# Adafruit DS3231 Precision RTC Breakout

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** ADA3013 · **Brand:** [Adafruit](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/adafruit-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-ds3231-precision-rtc-breakout.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-ds3231-precision-rtc-breakout.html.md))

The datasheet for the DS3231 explains that this part is an "Extremely Accurate I²C-Integrated RTC/TCXO/Crystal". And, hey, it does exactly what it says on the tin!...

> ⚠ If this product is unavailable, [we have alternatives here](https://core-electronics.com.au/makerverse-real-time-clock-rtc-with-supercapacitor-backup.html)

## Pricing

- **Price:** $29.95 (inc GST) — $27.23 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $26.41 (exc GST) · 50+ $25.86 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM (Australia/Sydney).
- We can dispatch 9 today, and up to 500 more in 7–12 days.

## Restrictions

Restrictions apply to this equipment as it uses button/coin cell batteries:

- The equipment is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries
- The equipment is not intended for sale to the general public
- The equipment is not intended to be used where children are present
- You are aware that this equipment may not meet child safety testing requirements as it is not intended to be used by consumers or general public, but rather, is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries in conjunction with the limitations and restrictions listed above
- You are aware that these restrictions are due to a change in [A](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/businesses-on-notice-as-mandatory-button-battery-laws-commence)[ustralian legislation in 2022](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/businesses-on-notice-as-mandatory-button-battery-laws-commence) for button/coin cell batteries
 
![Button Battery Warning](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/uploads/iec-button-battery.png)

A declaration of use will need to be submitted during checkout.

## Description

The datasheet for the **DS3231** explains that this part is an "Extremely Accurate I²C-Integrated RTC/TCXO/Crystal". And, hey, it does exactly what it says on the tin! This **Real Time Clock (RTC)** is the most precise you can get in a small, low power package.

Most RTCs use an external 32kHz timing crystal that is used to keep time with low current draw. And that's all well and good, but those crystals have slight drift, particularly when the temperature changes (the temperature changes the oscillation frequency very very very slightly but it does add up!) This RTC is in a beefy package because the crystal is inside the chip! And right next to the integrated crystal is a temperature sensor. That sensor compensates for the frequency changes by adding or removing clock ticks so that the timekeeping stays on schedule.

This is the finest RTC you can get, and now Adafruit have it in a compact, breadboard-friendly breakout. With a coin cell plugged into the back, you can get years of precision timekeeping, even when main power is lost. Great for datalogging and clocks, or anything where you need to really know the time.

Comes as a fully assembled and tested breakout plus a small piece of header. You can solder header in to plug it into a breadboard, or solder wires directly.

A coin cell is required to use the battery-backup capabilities! Adafruit don't include one by default, to make shipping easier for those abroad, [but we do stock them so pick one up or use any CR1220 you have handy.](https://core-electronics.com.au/cr1220-replacement-battery-for-icufflinks-inecklace.html)

[Check out Adafruit's detailed tutorial for pinouts, assembly, wiring & testing, and more!](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ds3231-precision-rtc-breakout/)

## Technical Details

- 23mm x 17.6mm x 7.2mm / 0.9" x 0.7" x 0.28"
- Weight: 2.1g
- [Datasheet, schematic, EagleCAD PCB files, and Fritzing available in the product tutorial](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ds3231-precision-rtc-breakout/downloads)

 ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/rohs_icon_8216055e11.jpg)

## Guides for this product

- [Getting Hands-on with Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/guides/sensors/getting-hands-on-with-sensors/)

## Videos for this product

- [Getting Hands On With Some Popular Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/videos/getting-hands-on-with-some-popular-sensors)

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/3/0/3013-01.jpg)