X1227
by the parasitic elements in the scope probe. Applying
a scope probe can possibly cause a faulty oscillator to
start up, hiding other issues (although in the Xicor
RTC’s, the internal circuitry assures startup when
using the proper crystal and layout). The best way to
analyze the RTC circuit is to power it up and read the
real time clock as time advances.
Figure 16. Supercapacitor charging circuit
2.7-5.5V
VCC
Vback
Supercapacitor
VSS
Backup Battery Operation
Many types of batteries can be used with the Xicor
RTC products. 3.0V or 3.6V Lithium batteries are
appropriate, and sizes are available that can power a
Xicor 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-
pacitor, which is connected to the Vback pin. Do not
use the diode to charge a battery (especially lithium
batteries!).
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. A second consideration
is the trip point setting for the system RESET- function,
known as Vtrip. Vtrip is set at the factory at levels for
systems with either Vcc = 5V or 3.3V operation, with
the following standard options:
V
V
V
V
= 4.63V 3%
= 4.38V 3%
= 2.85V 3%
= 2.65V 3%
TRIP
TRIP
TRIP
TRIP
The summary of conditions for backup battery opera-
tion is given in Table 8:
Table 8. Battery Backup Operation
1. Example Application, Vcc=5V, Vback=±.3V
Condition
a. Normal Operation
Vcc
5.00
5.00
Vback
3.00
0
Vtrip
4.38
4.38
Iback
<<1µA
0
Reset
Notes
H
H
b. Vcc on with no battery
Timekeeping
only
c. Backup Mode
0–1.8
1.8-3.0
4.38
<2µA
L
2. Example Application, Vcc=±.±V,Vback=±.3V
Condition
a. Normal Operation
Vcc
3.30
3.30
Vback
3.00
0
Vtrip
2.65
2.65
Iback
<<1µA
0
Reset
H
H
b. Vcc on with no battery
Timekeeping
only
c. Backup Mode
0–1.8
1.8–3.0*
2.65
2.65
<2µA*
L
d. UNWANTED - Vcc ON, Vback
powering
Internal
Vcc=Vback
2.65 - 3.30
> Vcc
up to 3mA
H
*since Vback>2.65V is higher than Vtrip, the battery is powering the entire device
Characteristics subject to change without notice. 23 of 28
REV 1.1.20 1/13/03
www.xicor.com
XICOR [ XICOR INC. ]
