{"title":"Adafruit PiRTC - Precise DS3231 Real Time Clock for Raspberry Pi","handle":"adafruit-pirtc-precise-ds3231-real-time-clock-for-raspberry-pi","url":"/products/adafruit-pirtc-precise-ds3231-real-time-clock-for-raspberry-pi","description":"The Adafruit PiRTC Precise DS3231 is a high-accuracy, battery-backed real-time clock that plugs directly onto your Raspberry Pi's GPIO header. Built around a genuine Maxim DS3231 with an integrated temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), it delivers exceptional timekeeping accuracy — far superior to standard crystal-based RTCs that drift with temperature changes.\n\nThe DS3231 achieves its precision by housing the crystal inside the chip alongside a temperature sensor that continuously compensates for frequency drift. This board uses 100% genuine Maxim DS3231 ICs purchased directly from the manufacturer, unlike many cheaper alternatives that use non-calibrated clones. It comes fully assembled with native Linux kernel support — just plug it in and configure.\n\nKey Features\n\n\nGenuine Maxim DS3231 RTC – Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator for ±2 ppm accuracy (approximately ±1 minute per year)\n\nPlug-and-Play – Fully assembled; plugs directly onto the Pi GPIO header with no soldering\n\nI2C Interface – Native Raspberry Pi kernel driver support for easy setup\n\nBattery Backup – CR1220 coin cell slot keeps time through power loss for 5+ years\n\nBroad Compatibility – Works with any Raspberry Pi with a GPIO header (Pi 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Zero, A+, B+)\n\n\nAlso Consider\n\n\nPiRTC PCF8523 – A more affordable option if high precision isn't required (±1–2 seconds/day drift)\n\n\nIdeal For\n\nPrecision data logging with accurate timestamps\nNTP servers and time-critical applications\nOffline Raspberry Pi setups without network time access\nClock builds, alarms, and scheduled automation\n\n\nPackage Contents\n\n1× Adafruit PiRTC DS3231 (fully assembled)\n\n\n\nImportant: CR1220 coin cell battery is not included and must be purchased separately.\n\n\nResources\n\nAdding a Real Time Clock to Raspberry Pi – Setup Tutorial\n","vendor":"Adafruit","product_type":"physical","in_stock":true,"options":[],"variants":[{"id":5117,"title":"Default Title","sku":"AF-4282","price":29.17,"on_sale":false,"in_stock":true,"available_quantity":100,"option1":"Default Title"}]}