Abstract: This application note presents an overview of the operational characteristics of accurate I²C real-time clocks (RTCs),including the DS3231, DS3231M, and DS3232. It focuses on general application guidelines that facilitate use of device resources forpower management, I²C communication circuit configurations, and I²C characteristics relative to device power-up sequences andinitializations. Additional discussions on decoupling are provided to support developing strategies for mitigating power-supply pushingof device frequency.