DS3231 RTC Module with Battery Backup for Raspberry Pi

Keep your Raspberry Pi projects running on perfect time with the DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module with Battery Backup. Designed for makers, developers, and hobbyists alike, this compact and reliable RTC module ensures your single-board computer or microcontroller always knows the exact time — even when powered off or disconnected.

Built around the precision DS3231 temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), this module maintains exceptional timekeeping accuracy of ±5 ppm (±0.432 seconds/day) across a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The included coin-cell battery backup ensures continuous, uninterrupted timekeeping whenever your main power is removed.

Key Features

• High-Accuracy Timekeeping: DS3231 TCXO chip maintains ±5 ppm accuracy regardless of temperature fluctuations
• Battery Backup: Coin-cell battery keeps the clock running when main power is off, ensuring seamless continuity
• Wide Temperature Range: Operates reliably from -40°C to +85°C — suitable for indoor and outdoor electronics projects
• I²C Interface: Simple two-wire communication for easy integration with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, and other popular platforms
• Compact Design: Low-profile PCB form factor fits neatly into project enclosures or breadboard setups
• Durable Construction: Made from quality plastic and metal components for long-lasting reliability
• Available in 2 color options to suit your project aesthetic

Compatible Platforms

This RTC module is compatible with a wide range of popular development boards and microcontrollers, including:

• Raspberry Pi (all models)
• Arduino (Uno, Nano, Mega, etc.)
• ESP32 / ESP8266
• Other I²C-compatible microcontrollers

Ideal Applications

• Data logging projects requiring accurate timestamps
• Home automation systems
• Alarm clocks and scheduling applications
• IoT devices requiring offline time tracking
• Educational electronics and STEM projects

Specifications

• Chip: DS3231
• Interface: I²C
• Accuracy: ±5 ppm (±0.432 sec/day)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Materials: Plastic + Metal PCB construction
• Battery: CR2032 coin cell (backup power)

Whether you're a seasoned electronics engineer or a curious beginner, this DS3231 RTC module is the perfect addition to your maker toolkit. A great value gift for anyone passionate about DIY electronics and Raspberry Pi projects.

For more information on electronics safety and best practices for hobbyist projects, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a DS3231 RTC module and what does it do for Raspberry Pi?

A: The DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module is a small add-on board that provides accurate, battery-backed timekeeping to your Raspberry Pi or other microcontroller. Since the Raspberry Pi does not have a built-in hardware clock, it relies on internet time servers when connected. The DS3231 RTC module solves this by maintaining the correct date and time locally — even when the Pi is powered off — using its precision temperature-compensated oscillator and a coin-cell battery backup.

Q: How accurate is the DS3231 RTC module?

A: The DS3231 chip offers industry-leading timekeeping accuracy of ±5 ppm, which translates to approximately ±0.432 seconds per day. Its built-in temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) automatically adjusts for temperature changes within a -40°C to +85°C range, ensuring consistent accuracy across varying environments.

Q: How long does the battery backup last?

A: With a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery, the RTC module can maintain accurate timekeeping for several years when operating solely on battery power (i.e., when the main board is unpowered). During normal operation — when connected to your Raspberry Pi or other board — the module draws power from the host device, preserving battery life even further.

Q: Is this module compatible with Arduino and ESP32, or only Raspberry Pi?

A: This DS3231 RTC module is compatible with any microcontroller or single-board computer that supports the I²C communication protocol. This includes Raspberry Pi (all models), Arduino (Uno, Nano, Mega), ESP32, ESP8266, and many others. Libraries for integrating this module are freely available for all major platforms.