NXP Semiconductors PCF85063BTL/1,118

Overview

PCF85063BTL/1,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a low-power SPI-interface Real-Time Clock (RTC) and calendar IC with BCD-coded timekeeping, programmable clock output (1 Hz to 32.768 kHz), alarm and countdown timer functions, and ±2 ppm post-calibration accuracy. It operates from 0.9 V to 5.5 V and draws only 0.22 µA at 3.3 V, making it ideal for battery-powered digital cameras and printers.

For engineers reviewing the PCF85063BTL/1,118 datasheet, PCF85063BTL/1,118 pinout, PCF85063BTL/1,118 application, or PCF85063BTL/1,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include its DFN2626-10 package, 7 Mbit/s SPI interface, integrated oscillator load capacitors (7 pF or 12.5 pF), offset register for frequency tuning, and interrupt-driven alarm/timer functionality.

Technical Context

The PCF85063BTL/1,118 integrates a 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator with selectable internal load capacitance (7 pF or 12.5 pF), a 14-stage prescaler chain, and auto-incrementing 18×8-bit register map. Its RTC logic freezes time counters during SPI read/write to prevent carry errors, and supports both 12- and 24-hour modes via Control_1 bit 1.

It implements two correction modes: MODE = 0 applies offset pulses once every two hours (1 pulse/minute), while MODE = 1 applies them every four minutes (up to 60 pulses/second). The CLKOUT pin delivers push-pull square waves at seven programmable frequencies, with STOP-bit behavior varying per selected frequency - e.g., 4.096 kHz and lower are forced LOW when STOP = 1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCF85063BTL/1,118 is housed in a DFN2626-10 (SOT1197-1) thermally enhanced, leadless package measuring 2.6 mm × 2.6 mm × 0.5 mm. The exposed die paddle is electrically isolated and recommended for thermal anchoring to a PCB copper pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RTC applications.

Compared with PCF85063BTL/1,118, the PCF85063TPL/1,118 offers identical functionality in alternate packaging, while the DS3231M trades SPI configurability and multi-frequency CLKOUT for superior temperature-compensated accuracy and I²C simplicity - making it suitable for thermally demanding environments where interface flexibility is secondary.

Availability

PCF85063BTL/1,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital still cameras, printers, and battery-powered mobile equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PCF85063BTL/1,118 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in low-power mixed-signal design.

The PCF85063BTL/1,118 belongs to NXP's Tiny RTC family, engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated consumer and peripheral devices needing high-accuracy timekeeping with minimal external components and flexible SPI interfacing.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the PCF85063BTL/1,118?

The PCF85063BTL/1,118 supports a maximum SPI data rate of 7 Mbit/s, as specified in the official NXP datasheet Rev. 6. This allows fast register reads/writes without compromising timing margins, and is compatible with most modern microcontrollers' SPI peripherals operating at ≤3.5 MHz SCL frequency (since SPI bit rate equals SCL frequency for standard mode).

Does the PCF85063BTL/1,118 require external load capacitors for the 32.768 kHz crystal?

No, the PCF85063BTL/1,118 integrates selectable oscillator load capacitors (7 pF or 12.5 pF) controlled by the CAP_SEL bit in Control_1 register (00h). External capacitors are unnecessary unless using a crystal outside the specified CL range - in which case the internal capacitors must be disabled and external ones added.

How does the STOP bit affect the CLKOUT signal on the PCF85063BTL/1,118?

When STOP = 1, CLKOUT is forced LOW for frequencies ≤4.096 kHz (COF[2:0] = 011 through 110), while 32.768 kHz and 16.384 kHz outputs remain unaffected. This behavior is documented in Table 11 and Section 8.2.1.2 of the PCF85063BTL/1,118 datasheet, enabling selective clock gating during time-setting sequences.

Can the PCF85063BTL/1,118 generate interrupts for both alarm and timer events on the same INT pin?

Yes, the PCF85063BTL/1,118 uses a single open-drain INT pin for all events - including alarm (AF), minute/half-minute (MI/HMI), timer (TF), and correction pulses. The controlling system distinguishes sources by reading Control_2 register bits (AF, MI, HMI, TF) immediately after INT assertion, as described in Figure 7 and Section 8.2.2.1.

What is the function of the free RAM byte at address 03h in the PCF85063BTL/1,118?

The RAM_byte register (address 03h) is an 8-bit user-accessible memory location that retains data across power cycles and is unaffected by RTC reset or STOP operations. It is commonly used to store system state flags, calibration offsets, or firmware version identifiers - providing non-volatile context without requiring external EEPROM.