1. What is RTC Battery Life?

RTC (Real-Time Clock) battery life refers to how long a backup battery can power the real-time clock circuit when main power is disconnected. This is crucial for maintaining accurate timekeeping in electronic devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple battery life equation:

Where:

• RTC Capacity — Battery capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh)
• RTC Current — Current consumption of RTC circuit in milliamps (mA)

Explanation: The equation divides the total available charge (capacity) by the rate of consumption (current) to determine how many hours the battery will last.

3. Importance of Battery Life Calculation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps in selecting appropriate backup batteries and designing systems that need to maintain timekeeping during power outages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the battery capacity in mAh (typically found in battery specifications) and the RTC current consumption in mA (from device datasheet). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical RTC battery life?
A: Depending on battery capacity and RTC current, typical RTC batteries last 3-10 years.

Q2: How can I extend RTC battery life?
A: Use batteries with higher capacity or select RTC chips with lower current consumption.

Q3: What affects RTC current consumption?
A: Temperature, supply voltage, and whether the RTC has additional features like alarms or calibration.

Q4: Are there any other factors that affect actual battery life?
A: Yes, battery self-discharge, temperature effects, and aging can reduce actual battery life.

Q5: What types of batteries are typically used for RTC?
A: Common choices include lithium coin cells (CR2032), small lithium batteries, or supercapacitors.