compact Module Design: Lightweight and easy to integrate into DIY and professional projects.

• Battery Slot: Supports an external CR2032 coin cell for backup timekeeping.

• Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Arduino IDE libraries and other development platforms.

Applications

The DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module is a versatile component that can be used in countless applications, including:

1. Time-Based Automation

• Smart home devices with scheduled operations

• Timed relay control for electrical appliances

• Automatic street lighting or irrigation systems

2. Data Logging Projects

• Weather stations with time-stamped recordings

• Environmental monitoring systems

• Industrial process data tracking

3. Clocks and Alarms

• Digital wall clocks and desk clocks

• Arduino-based alarm clocks

• Countdown and timer-based projects

4. IoT and Embedded Systems

• Remote monitoring systems where accurate time is required

• IoT devices that need synchronized timestamps

• Access control and logging systems

Technical Specifications

• Model: DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module

• Operating Voltage: 2.0V – 5.5V

• Communication Interface: 3-wire serial interface

• Timekeeping Elements: Seconds, minutes, hours, date, month, day, year

• Leap Year Support: Up to year 2100

• Data Retention RAM: 31 bytes general-purpose memory

• Battery Support: CR2032 coin cell (not included)

• Dimensions: Compact module for easy breadboard or PCB integration

• Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C (standard operating conditions)

How It Works

The DS1302 RTC module is based on the Dallas Semiconductor DS1302 integrated circuit, which combines a real-time clock/calendar with a small amount of RAM. The RTC maintains time information through its crystal oscillator, and when a backup battery is connected, it continues timekeeping even when the main power is off.

• With Arduino: You can connect the module using just a few wires (VCC, GND, CLK, I/O, and CE).

• Libraries: Popular Arduino libraries like RTClib make it easy to set and read the time.

• Backup Feature: Without a battery, the module resets its clock when power is removed. By adding a CR2032 battery, it preserves the time even during power loss.

Advantages of the DS1302 RTC Module

1. Accurate Timekeeping: Keeps reliable time with minimal drift.

2. User Memory Storage: Extra 31 bytes of RAM for project data.

3. Simple Integration: Works with standard Arduino libraries.

4. Low Power Design: Efficient operation with backup battery support.

5. Affordable: Budget-friendly option for students, hobbyists, and professionals.

Example Use Case

Imagine you are building a data logging weather station using Arduino. With the DS1302 RTC module, you can timestamp each reading of temperature, humidity, and pressure. Even if the device is disconnected from power, attaching a small coin cell battery ensures that the clock keeps running, so the data remains accurate and synchronized.

Similarly, in a smart irrigation system, the module ensures water pumps turn on and off at scheduled times daily, regardless of system restarts.

Why Choose This Module?

The DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module without Battery is perfect for learning, prototyping, and professional electronics projects. It provides accurate and reliable timekeeping at a very affordable price. Its compatibility with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, along with strong library support, makes it one of the most popular RTC modules in the maker community.

Conclusion

The DS1302 RTC Real Time Clock Module is a must-have component for projects that require precise time tracking. With its simple serial interface, support for backup battery, and extra RAM storage, it is widely used in Arduino-based clocks, data loggers, IoT systems, and automation projects. Though this version comes without a built-in battery, adding an external CR2032 cell ensures uninterrupted timekeeping.

If you are looking for a low-cost, accurate, and easy-to-use RTC module, the DS1302 is an excellent choice.

Data Sheet